The USS Key West (PF-17), a Tacoma-class frigate, was constructed by the American Ship Building Company in Lorain, Ohio, and launched on December 29, 1943. Originally classified as PG-125, the vessel was sponsored by Mrs. Vernon Lowe, in honor of Lieutenant Harold Felton, the first resident of Key West reported missing during World War II. The ship was commissioned in Houston, Texas, on November 7, 1944. Designed as a patrol frigate, the USS Key West measured approximately 306 feet in length with a beam of around 37 feet. It was equipped with a reciprocating engine system and initially fitted with an evaporator to produce steam and fresh water for its crew. Due to the insufficient capacity of the evaporator units, an additional evaporator was installed, enabling the ship to supply adequate fresh water and support extra loadings on destroyer escorts. During its service, the USS Key West operated primarily in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. After initial training and escort duties out of Bermuda, she departed for Norfolk in December 1944. In early 1945, she escorted a convoy to Oran, Algeria, returning to Boston in February. Over the following months, she completed two cruises from Casco Bay, Maine, and made approximately six transatlantic crossings, reflecting her role in convoy escort and patrol operations. In July 1945, the ship was converted into a weather ship, a mission she fulfilled by patrolling near Guam after arriving at Pearl Harbor in August 1945. Stationed at Apra Harbor, she reported meteorological data and provided aid to ships in distress until March 1946. She then served briefly on plane-guard station off Northern California before arriving at Seattle in May 1946. Decommissioned at Bremerton, Washington, on June 14, 1946, the USS Key West was sold for scrap in April 1947. Her service during World War II highlights her role in convoy escort, meteorological observation, and maritime patrol, contributing to Allied efforts in both Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

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