INFORMATION ON WWII PGMs

PC's CONVERTED TO PGM

There was one major modification of the 173-foot PC with twenty-four ships being converted to Patrol Gunboat, Motor (PGM). The PGM was designed to operate with PT squadrons, supplying added fire power, during enemy "barge-busting" operations. But with their slower speed they were unable to keep up with the PTs. The PGM later proved more effective working with mine sweepers, blowing up mines cut loose by the sweepers.

Modifications included removal and replacement of the superstructure with a small, protected, pilot house abaft its previous location. The mast was shortened and fitted with SO-8 radar and TCS radio gear. All ASW gear, sonar, depth charges, K-guns and Mousetraps were removed.

Six 20mm guns and one twin, power-driven, 40mm were installed on deck in splinter shields. A twin .50 caliber machine gun and a 60mm mortar were also added.
PGM 9 (ex PC 1548) was the prototype and was converted while under construction She was unique in being the only ship of the 24 having a sextuple rocket launcher aft..

PGM 9 was completed in June, 1944. PGMs 10 - 32 were converted between October 1944 and March 1945.

PGMs - LOST OR DAMAGED

Patrol Craft Sailors are "Too Good to be Forgotten."
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The PCSA
Patrol Craft (PC)
Patrol Craft Escort (PCE)
Patrol Craft Sweeper (PCS)
Subchasers (SC)
Cyclone-Class Patrol Coastal