A nocturnal bird of prey. (AM2: dp. 1,009 (f.); l. 18710; 1 b.
356; dr. 104; s. 14 k.; cpl. 78; a. 2 3; cl. Lapwing) The first
Owl (AM2) was laid down 25 October 1917 by the Todd Shipbuilding
Corp., Brooklyn, N.Y.; launched 4 March 1918; sponsored by Miss
Ruth R. Dodd; and commissioned 11 July 1918, Lt. (j.g.) Charles
B. Babson in command. Following a New York to Charleston towing
assignment, Owl reported to the 5th Naval District at Norfolk,
22 August 1918. Employed as a minesweeper for the remaining
months of World War I, she then served as a light ship in the
inner approach to Chesapeake Bay until 10 July 1919. From that
time until 1936, she was primarily engaged in providing towing
services along the eastern seaboard and in the Caribbean.
Between June 1936 and January 1941, she operated with units of
the Aircraft Division, Base Force, providing planeguard,
seaplane tender, and target and mooring buoy planting services
from New England to the Caribbean. Then, temporarily attached to
Train, Patrol Force at