The USS Zaca was originally a wooden-hulled schooner yacht built in 1930 for Templeton Crocker, a wealthy San Francisco socialite. During World War II, the vessel was acquired by the United States Navy and converted into a reconnaissance and patrol ship, designated as the USS Zaca (IX-73). It was armed with a 3-inch gun and depth charges and served in the Pacific Theater. After the war, the USS Zaca was returned to Crocker and later sold to actor Errol Flynn in 1946. Flynn used the ship for his adventures and travels, including a scientific expedition to the Galapagos Islands. The ship changed ownership several times before being abandoned in the 1980s. In 2008, the vessel was restored and is now used for charter cruises in the Mediterranean Sea. The USS Zaca has a storied history that reflects its transformation from a luxurious yacht to a military vessel and later to a symbol of adventure and exploration. It stands as a testament to the diverse roles that ships can play throughout their lifetimes, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of maritime vessels in the face of changing circumstances and owners.

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