USS Chimango (AMc-42)
USS Chimango was an acquired by the U.S. Navy for the task of removing naval mines laid in the water to prevent ships from passing. The vessel was named after the chimango, a medium-sized South American bird of prey.
The first ship to be named Chimango by the Navy, AMC-42 was launched 8 March 1941 by Gibbs Gas Engine Co., Jacksonville, Florida, and commissioned 3 June 1941.
World War II service
Chimango had training at Mine Warfare Base, Yorktown, Virginia, until 26 July 1941 when she rendezvoused with and to sail to Argentia, Newfoundland.From 2 August she operated off this new base laying buoys, taking part in minesweeping exercises, and recovering gear in Placentia Bay, until 5 October when she sailed for Casco Bay, Maine, and sweeping operations and patrols along the Maine coast. She also received aboard daily armed guard parties from merchant ships for instruction.