USS De Grasse (ID-1217) was a wooden-hulled, steam turbine-powered private yacht constructed by George Lawley and Sons in Neponset, Massachusetts, in 1918. Originally built for J. L. Redmond of New York City, the vessel was under construction when the U.S. Navy ordered her acquisition on June 7, 1917, for potential service during World War I. Her design as a private yacht featured a sleek profile typical of early 20th-century luxury vessels, but specific dimensions and tonnage are not detailed in the available sources. Upon completion in 1918, the Navy took control of De Grasse on July 18, 1918, in anticipation of commissioning as a patrol vessel. She underwent inspection and sea trials at the Boston Navy Yard shortly thereafter. However, a report dated July 31, 1918, concluded that De Grasse was "unseaworthy" and "of no value for naval operations," which cast doubt on her suitability for active service. This assessment led to conflicting accounts regarding her service: some sources suggest she was briefly commissioned and operated along the U.S. East Coast in 1918, while others indicate she was never formally commissioned or saw any naval duty. By August 17, 1918, orders directed her return to her owner, J. L. Redmond, which was executed by November 7, 1918. Redmond received $500 for her restoration, indicating her continued private use. During World War II, in 1942, the vessel was reacquired by the Navy and served as YP-506, functioning as a district patrol craft. After her release from service in 1946, she was sold into civilian hands. Her official number was registered under the name Fleet in 1959, but her subsequent fate remains unknown. The vessel’s maritime significance lies in her potential role during WWI and her later service as a patrol craft, reflecting the common practice of repurposing private yachts for military use during wartime.

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