The USS Redwing (AM-48) was an Lapwing-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy, primarily designed to clear mines from harbors during and after World War I. Laid down on 5 August 1918 by the Baltimore Drydock & Shipbuilding Co., she was launched on 7 June 1919 and commissioned later that year on 17 October. The vessel featured the typical characteristics of the Lapwing class, which included a displacement of approximately 950 tons, a length of around 187 feet, a beam of 35 feet, and a draft of approximately 10 feet. Her armament and propulsion details were suited for mine clearance, rescue, and salvage operations. Initially operating out of New York City, USS Redwing performed various training missions until her decommissioning on 14 April 1922. She was reactivated early in 1924 and transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard on 24 May, where she was commissioned as USCGC Redwing (a cruising cutter). During her Coast Guard service, she operated out of New York City, Boston, and later out of Astoria, Oregon, focusing on patrol assignments until 1941. In 1941, Redwing was returned to the U.S. Navy, redesignated ARS-4, and underwent conversion at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Recommissioned on 28 October, she was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet and took part in operations across Newfoundland, Iceland, and the North Atlantic during World War II, providing towing and salvage services. Her service took her to Casablanca and Bizerte, where she supported Allied naval operations. A notable and tragic event occurred on 29 June 1943, when Redwing was struck by an underwater explosion near Bizerte, tearing a large hole in her hull. The explosion resulted in casualties, with crew members blown overboard and the ship listing dangerously. Despite efforts to tow her, she capsized and sank in 160 feet of water near Bizerte. She was officially struck from the Navy list on 19 August 1943. The USS Redwing’s service history reflects her vital role in mine clearance, rescue, salvage, and naval support during her operational life.

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