The USS Coronado (PG-146/PF-38) was a Tacoma-class frigate constructed during World War II, representing a significant class of patrol vessels used by the United States Navy. Laid down by the Consolidated Steel Corporation of Wilmington, California, on 6 May 1943, she was launched on 17 June 1943 and commissioned later that year on 17 November. Originally classified as a patrol gunboat (PG-146), she was reclassified as a patrol frigate (PF-38) on 15 April 1943. Coronado's dimensions and armament details are not specified in the provided content; however, as a Tacoma-class frigate, she would typically feature a length of approximately 327 feet, a beam of around 37 feet, and a displacement of roughly 1,430 tons. She was equipped with armament suitable for convoy escort and patrol duties, including guns and anti-submarine weapons, and was powered by main engines and boilers undergoing overhaul in early 1945. During her wartime service, USS Coronado played a vital role in convoy escort and patrol operations across the Pacific theater. She departed San Diego in February 1944 to support operations in New Guinea, participating in landings at Biak, Cape Sansapor, and Morotai. She later joined the Leyte operation and served on escort and patrol duties between Leyte and New Guinea. Her service included participation in key campaigns supporting Allied efforts in the Pacific. In mid-1945, Coronado was involved in a secret transfer to the Soviet Navy under Project Hula, where she was renamed EK-8 and served as an escort vessel in the Soviet Far East. She was decommissioned from U.S. service in July 1945 and transferred to the Soviet Union, where she continued patrol duties. After negotiations, she was returned to the U.S. in 1949, placed in reserve, and later loaned to Japan in 1953 as Sugi (PF-5, later PF-285). Sugi served in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force until her decommissioning in 1969. She was eventually used as a target ship and sunk in 1971 south of Nojimazaki. USS Coronado earned four battle stars for her wartime service, reflecting her contribution to key Pacific campaigns. Her career highlights the versatility and international service of Tacoma-class frigates during and after 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.