USS Saratoga (1780)

The USS Saratoga was a 16-gun sloop-of-war in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. She was named in honor of the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777.

The vessel was authorized by the Continental Congress on November 10, 1779, and built at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by John Wharton. She was launched in March 1780 and placed under the command of Captain John Young.

Saratoga's initial cruises were successful, capturing several British merchant vessels. However, on October 9, 1780, while sailing in company with the armed brig Comet, Saratoga encountered the British ship-of-the-line HMS Intrepid (64 guns) off the coast of the Azores. After a brief but one-sided engagement, Captain Young was forced to strike his colors and surrender.

The captured Saratoga was taken into the Royal Navy as HMS Saratoga. Her subsequent service in the Royal Navy is poorly documented. It is believed she was eventually broken up or lost at sea.