HMS Cayman (K506) was a Colony-class frigate of the United Kingdom that served during World War II. She originally was ordered by the United States Navy as the Tacoma-class patrol frigate USS Harland (PF-78) and was transferred to the Royal Navy prior to completion.

History
United States
NameUSS Harland (PG-186)
NamesakeBritish name assigned in anticipation of ship's transfer to United Kingdom
ReclassifiedPatrol frigate, PF-78, 15 April 1943
BuilderWalsh-Kaiser Company, Providence, Rhode Island
Laid down15 July 1943[1]
RenamedCayman, 1943
NamesakeThe Cayman Islands
Launched6 September 1943
Commissionednever
FateTransferred to United Kingdom, 20 January 1944
AcquiredReturned by United Kingdom 23 April 1946
FateSold for scrapping 1 July 1947
United Kingdom
NameHMS Cayman (K506)
NamesakeThe Cayman Islands
Acquired20 January 1944
Commissioned20 January 1944[1]
FateReturned to United States 23 April 1946
General characteristics
Class and typeColony-class frigate/Tacoma-class patrol frigate
Displacement1,264 long tons (1,284 t)
Length303 ft 11 in (92.63 m)
Beam37 ft 6 in (11.43 m)
Draft13 ft 8 in (4.17 m)
Propulsion
  • 3 × boilers
  • 2 × turbines, 5,500 shp (4,100 kW) each
  • 2 shafts
Speed20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement190
Armament

Construction and acquisition

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The ship, originally designated a "patrol gunboat," PG-186, was ordered by the United States Maritime Commission under a United States Navy contract as USS Harland. She was reclassified as a "patrol frigate," PF-78, on 15 April 1943 and laid down by the Walsh-Kaiser Company at Providence, Rhode Island, on 15 July 1943.[1] Intended for transfer to the United Kingdom, the ship was renamed Cayman by the British prior to launching and was launched on 6 September 1943.

Service history

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Transferred to the United Kingdom under Lend-Lease on 20 January 1944, the ship served in the Royal Navy as HMS Cayman (K506) on patrol and escort duty.

Disposal

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The United Kingdom returned Cayman to the U.S. Navy on 23 April 1946. She was sold to the United Dock Corporation of New York, New York, on 1 July 1947 for scrapping.

References

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Notes
Bibliography