On 15 April, Bridgeport departed New York for the Azores in company with thirty 110 feet submarine chasers that formed the convoy; four U.S. Navy and two French tugs were included to provide towing assistance if needed, while USS Salem CL-3 2 and the armed yacht USS Wadena SP-158 2 provided an escort; Bridgeport and the replenishment oiler USS Arethusa AO-7 2 were included to provide support. "