(For other ships with the same name, see USS Crusader.) USS Crusader (1858) was a screw steamer of the United States Navy that served prior to, and during, the American Civil War. Crusader was heavily armed and was used in a "gunboat diplomacy" role when the United States needed to place political pressure on Paraguay. After completing that mission, she returned to the United States to participate as a gunboat in the blockade of the Confederate States of America.