The USS Manitowoc (PF-61) was a Tacoma-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1944. Originally designated as PG-169, a patrol gunboat, she was reclassified as a patrol frigate (PF-61) in April 1943. Built by the Globe Shipbuilding Company in Superior, Wisconsin, she was laid down on August 26, 1943, launched on November 30, 1943, and delivered to the Maritime Commission on September 27, 1944. After her delivery, she was transported via the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and the Mississippi River to New Orleans for Navy acquisition. She was commissioned at Boston on October 24, 1944. Following her commissioning, Manitowoc underwent conversion at the Boston Navy Yard for service as a weather patrol ship. She was recommissioned on December 5, 1944, under the command of Lieutenant Commander J. A. Martin, USCG. Her shakedown cruise took place off Bermuda, after which she joined Escort Division 34 and began North Atlantic weather patrols. She operated out of Argentia, Newfoundland, starting in February 1945, relaying vital meteorological data to support Allied operations during the final stages of World War II in Europe. Her patrols extended eastward as far as Iceland, where she also contributed to anti-submarine efforts by patrolling sea lanes to deter remnants of the German Kriegsmarine. Throughout her service, Manitowoc also performed air-sea rescue missions, completing seven patrols between May 1945 and February 1946, including providing medical aid to merchant crews. She was decommissioned from the Navy in March 1946 and transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, serving briefly at Norfolk and New Orleans before her decommissioning in September 1946. In 1947, she was sold to France, where she was commissioned as Le Brix (F715). As a French weather ship, she operated until 1958, when she was scrapped. The USS Manitowoc’s service highlights her role in meteorological reconnaissance and convoy support during WWII, as well as her subsequent international maritime contributions.

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