USS Spitfire (1776)
| History | |
|---|---|
| United States | |
| Name | USS Spitfire |
| Owner | General Assembly of Rhode Island |
| Ordered | Late in 1775 |
| Laid down | unknown |
| Completed | 1776 |
| In service | Circa January 1776 in Narragansett Bay |
| Captured | 25 May 1778 (by British during Mount Hope Bay raids) |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Row galley |
| Propulsion | Oars |
| Complement | 60 crew |
| Armament | One 18-pounder gun |
USS Spitfire was a 1-gun row galley of the Rhode Island State Navy. Authorized and constructed by Rhode Island during the American Revolutionary War, she was placed in service in 1776 in the Rhode Island navy. During this age of sail, row galleys were highly maneuverable compared to sailing ships whose movements were dependent on the wind. Spitfire had a mixed career, helping to capture several British merchantmen and engaging in battle against the Royal Navy. She was captured by British forces during the 1778 Mount Hope Bay raids.