The USS Pursuit was a screw steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. The ship was originally a commercial sidewheel steamer named the SS City of Norfolk before being purchased by the Union Navy in September 1861 and converted into a gunboat. The USS Pursuit was armed with heavy guns and played a role in blockading Confederate ports along the Atlantic coast, engaging in several skirmishes with Confederate forces during its service. The ship also participated in the capture of several blockade runners attempting to bypass the Union blockade. In addition to its military duties, the USS Pursuit was used for reconnaissance missions and transporting supplies and personnel. The ship's service came to an end in 1865 when it was decommissioned and sold. The USS Pursuit's contributions to the Union Navy during the Civil War highlight the importance of naval power in maintaining blockades and controlling maritime trade routes during the conflict.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.