The USS Cormorant (AM-40), later reclassified as AT-133 and ATO-133, was an Lapwing-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy, launched on 5 February 1919 by Todd Shipbuilding Corp. in New York City. She was commissioned on 15 May 1919, designed primarily for the hazardous task of mine clearance. The vessel’s specifications align with her class, though specific dimensions are not detailed in the provided source. Initially based near Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, Cormorant participated in the perilous task of clearing North Sea minefields from August to October 1919, an operation crucial for ensuring safe passage for Allied shipping post-World War I. Following this, she undertook towing duties and called at various ports including Devonport, Brest, Lisbon, Ponta del Gada, Azores, and Bermuda before returning to Staten Island for the Fleet Review. Throughout the early 1920s, Cormorant operated along the U.S. East Coast and Caribbean, performing maneuvers, target towing, acting as a tender, and delivering mail. She underwent repairs in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in late 1920, resuming full commission afterward. From 1921 onward, her role shifted primarily to experimental work under the Bureau of Ordnance, focusing on mine weapons and devices in the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River area, with occasional deployments to Newport, Rhode Island. During the 1930s and early 1940s, Cormorant continued her experimental and towing duties, including service in the Virgin Islands and Guantanamo Bay. From 1942, she was increasingly involved in World War II operations, including salvage and towing services in Iceland, England, and France. Notably, she supported the D-Day invasion by towing and salvage operations along the Normandy coast from June to July 1944. Post-invasion, she operated between England and continental Europe until January 1945, then returned to the U.S. and proceeded to the Pacific theater. In Guam, she served as a torpedo recovery ship until December 1945. Decommissioned on 29 March 1946 and sold in January 1947, USS Cormorant earned one battle star for her service in World War II, exemplifying her vital role in mine clearance, towing, salvage, and amphibious support operations.

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