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| USN (As Built) River gunboat (1942) Submarine Chaser 500 Tons 210' 9" x 31' x 6' (As Built) 2 x 3" guns 10 x .30 caliber MG  USN May 28, 1928 |
Ship History Built by the Jiangnan (Kiangnan) Dockyard and Engineering Works in Shanghai. Laid down November 20, 1926 as a river gunboat. Launched September 12, 1927 as USS Luzon (PG-47) named for Luzon sponsored by Miss Mary C. Carter, daughter of Commander Andrew F. Carter, USN. Afterwards, underwent trials in the Yangtze River off Woosung. Commissioned June 1, 1928 in the U.S. Navy (USN) under the command of LCDR George Johnston McMillin and became the flagship of the Yangtze River Patrol. On June 15, 1928 redesignated PR-7. Yangtze River Luzon was one of eight gunboats that operated on the Yangtze River in China based at Hankou (Hankow) and operated between Nanjing (Nanking), Chongqing (Chungking), and Shanghai. During 1929, ran aground in the Yangtze River until refloated with the aid of other vessels. In August 1937, after the Japanese attack on Shanghai, Luzon embarked the U.S. Embassy staff in Shanghai and evacuated to Chongqing. During December 1938 arrives Shanghai and relieves USS Augusta (CA-31) as station ship and made infrequent trips to other ports including Nanjing and Wuhu. During 1939 placed under the command of LCDR Wilfred E. Lankenau. During 1940 placed under the command of LCDR George Magruder Brooke. Wartime History On November 29, 1941 departs Shanghai bound for the Philippines. On November 30, 1941 Luzon and USS Oahu (PR-6) rendezvous with submarine rescue vessel USS Pigeon (ASR-6) and minesweeper Finch (AM-9) bound for Manila. On December 1, 1941 shadowed by Japanese floatplanes and warships. The vessels remain together until December 3, 1941. On December 30, 1941 arrives Manila and patrols Manila Bay and aids in the defense of the Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor. On February 6, 1942 while in South Harbor off Corregidor during the Japanese artillery bombardment from hit by a shell that damaged her vacant admiral's quarters without any casualties. On May 6, 1942 scuttled in Manila Bay to prevent capture. Officially struck from the Navy List on May 8, 1942. In late May 1942, salvaged by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and repaired at their 103rd Repair Facility at Cavite. Her forward 3" gun was replaced with a larger superstructure and on the and bow added an Imperial crest on each side. On August 1, 1942 commissioned as Karatsu (唐津) named for Karatsu and assigned to the Sasebo Naval District. Japanese as a river gunboat, repair work continued to convert her into a submarine chaser. Next, assigned to the Southwest Area Fleet's Third Southern Expeditionary Fleet and used in conjunction with the Japanese Army to conduct counter-guerrilla operations and perform escort and patrol missions in the Philippines. On September 28, 1943 assists in the sinking of USS Cisco (SS-290) west of Mindanao with the aid of two B5N Kates from 954 Kokutai (954 Air Group). On March 3, 1944 damaged by a torpedo fired by USS Narwhale (SS-167) and towed to Cebu with bow damage. The damage was too extensive and towed to Manila to the No. 103 Repair Facility at Cavite for repairs. On January 22, 1945 before repairs were completed ordered to depart as soon as possible but was unable to get underway. Fate On February 5, 1945 scuttled in Manila Bay as an obstacle to block a channel. On April 10, 1945 officially struck from the Navy list. References Navsource USS Luzon (PR 7/ PG 47) / Karatsu Contribute
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