USS Turaco (AMc-55), an Accentor class coastal minesweeper was named, by the U.S. Navy for the turaco, a large, brilliantly colored African bird having a long tail and prominent crest. Turaco was laid down on 17 January 1941 by the Snow Shipyards of Rockland, Maine; launched on 28 July 1941; sponsored by Mrs. F. C. Gatcombe; placed in service on 9 October 1941, Lt. (jg.) Allard B. Heyward, USNR, Officer in Charge.