| History | |
|---|---|
 United States | |
| Name | USS Spitfire |
| Owner | General Assembly of Rhode Island |
| Ordered | Late in 1775 |
| Laid down | unknown |
| Completed | 1776 |
| In service | Circa January 1776 in Narragansett Bay |
| Captured | 25 May 1778 (by British during Mount Hope Bay raids) |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Row galley |
| Propulsion | Oars |
| Complement | 60 crew |
| Armament | One 18-pounder gun |
USS Spitfire was a row galley authorized and constructed by Rhode Island during the American Revolution, and was placed in service in 1776 in the Rhode Island Navy. During this age of sail, row galleys were highly maneuverable compared to sailing ships whose movements were dependent on the wind. Spitfire had a reportedly successful career, helping to capture British cargo ships and engaging in the fight against British warships.