USS Hippocampus (SP-654)

Hand written notes are on the original print, which is mounted on Hippocampus' "SP" data card, and reflect the compensation paid to the boat's owner for her use by the Navy during World War I.
History
United States
Name: USS Hippocampus
Namesake: name previously retained
Laid down: 1912
Launched: 1913 at New York City
Acquired: 21 June 1917
Commissioned: 25 June 1917
Decommissioned: November 1918
Struck: 1918
Homeport: Rockland, Maine
Identification: serial #31193
Fate: returned to her owner on 5 April 1919
General characteristics
Type: yacht
Displacement: 23 tons
Length: 56-foot
Beam: 11' 4"
Draft: 2' 6"
Propulsion: gasoline engine
Speed: 11 knots
Armament: one 11-pounder gun

USS Hippocampus (SP-654) was a yacht leased by the U.S. Navy during World War I. She was used as a patrol boat along the New England coast.

Built in New York

Hippocampus, a gasoline-powered yacht, was built by New York Yacht, Launch, & Engine Co. in 1912–1913 and was leased by the Navy from her owner, James F. Porter, of Chicago, Illinois, 21 June 1917. She was commissioned 25 June at Rockland, Maine, Chief Boatswain's Mate F. L. Greene in command.

World War I service

Assigned to the 1st Naval District, Hippocampus served as a harbor patrol craft at the harbor entrance, Rockland, Maine, and in Penobscot Bay during World War I.

Post-war disposal

Post-war Hippocampus was decommissioned 30 November 1918 and returned to her owner 5 April 1919, who was paid $1847.85 for the use of his vessel ($500 for loss of use by the owner, and $1,347.85 for refurbishment to return the craft to its pre-war condition).

See also

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here. The Hippocampus is currently owned by Capt. Ellic C. Mottram of Jonesport, ME. She is currently undergoing a full restoration to her original Yacht condition and is expected to be completed by 2016.

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