The USS Utowana (SP-951), also known as USS Victorine at some point, was originally built in 1891 in Philadelphia by Neafle & Levy as a yacht for architect William West Durant. In 1917, it was reconstructed as a fishing trawler for the Commonwealth Fisheries Co. in Boston, Massachusetts. The vessel measured approximately 1891 specifications, though precise dimensions are not provided in the source. During World War I, the Navy acquired Utowana in the summer of 1917, commissioning her on October 30 of that year. Initially intended as a minesweeper for the 1st Naval District, she primarily served as an armed patrol craft, engaging in escort duties across the North Atlantic. Her service included operations from Bermuda, possibly Ponta Delgada in the Azores, and ultimately along the French coast. She was part of Division 13, Squadron 5, Patrol Force, which was responsible for patrol and escort missions in European waters, the Caribbean, and the Azores. Notable early wartime activity includes departing Newport, Rhode Island, in November 1917 with a convoy of other vessels, including submarine chasers and yachts, to Bermuda, where she likely conducted patrols or repairs. After arriving in France in February 1918, Utowana likely participated in escort and antisubmarine patrols along the French coast. Near the end of the war, she assisted in salvage and repair work, continuing these activities following the armistice. She returned to the United States in August 1919, was decommissioned on September 11, 1919, and sold the following year. Post-military service, Utowana was acquired by the Denton Shore Lumber Co. and later purchased in the mid-1920s by Allison V. Armour for scientific exploration. During this period, she was refitted for expeditions across the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Southeast Asia, and West Africa. Her voyages are documented in David Fairchild’s books, which include photographs and detailed descriptions of her explorations. According to Fairchild, the vessel "disappeared in the explosions of war," suggesting her loss or end of service occurred during or after wartime activities.

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