USS Partridge (AM-16) was an Lapwing-class minesweeper acquired by the United States Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing. Partridge was named after the partridge, any of various gallinaceous birds, such as the ruffed grouse or bob-white quail, found in North America. Partridge was laid down on 14 May 1918 by the Chester Shipbuilding Co., Chester, Pennsylvania: launched on 15 October 1918; sponsored by Ms. C. H. McCay; and commissioned on 17 June 1919, Lieutenant, junior grade W. K. Bigger in command.