From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Bittern is a bird of the heron family.

(MHC-43: dp. 358; l. 144'; b. 27'; dr. 6')

The second Bittern (MHC-43) was launched 4 March 1957 by Consolidated Shipbuilding Corp., City Island, N. Y.; sponsored by Mrs. Charles A. Curtze, wife of Captain Curtze; and commissioned 26 August 1957, Lieutenant (junior grade) G. C. Simpkins in command. [Transcriber's Note: Bittern was struck from the Navy list 1 February 1972 and joined the NISMF, Philadelphia, PA., awaiting disposal.]