USS Cyrene (AGP-13)
USS Cyrene was a motor torpedo boat tender for the United States Navy. She was laid down as Cape Farewell, a Maritime Commission type hull under a Maritime Commission contract, at Pusey and Jones Corp., Wilmington, Delaware. Cyrene was launched 8 February 1944 as Cape Farewell, sponsored by Mrs. G. L. Coppage. She was acquired by the Navy on 28 April 1944, and was commissioned 27 September 1944 with Commander F. A. Munroe, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, in command.Service history
Departing Norfolk, Virginia 10 November 1944, Cyrene arrived at Manus on 13 December to escort two squadrons of motor torpedo boats to Hollandia, New Guinea. She then sailed on convoy duty to Leyte, arriving 1 January 1945.
Cyrene then served as tender for motor torpedo boats, and on 17 January 1945 became flagship for Commander, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons, 7th Fleet. After the war ended, she sailed from Samar on 21 December 1945 and arrived at San Francisco on 7 January 1946, reporting to the 12th Naval District for repair work in decommissioning small craft. Cyrene was decommissioned 2 July 1946 and delivered to the War Shipping Administration for disposal the same day.
Don Rickles, actor and comedian, served as a Seaman First Class aboard Cyrene.
One of her lifeboats is now in use at Rochester, England, where it has been converted into a live-aboard vessel.
