Asheville-class gunboat (1917)

The Asheville-class gunboats were a class of two vessels built for the United States Navy between 1917 and 1920. The two ships were USS Asheville (PG-21) and USS Tulsa (PG-22). These gunboats were designed primarily for patrol duties in foreign waters, particularly in Central America and the Far East, areas where the US Navy maintained a presence to protect American interests.

The Asheville-class was designed to be relatively small and economical, allowing them to operate in shallow waters and remote locations. They were armed with a modest armament, typically including a few 5-inch guns and anti-aircraft weaponry. Their main function was to project American power and provide a visible deterrent to unrest or threats against American citizens and property.

The Asheville-class gunboats served extensively throughout the interwar period and during World War II. They performed a variety of tasks, including patrolling coastlines, supporting diplomatic missions, and providing fire support to ground troops. Both ships saw action during World War II and were eventually decommissioned after the war.