By the end of World War II, the United States Navy had expanded significantly, operating a total of 6,768 warships. Among these were 28 aircraft carriers, 23 battleships, and a large number of smaller craft, including the famous PT boats or "mosquito fleet." These small, fast boats were armed with torpedoes and machine guns, designed to harass rather than slug it out with enemy ships. Post-war, they didn't have much use because of their wooden build, high maintenance, and costly fuel requirements, leading to most being scrapped.
The PT boats are also famously connected to John F. Kennedy, who commanded PT-109 during the Solomon Islands campaign. He displayed notable bravery when his boat was struck by a Japanese destroyer, leading his crew to safety. Despite the majority being destroyed post-war due to maintenance costs and their need for high octane fuel, a few PT boats have survived and been preserved in museums to honor their contributions to naval warfare.
For further reading, please visit the original article: PT Boats — The U.S. Navy Mosquito Fleet - The Armory Life.
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