The USS Penguin (AM-33) was a Lapwing-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy, constructed by the New Jersey Dry Dock and Transportation Co. in Elizabethport, New Jersey. Laid down on 17 November 1917 and launched on 12 June 1918, she was commissioned on 21 November 1918, too late to see service during World War I. The vessel featured the typical design of the Lapwing class, which included a displacement of approximately 950 tons, a length of around 187 feet, and equipped with minesweeping gear suitable for clearing naval minefields. Initially operating in the New York City area, Penguin performed minesweeping and salvage duties until May 1919, when she departed for Europe. She reported to the North Sea Minesweeping Detachment and participated in post-war efforts to clear the North Sea Mine Barrage. During these operations, she sustained minor damage from a mine explosion on 9 July and more severe damage during a subsequent mine explosion in August while laying buoys. Despite these setbacks, she underwent temporary repairs and was eventually sent back to the United States in November 1919. Penguin was reassigned to the Pacific Fleet’s Mine Squadron 4, operating in the eastern Pacific until she was decommissioned at Pearl Harbor on 1 June 1922. She was later recommissioned on 13 October 1923 and converted for service as a gunboat, becoming part of the Asiatic Fleet. Based out of Shanghai, she served on the China station, performing patrol and rescue missions during the 1920s and 1930s, particularly as transpacific air routes developed. Her most notable service occurred during World War II, specifically during the Japanese attack on Guam on 8 December 1941. After returning to Guam’s Agana Harbor, Penguin engaged the attacking aircraft with anti-aircraft fire, shooting down one enemy plane, but was subsequently bombed and strafed. The attack caused extensive damage, and the ship was ultimately scuttled in 1,200 feet of water to prevent her capture. Her crew evacuated to shore, with some continuing to defend Guam in the face of invasion, marking her as a vessel of significant wartime sacrifice and maritime history.

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