USS Syren (1803)

The USS Syren was a brig in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1803. She was one of six vessels built by the U.S. government under the authorization of the Act of 1794, intended to combat Barbary pirates. Designed by Josiah Fox, Syren was slightly smaller and of a different design than her sister ships, making her particularly swift.

Initially deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, Syren participated in the First Barbary War. Her most notable service during this conflict included scouting, blockade duty, and support roles for larger warships. She played a crucial role in the capture of Derna in 1805, providing logistical support to William Eaton's expedition.

Following the conclusion of the First Barbary War, Syren continued to serve in the Mediterranean, patrolling against piracy and protecting American merchant shipping.

During the War of 1812, Syren served under the command of Lieutenant Commander Charles Gordon. On July 12, 1814, she was captured by the British frigate HMS Medway after a prolonged chase off the coast of Africa. Syren's speed, a quality highly valued earlier in her career, was insufficient to outrun the larger and more heavily armed British warship.

After her capture, Syren was taken into British service for a brief period. Her ultimate fate is not definitively recorded but she was likely broken up or otherwise disposed of by the British. Her relatively short but active career cemented her place in early U.S. Naval history.