USS Scourge was a steamer warship in service during the Mexican–American War (1846–1848). She was the third United States Navy ship of that name.

Acquisition

The ship was launched on 29 May 1845 by Betts, Harlan, and Hollingsworth of Wilmington, Delaware as merchant steamer Bangor. She was powered by twin screws and was the first iron-hulled, sea-going merchant vessel in the United States. She ran between Bangor and Boston in 1845 and 1846. On 1 September 1846 Bangor caught on fire and was run aground. She was rebuilt and continued the Bangor-Boston route and she was bought by the U.S. Government on 30 December 1846 for the Mexican War. Once equipped, she was renamed Scourge.

Service

USS Scourge joined the forces of Commodore Matthew C. Perry in the Gulf of Mexico on March 29, 1847. She was part of the "Mosquito Flotilla" and was immediately assigned to take part in a concerted sea-land attack upon the port of Alvarado. USS Scourge also participated in the captures of La Peña, Palma Sola, and Hospital Hill.

After the war

Scourge was sold in New Orleans, Louisiana to the Venezuelan revolutionaries on 7 October 1848. She was seized by State of Venezuela later that year.