subchasers

/ˈsʌbˌtʃeɪsərz/
noun
  1. Plural of subchaser; small, fast naval vessels designed to hunt and destroy submarines.
    • Subchasers were often built with wooden hulls to avoid magnetic mines.
    • A fleet of subchasers escorted the aircraft carrier through dangerous waters.
    • The navy deployed several subchasers to protect the convoy from submarine attacks.