USS Idealia (SP-125)

USS "Idealia" (SP-125) was a motor yacht acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War I. She was used as an armed patrol craft and patrolled the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Cape May, New Jersey, on the Delaware Bay. She was eventually reconfigured to her civilian condition by the Navy and returned to her owner.

Built in New Jersey

"Idealia" (SP-125), a motor yacht built in 1911 by the Elco Company, Bayonne, New Jersey, was acquired by the Navy and simultaneously commissioned 25 May 1917, Ensign Charles Clegg, USNRF, in command.

World War I service

"Idealia" was assigned to the 4th Naval District, based at Cape May, New Jersey, and operated as a harbor entrance patrol craft on the Delaware River and at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in Delaware Bay.

Decommissioning

She was returned to her owner, Ira D. Bertolet, Jr., of Philadelphia, 22 November 1918.

See also

* U.S. Navy
* World War I

References

*
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-i/sp125.htm USS Idealia (SP-125), 1917-1918. Originally the civilian motor boat Idealia (1911)]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/170125.htm NavSource Online: Idealia (SP 125)]