Naval History and Heritage Command

One of the worst insect pests found in temperate and tropical regions, the mosquito was especially troublesome in the West Indies during the era of pirates and sailing ships.

I

(Slp: 4 guns)

The first Mosquito was a sloop purchased at Philadelphia late in 1775 for the new Continental Navy. She patrolled the Delaware River until destroyed during the British conquest of Philadelphia led by the Howe brothers in October 1777.