From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Any of several species of finches, having a thick, strong, conical bill.

(AMc-19: dp. 185; 1. 81'2"; dr. 9'8": s. 10 k.; cpl. 16)

Grosbeak, the former wooden purse seiner Del Rio was built by J. M. Martinac, Tacoma, Wash., in 1935; and commissioned 11 November 1940, Ens. T. F. Martin in command.

Following conversion to an auxiliary minesweeper at Alameda, Calif., Grosbeak joined Mine Division 1 at San Francisco Bay and nearby waters, but she was also used for training reserve and junior officers in small boat handling and minesweeping. Grosbeak decommissioned 12 September 1944. Her name was struck from the Navy List 14 October; and she was returned to her former owner at San Pedro, Calif., 2 April 1945.