SC-497-class submarine chaser

The SC-497 class submarine chasers were a class of 438 submarine chasers built primarily for the United States Navy from 1941-1944. The SC-497s were based on the experimental submarine chaser, USS SC-453. Production began in 1941 and continued until they were succeeded by the SC-1466 class submarine chaser in 1944. As part of the Lend-Lease program, 142 were transferred for use by allies of the United States. The SC-497s were off-shore patrol and anti-submarine warfare vessels. Ninety-six SC-497s were converted into other types of patrol vessels to meet demands in specific locations. Despite the large number of SC-497s, none are credited with destroying an enemy ship. USS SC-669 is incorrectly credited with sinking the Japanese submarine RO-107 on 29 May 1943. However, RO-107 was still active during the summer of 1943. Sixteen SC-497s were lost and another one was lost after her conversion into a PGM-1 class motor gunboat.

During World War II, 142 SC-497 class submarine chasers were lent to allies of the United States as part of the Lend-Lease program enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Seventy-eight were sent to the Soviet Union, 50 to France, 8 to Brazil, 3 to Norway, and 3 to Mexico.

Seventy of the SC-497s were converted into patrol control crafts (SCC), 18 were converted into coastal mine sweepers (AMC), and 8 were converted into patrol gunboats, motor (PGM).

Survivors
The HNoMS Hitra (ex USS SC-718) is preserved at the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum. Some remains of HNoMS Hessa (ex USS SC-683) and HNoMS Vigra (ex USS SC-1061) can be seen near the coast of Norway.