USS Woodcock (AM-14) was an Lapwing-class minesweeper acquired by the United States Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing. Woodcock was named, by the U.S. Navy, for the woodcock, a game bird that frequents wooded areas. Woodcock (Minesweeper No. 14) was laid down on 19 October 1917 at Chester, Pennsylvania, by the Chester Shipbuilding Co.; launched on 12 May 1918; sponsored by Mrs. Lewis T. Kniskern; and commissioned at the Philadelphia Navy Yard on 19 February 1919, Lt. (jg-) W. J. Fanger in command.