USS Harvard (SP-209)

USS "Harvard" (SP-209) was a yacht leased by the U.S. Navy during World War I. She was outfitted as a patrol craft and assigned to patrol duty in the North Atlantic Ocean, protecting civilian ships from German submarines and Q-ships. In addition, she saved the lives of a number of survivors from ships that had been torpedoed. Post-war she was decommissioned, and was returned to her owner in her original civilian shipboard configuration.

Constructed in Bath, Maine

The second ship to be named "Harvard" by the U.S. Navy, the vessel was a steel yacht, was built as "Elecmar" by Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, in 1904 and was leased as "Wacouta" by the Navy from G. F. Baker, New York, New York, 23 April 1917. "Waoouta" was renamed "Harvard" and commissioned 10 May 1917 at New York City, Lt. A. G. Sterling in command.

World War I service

Assigned to the dangerous North Atlantic

After being fitted out for overseas service, "Harvard" departed New York City 9 June 1917 with a convoy, and arrived at Brest, France, 4 July.

She then engaged in patrol duties out of Brest, and on 16 July picked up 59 survivors from the ill-fated British steamship "Trelissick". "Trelissiok" had been torpedoed and sunk 15 July, after having rescued some 30 men from another torpedoed British ship, "Exford", the day before. "Harvard" returned the survivors from both ships safely to Brest. Continuing her duties around Brest, "Harvard" performed as a harbor patrol and coastal convoy ship. She assisted the torpedoed merchantman "Texas" 29 November 1917 and searched for survivors of the sinking of "Hundaago", a Norwegian steamship, 4 August 1918.

Post-war return to owner

"Harvard" departed for England 21 November 1918 and remained there until June 1919, when she returned to New York City via Bermuda. The yacht was decommissioned and turned over to her owner 26 July 1919.

See also

* United States Navy
* World War I

Reference

*
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-h/sp209.htm USS Harvard (SP-209), 1917-1919]