The USS Seaward (IX-60) was a schooner constructed in 1920 by the Adams Company in East Boothbay, Maine. Originally built as a civilian vessel, she was acquired by the United States Navy on January 31, 1942, from Cecil B. DeMille Productions in Los Angeles, California. The ship was designated as an auxiliary schooner and placed into service shortly thereafter, on February 19, 1942. During her naval service in World War II, USS Seaward was assigned to the 11th Naval District with her homeport at San Pedro, California. Her role primarily involved auxiliary functions, supporting naval operations along the West Coast. In July 1942, she was reassigned to the Western Sea Frontier, a command responsible for naval defense and logistical support in the Pacific maritime region. Throughout her service, USS Seaward operated along the California coast, with her service period including a stint at Mare Island Navy Yard, a major naval shipyard and repair facility. Her operational life in the Navy was relatively brief; she was taken out of service on April 1, 1943. Subsequently, she was struck from the Navy List on July 18, 1944, marking the end of her official naval career. USS Seaward’s significance lies in her role as a civilian-built vessel repurposed for wartime auxiliary duties during a critical period of maritime defense in World War II. Her service exemplifies the Navy’s utilization of existing civilian vessels to bolster logistical and support operations along the U.S. West Coast during the war.

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