Sold to France in 1947, she commissioned into service in the French Navy as Le Brix (F715) in 1948 and operated as a weather ship until scrapped in 1958.

Originally designated as a patrol gunboat, PG-169, Manitowoc was reclassified as a patrol frigate, PF-61, on 15 April 1943, and laid down under a Maritime Commission contract by the Globe Shipbuilding Company in Superior, Wisconsin, on 26 August 1943; launched on 30 November 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Martin Georgenson; and delivered to the Maritime Commission on 27 September 1944.

Before the end of the war in Europe, the Manitowoc made two further weather patrols in the North Atlantic, carrying her from Newfoundland as far east as Iceland.

After the end of the war in Europe, Manitowoc continued to patrol the North Atlantic, serving primarily as an air-sea rescue ship.

Manitowoc was loaned to and immediately recommissioned by the United States Coast Guard on the day of her Navy decommissioning with Lieutenant Wesly L. Saunders, USCG, commanding.