The USS Grebe (AM-43) was a Lapwing-class minesweeper constructed by the Staten Island Steam Boat Co., launched on December 17, 1918, and commissioned at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on May 1, 1919. Designed as a minesweeper, Grebe was built to clear naval mines and serve various auxiliary functions throughout its active service life. Initially, Grebe served in the North Sea from July 1919 to October 1919, participating in mine-clearing operations of Allied-laid mines following World War I. After returning to the United States, she underwent repairs and was assigned to duties along the U.S. East Coast, including calibrating radio compass stations, towing, rescue operations, and salvage work. Notably, on April 29, 1921, she rescued 139 passengers from the grounded Portuguese steamer SS Mormugao. In 1921-1922, Grebe undertook a voyage to the Caribbean and the Panama Canal Zone before decommissioning in May 1922. She was recommissioned in November 1922, serving as a station ship in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, until 1931. During this period, Grebe facilitated transportation of supplies and personnel, assisted grounded ships, and participated in search and rescue missions. In 1930, she notably responded to the devastation caused by Hurricane San Zenón in Santo Domingo, delivering medical personnel and supplies. From 1931 onwards, Grebe was involved in towing, harbor duties, and supporting the historic USS Constitution’s visits across major U.S. ports. She also conducted fleet exercises and participated in gunnery practices at Guantanamo Bay and San Pedro, California, up until 1940. During World War II, Grebe was stationed at Pearl Harbor, where she was credited with shooting down one enemy aircraft during the attack on December 7, 1941. She was later involved in operations across Pacific islands, including Johnston Island, Canton Island, and Pago Pago. On December 6, 1942, Grebe was grounded while attempting to assist the SS Thomas A. Edison in Fiji. The hurricane that followed destroyed both ships, leading to her being struck from the Navy List on July 28, 1943. Grebe earned one battle star for her service during World War II.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.