The USS Curb (ARS-21) was built by the Basalt Rock Company of Napa, California. Launched 24 April 1943 and commissioned 12 May 1944, the Curb was 213.5' long with a 39' beam. The Curb arrived at Norfolk 26 July 1944 for war duty in the Atlantic. On 26 August she sailed for Argentina, Newfoundland, arriving 25 August for towing and salvage duties until she returned to Boston 16 November. She had similar duty at Bermuda from 27 November 1944 to 12 January 1945, serving the great number of ships training or assembling for convoys there. After several other towing duty assignments, the Curb was decommissioned 20 December 1946 and loaned to a private salvage firm 10 May 1947.

The Curb began her new life after her sinking as an artificial reef off Key West on 23 November 1983. She now lies upright in 185' of water with sections rising to within 110' of the surface. Due to its location close to the shipping channel, visibility can vary greatly, though 100' visibility is not uncommon. Furthermore, the wreck's interior has an inordinate amount of fine silt throughout which is easily stirred up; the adjacent ship channel carries a large sediment load from Key West Harbor.

The wreck provides great penetration potential, with numerous hatches providing access to the interior. On the stern deck, a large opening allows divers to investigate below decks. The superstructure has numerous hatches and it appears line has been laid throughout her aft workshop and generator rooms. There are numerous wenches on the bow which reveal the wrecks former duty of a cable layer. Netting surrounds many of her vertical surfaces and monofilament line also can be a hazard. A diver can descend off the stern and observe the vessel's dual rudders and shafts; her screws were removed prior to her sinking. Marine life is abundant here with large snappers and hogfish, as well as jewfish, African pompano, numerous tropical species, and even a large tarpon on occasion.