Naval History and Heritage Command

A superintendent, supervisor.

Originally laid down on 7 September 1942, by General Engineering & Drydock Co., Alameda, Calif., as HMS Elfreda (BAM–16), she was renamed USS Overseer and reclassified AM–321 on 23 January 1943. Launched 25 January 1943, she reverted to the name and classification HMS Elfreda (BAM–16) on 19 June 1943. Completed 22 December 1943, she was transferred to England 22 December 1943 as HMS Elfreda (J–402). Returned to the U.S. Navy 30 June 1947, she was sold to the Turkish Navy 13 Nov. 1947 and commissioned as Cesme (M–505). She served as a Minesweeper until 1964, when she was rerated as a Headquarters Ship and reclassified A–595. She serves in this capacity into 1970.