USS Barracuda (SP-845)

Summary

Note: This ship should not be confused with the motorboat Barracuda, considered for service as patrol boat USS Barracuda (SP-23) during the same era.

USS Barracuda (SP-845)
Barracuda flying signal flags and the National Ensign in New York Harbor on 11 November 1918 to celebrate that day's Armistice with Germany ending World War I
History
United States
NameUSS Barracuda
NamesakeThe barracuda, any of several large, voracious fishes of warm oceans related to the gray mullets (previous name retained)
BuilderJames E. Graves, Marblehead, Massachusetts
Completed1912
Acquired18 June 1917
Commissioned31 October 1917
Decommissioned13 February 1919
FateReturned to owner 1919
NotesOperated as private motorboat Barracuda 1912-1917 and from 1919
General characteristics
TypePatrol vessel
Tonnage30 tons
Length60 ft 0 in (18.29 m)
Beam11 ft 0 in (3.35 m)
Draft3 ft 6 in (1.07 m) mean
Speed15 knots
Complement8
Armament

USS Barracuda (SP-845) was an armed motorboat that served in the United States Navy as a patrol vessel from 1917 to 1919.

Barracuda was built in 1912 by James E. Graves at Marblehead, Massachusetts, as a private motorboat of the same name. The U.S. Navy acquired her from her owner, Mr. R. W. McEwan on a free lease on 18 June 1917 for World War I service. She was commissioned as USS Barracuda (SP-845) on 31 October 1917.

Assigned to the section patrol in the 3rd Naval District, Barracuda spent her entire naval career patrolling the waters in and around New York Harbor.

Decommissioned on 13 February 1919, Barracuda was returned to her owner.

References edit

  • This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.
  • Department of the Navy: Naval Historical Center: Online Library of Selected Images: Civilian Ships: USS Barracuda (SP-845), 1917–1919.
  • NavSource Online: Section Patrol Craft Photo Archive Barracuda (SP 845)