SC-497-class submarine chaser
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USS SC-661
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| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Operators: | |
| Preceded by: | Protoytpe submarine chaser USS SC-453 |
| Succeeded by: | SC-1466 class submarine chaser |
| Built: | 1941-1944 |
| Planned: | 475 |
| Completed: | 438 |
| Cancelled: | 37 |
| Active: | 0 |
| Lost: | 17 |
| Preserved: | 1 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | Submarine chaser |
| Displacement: | 98 tons |
| Length: | 110 ft 10 in (34 m) |
| Beam: | 17 ft 11.5 in (5 m) |
| Draft: | 10 ft 10 in (3 m) |
| Propulsion: |
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| Speed: | 15.6 or 21 knots |
| Complement: | 3 Officers, 25 Enlisted |
| Armament: | Varies over time |
| Armor: | Wooden hull |
The SC-497 class submarine chasers were a class of 438 submarine chasers built primarily for the United States Navy from 1941-1944.[1] The SC-497s were based on the experimental submarine chaser, USS SC-453. Production began in 1941 and continued until they were succeeded by the SC-1466 class submarine chaser in 1944. As part of the Lend-Lease program, 142 were transferred for use by allies of the United States.[1] The SC-497s were off-shore patrol and anti-submarine warfare vessels. Ninety-six SC-497s were converted into other types of patrol vessels to meet demands in specific locations. Despite the large number of SC-497s, none are credited with destroying an enemy ship. USS SC-669 is incorrectly credited with sinking the Japanese submarine RO-107 on 29 May 1943.[2] However, RO-107 was still active during the summer of 1943.[3] Sixteen SC-497s were lost and another one was lost after her conversion into a PGM-1 class motor gunboat.[2][4]
During World War II, 142 SC-497 class submarine chasers were lent to allies of the United States as part of the Lend-Lease program enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Seventy-eight were sent to the Soviet Union, 50 to France, 8 to Brazil, 3 to Norway, and 3 to Mexico.[2]
Seventy of the SC-497s were converted into patrol control crafts (SCC), 18 were converted into coastal mine sweepers (AMC), and 8 were converted into patrol gunboats, motor (PGM).[2]
Survivors
The HNoMS Hitra (ex-USS SC-718) is preserved at the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum. Some remains of HNoMS Hessa (ex-USS SC-683) and HNoMS Vigra (ex-USS SC-1061) can be seen near the coast of Sweden.
