The USS Genesee (AT-55), originally built in 1905 by the Maryland Steel Company at Sparrow's Point, Maryland, was a fleet tug that served prominently in both World War I and World War II. The vessel, initially named Monocacy, was acquired by the U.S. Navy from the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company on July 27, 1917, and was placed into service at the Philadelphia Navy Yard on September 25, 1917. She was commissioned as USS Genesee (Fleet Tug No. 55) on November 10, 1917. Constructed as a steel-hulled tug, the USS Genesee was designed for towing, patrolling, and rescue operations. During World War I, she departed from Philadelphia on November 20, 1917, joining a convoy at New London before arriving in Queenstown, Ireland, on January 27, 1918. Her duties included patrolling, towing, and serving as a standby vessel for deep-sea rescue work around the Bremerhaven-Queenstown area. Notably, she towed USS Luella from Queenstown to Brest and later operated in Ponta Delgada, Portugal, until April 1919, when she resumed duties at Brest. She also conducted a seven-month tour off Spalato, Dalmatia, and in Castella Bay, ending her World War I service. In September 1920, she was designated AT-55 and was assigned to the Asiatic Station, based at Cavite, Luzon. Throughout the early 1920s, she operated as a tug, ferry, and target tow in the Philippines. On May 5, 1942, during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, the USS Genesee was scuttled at Corregidor to prevent her capture. However, the Japanese raised her, redesignating her as Patrol Boat No. 107. She remained in service until she was sunk by American F6F Hellcat fighters from Task Group 38.3 off Lubang Island on November 5, 1944. Throughout her service, USS Genesee was recognized for her contributions, earning one battle star for her World War II service. Her history reflects her versatility and resilience, serving as a vital support vessel in both world conflicts and enduring a notable wartime fate.

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