AVG-15 was assigned the name Hamlin, for a sound on the coast of North Carolina, northeast of Charleston (NS0301510, map courtesy of Google Maps).

Transferred to the United Kingdom, 21 December 1942, she was renamed HMS Stalker. A "Stalker" is someone who pursues quarry or prey stealthily, making a silent approach. The ship's badge, as with other ships in the Attacker class, has the figure of a Native American warrior, renowned for possessing skills that reflect the ship's name. (Image courtesy of Tommy Trampp.)

"U.S.M.C. Hull No. 174 C-3 Cargo Vessel Geared Turbine - Bow View - Oct. 31, 1941. Western Pipe & Steel Co. Hull No. 65"

"U.S.M.C. Hull No. 174 C-3 Cargo Vessel Geared Turbine - Stern View - Oct. 31, 1941. Western Pipe & Steel Co. Hull No. 65"

"U.S.M.C. Hull No. 174 C-3 Cargo Vessel Geared Turbine - Stern View - Dec. 1, 1941. Western Pipe & Steel Co. Hull No. 65"

"U.S.M.C. Hull No. 174 C-3 Cargo Vessel Geared Turbine - Bow View - Dec. 1, 1941. Western Pipe & Steel Co. Hull No. 65"

"U.S.M.C. Hull No. 174 C-3 Cargo Vessel Geared Turbine - Bow View - Dec. 31, 1941. Western Pipe & Steel Co. Hull No. 65"

"U.S.M.C. Hull No. 174 C-3 Cargo Vessel Geared Turbine - Stern View - Dec. 31, 1941. Western Pipe & Steel Co. Hull No. 65"

Hamlin was built by Western Pipe & Steel Co., San Francisco, launched (as AVG-15) on 5 March 1942 and sponsored by Mrs. William H. Shea.

"U.S.M.C. Hull No. 174 A.V.G. 15 / U.S.S. Hamlin - Launched March 5, 1942 / Western Pipe & Steel Co. Hull No. 65"

HMS Stalker (D91) at anchor at Greenock, Scotland. Photo taken by Lt S. J. Beadell, Royal Navy official photographer. Photo # A 17688, Imperial War Museum.

HMS Stalker underway off San Francisco, 15 January 1943.

Source: Imperial War Museums American Ministry of Defense Foxhill Collection of Ships Photographs, Photo No. © IWM(FL 19295).

HMS Stalker, ex-Hamlin (ACV-15), seen 135° off centerline off San Francisco, Calif., January 15, 1943.

Mare Island Naval Ship Yard Ship Files, U.S. National Archives, San Francisco (MINY photo #525-43).

HMS Stalker, ex-Hamlin (ACV-15), seen 45° off centerline off San Francisco, Calif., 15 January 1943.

Mare Island Navy Yard photo (#527-43).

HMS Stalker (D91), ex-Hamlin (ACV-15), at anchor, 19 January 1943, probably off San Francisco, Calif. Division of Naval Intelligence, Identification and Characteristics Section, June 1943.

HMS Stalker, apparently taken on the same occasion as the photo above.

HMS Stalker (D91) raises steam while at anchor, March 1943. Ministry of Defence (Navy) photo, courtesy of Ray Burt.

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers of the World, 1914 to the Present: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, by Roger Chesneau.

Brit jeep carrier HMS Stalker is arriving at port piers in Casablanca, 18 March 1943. After building on the US West Coast, this was her first convoy East and was employed as an aircraft ferry. This view is as seen by J.R. Eyerman, LIFE magazine, who was aboard both USS Jeffers (DD-621) and USS Chemung (AO-30). Used for educational and non-commercial purpose.

As seen from USS Jeffers (DD-621), an expanded view of HMS Stalker (D91) entering Casablanca Harbor in March 1943. As part of convoy UGF6, along with HMS Hunter (D80), the ships were ferrying aircraft from the United States. LIFE magazine Archives, J.R. Eyerman Photographer. Used for educational and non-commercial purpose.

Close up view of HMS Stalker (D91) entering Casablanca Harbor in March 1943. LIFE magazine Archives, J.R. Eyerman Photographer. Used for educational and non-commercial purpose.

"Two off-loading British jeep carriers are seen from USS Nicholson (DD-442) as she gets underway in the Casablanca harbor channel. HMS Hunter (D80) and HMS Stalker (D91) in convoy UGF6 had only arrived hours before on 18 March 1943. The jeeps headed out to Gibraltar the next morning, and Nicholson with photographer Kessel drew screening duty with the approaching convoy UGS6. Photo by Dmitri Kessel, LIFE magazine. Used for educational and non-commercial purpose."

HMS Stalker (D91), ex-Hamlin (CVE-15), passes through the Suez Canal[, early 1945,] to join the British Pacific Fleet (BPF) with the Seafire F.Mk.IIIs of No.809 Squadron on deck. Note [that] what appears to be a North American Harvard can also be seen. In the background another escort carrier can be seen. Photo BBA Collection.

Photo and text from Supermarine Seafire by Kev Darling.

The escort aircraft carrier HMS Hunter (D80, ex-USS Block Island, CVE-8), foreground prepares to anchor off Singapore[, September 1945]. The leading aircraft Seafire F.Mk.III (NN300), D-5O, is that of Lt. Cdr. Baldwin. Its camouflage paint has been removed and the aircraft now has silver finish with black SEAC [South East Asia Command] recognition bands and anti-dazzle panel. HMS Stalker (D91, ex-USS Hamlin, CVE-15) can be seen in the background. Photo FAAM Yeovilton.

Photo and text from Supermarine Seafire by Kev Darling.

Postcard. Merchantman Riouw, ex-HMS Stalker (D91), ex-U.S. Hamlin (CVE-15), steaming at full speed. Date and location unknown.

The Dutch-flagged Riouw, ex-HMS Stalker, ex-Hamlin (CVE-15), circa the mid-1950s.

As Riouw, Vancouver, 1 February 1956.

The Dutch-flagged Riouw, ex-HMS Stalker, in the Weser River, leaving Bremen, Germany, October 1965.

The Dutch-flagged Riouw, ex-HMS Stalker, coming up the Nieuwe Waterweg en route to Rotterdam, date unknown (thanks to Gerhard Mueller-Debus for the information.)

Lobito (ex-Riouw, ex-HMS Stalker, ex-US Hamlin) shortly before being sent to the breakers.