The USS Sanderling (AMc-11) was a coastal minesweeper of the United States Navy, originally constructed as a wooden fishing vessel. Built in 1937 by Harbor Boat Works in Terminal Island, California, she was initially named New Conti di Savoia and served as a purse seiner for the New Conti di Savoia Fishing Corporation in San Pedro, Los Angeles. The ship’s design as a wooden vessel made her suitable for conversion to a minesweeper, a process undertaken by Al Larson Boat Building in San Pedro. Purchased by the U.S. Navy on 28 October 1940, she was converted into a coastal minesweeper and was officially placed in service as USS Sanderling on 18 April 1941. During her naval service, she was based in San Diego and operated within the 11th Naval District, performing local minesweeping and patrol duties essential for maintaining safe passage for Allied shipping along the California coast during World War II. Her activities contributed to the broader maritime defense efforts, ensuring that coastal waters remained clear of mines that could threaten naval and civilian vessels. USS Sanderling’s service was relatively brief; she was placed out of service on 18 September 1944, as the U.S. war effort progressed and newer minesweeping assets became available. She was struck from the Navy List on 14 October 1944, signaling her decommissioning. Subsequently, she was sold back to her original owners in February 1945, and by May of that year, she was delivered back to the New Conti di Savoia Fishing Corporation, returning to her civilian maritime role. The vessel’s significance lies in her contribution to coastal defense during a critical period of global conflict, exemplifying the adaptable use of fishing craft for military purposes during World War II. Her history reflects the wartime necessity of repurposing existing maritime assets to support national security objectives.

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