USS Defense (AM-317) was an Auk-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.

Defense was launched on 18 February 1943 at General Engineering and Dry Dock Company in Alameda, California, sponsored by Mrs. A. Duncanfield, and commissioned on 10 January 1944.

From August through December 1944, Defense provided a variety of services for ships in shakedown off San Diego, California, and joined in exercises in the Hawaiian Islands.

Despite her own damage, she went to the aid of two other stricken ships, rescuing 60 men from the destroyer Newcomb (DD-586) and towing crippled Leutze (DD-481) to Kerama Retto.

Along with another tour of duty in the Far East from 6 October 1953 to 2 June 1954, Defense operated along the coast of Southern California until again placed out of commission in reserve on 16 April 1956.