USS Niagara (SP-263)

Summary

USS Niagara (SP-263) was a vessel of the United States Navy during World War I.

USS Niagara (SP-263)
History
United States
NameUSS Niagara
BuilderE. A. Fonda, Miami, Florida
Launched1915
Acquired5 July 1917
FateTransferred to the United States Lighthouse Service, 29 May 1919
United States Lighthouse ServiceUnited States
NameUSLHT Poinsettia
Acquired29 May 1919
Decommissioned21 April 1922
Fate
  • Sold, 1922
  • Caught fire and sank, 27 December 1928
General characteristics
TypePatrol boat / Lighthouse tender
Displacement33 long tons (34 t)
Length50 ft (15 m)
Beam16 ft (4.9 m)
Draft2 ft 9 in (0.84 m)
Propulsion50 hp (37 kW) gasoline engine, one shaft
Speed10.4 knots (19.3 km/h; 12.0 mph)
Complement5
Armament

Niagara, a yacht built in 1915 by E. A. Fonda of Miami, Florida, was purchased by the United States Navy on 5 July 1917 from General H. M. Creel, of Miami, and was designated USS Niagara (SP-263). The navy redesignated the boat as SP-263 on 11 April 1918, dropping the name Niagara.

After the war, on 29 May 1919, she was transferred to the United States Lighthouse Service, converted into a lighthouse tender and rechristened USLHT Poinsettia. She was assigned to the 7th Lighthouse District in Key West, Florida.

Poinsettia was decommissioned on 21 April 1922 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and was sold. She caught fire and sank on 27 December 1928.

References edit

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.

External links edit

  • Photo gallery of USS Niagara at NavSource Naval History