USS Amethyst (PYc-3) was the yacht Samona II taken into service in the United States Navy serving as a patrol boat during World War II. After military service the vessel was returned to civilian status in 1946 and again became the yacht Samona II until sale and subsequent names of Pudlo and Explorer.

Yacht Samona II

Samona II was designed by Leslie Edward (Ted) Geary and built by Craig Shipbuilding Company, Long Beach, California for Willitts J. Hole, a prominent financier of Los Angeles, California as hull number 154 with keel laid 15 March 1931, launch on 25 June and maiden voyage on 31 July 1931.

The yacht was in length, beam with a draft of ( Navy) powered by two Winton diesel engines driving two screws. On 9 November 1931 the yacht was on the way via the Panama Canal to the east coast of South America where, after a time exploring the Amazon and Rio Negro rivers, a course was followed through the Strait of Magellan and up the west coast of South America to Los Angeles. The Rindges continued the yacht's collecting tradition after Hole's death into 1939.

World War II service

Samona II was purchased by the Navy on 4 November 1940, from Samuel K. Rindge of Los Angeles. The yacht was converted for naval service by Craig Shipbuilding; and commissioned on 27 February 1941.

References

Further reading

  • 6,000 Carefree Miles
  • World War II U.S. Navy Vessels in Private Hands
  • Haiti Sun Sunday 17 February 1952
  • Craig Shipbuilding, Long Beach, CA