USS Emeline

USS Emeline (SP-175)
History
United States
NameUSS Emeline
NamesakeA name retained
OwnerRobert Graves of New York City
Port of registryNew York
BuilderAilsa Shipbuilding Co, Troon
Yard number78
Launched28 December 1898
Christenedas Katoomba
Acquired10 June 1917
Commissioned14 July 1917
Decommissioned19 May 1919
Renamed1902: Rivera, 1910: Emeline, 1920: Katharine R., 1927: Camina
Strickencirca 1920
Homeport
FateSold on 9 October 1920 to a San Diego, California, buyer
General characteristics
Typesteam yacht
Tonnage408 GRT, 174 NRT
Length
  • 196 ft (60 m) overall
  • 175.3 ft (53.4 m) registered
Beam24.15 ft (7.36 m)
Draft12 ft 6 in (3.81 m)
Depth13.75 ft (4.19 m)
Installed power105 NHP
Propulsion
Sail planschooner
Speed10 kn (19 km/h)
Complement72
Armament2 × 3-inch (76 mm) guns

USS Emeline (SP-175) was a steam yacht acquired by the United States Navy in World War I. She was outfitted with military equipment, including 3-inch guns, and was commissioned as a patrol craft, assigned to protect shipping in the North Atlantic Ocean. She saved the lives of survivors of shipwrecks, and provided escort protection from German submarines for commercial ships. Post-war she was sold to the highest bidder, who had the yacht sail to San Diego, California, for delivery.

Built in Scotland

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Emeline (No. 175), a yacht, was built as Katoomba in 1898 by Ailsa Shipbuilding Company, Troon, Scotland; purchased by the US Navy 10 June 1917; and commissioned 14 July 1917.

World War I service

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Assigned to the North Atlantic Ocean

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Emeline arrived at Brest, France, 30 August 1917, for patrol off Ushant and to escort convoys between English and French ports. She gave invaluable aid to ships in distress, rescuing survivors of:

  • SS Spero, sunk on 2 November 1916 by U-69;
  • SS Saracen, wrecked on the rocks off Les Platresses on 26 December;
  • and survivors of the torpedoed SS John G. McCullough on 17 May 1918.

Post-war decommissioning and sale

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She returned to New London, Connecticut, after the war, was decommissioned at New York City 19 May 1919, and sold 9 October 1920 to her new owner, R.J. Robinson of San Diego, California.

References

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