An armed yacht was a yacht that was armed with weapons and was typically in the service of

a navy. Their speed and maneuverability made them useful as patrol vessels. In the United States
Navy armed yachts were typically private yachts expropriated for government use in times of war.
Armed yachts served as patrol vessels during the SpanishAmerican War and the World Wars. In
the latter conflicts, armed yachts were used as patrol vessels, convoy escorts, and in anti-submarine
duties. In the United States, yachts were purchased from their owners with the owners given an
option to repurchase their yacht at the close of hostilities.