The USS Terrier (SP-960) was a United States Navy patrol vessel that served from 1917 to 1919. Originally built as a private motorboat in 1917 by the Great Lakes Boat Building Corporation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was designed specifically for naval patrol work. The vessel was constructed for Paul Armstrong of Chicago, Illinois, and was intended for use in connection with the Preparedness Movement, reflecting the period’s emphasis on strengthening naval defenses ahead of U.S. involvement in World War I. The vessel’s specifications are not detailed in the provided source, but her construction as a motorboat suggests a relatively small, agile craft suitable for patrol duties. She was commissioned into the Navy on June 1, 1917, as USS Terrier (SP-960), although her formal transfer from Armstrong to the Navy did not occur until July 19, 1917. Her hull number, SP-960, indicates her classification as a section patrol vessel. Assigned to the 9th Naval District, USS Terrier’s primary area of operation was Lake Michigan, where she conducted patrol duties for the duration of World War I. Her service likely involved monitoring for enemy activity, enforcing naval regulations, and ensuring the security of the Great Lakes region, which was strategically important for maritime transport and defense during the war. Following the end of hostilities, USS Terrier was stricken from the Navy List on March 10, 1919. She was returned to her original owner, Paul Armstrong, on the same day. Her service exemplifies the rapid mobilization and utilization of private vessels by the U.S. Navy during World War I, particularly for patrol and defense roles in inland waters. The vessel’s brief but significant contribution highlights the importance of small patrol craft in maintaining security during wartime.

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