USS Ionita (SP-388)

USS "Ionita" (SP-388) was a yacht acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War I. Ionita was outfitted by the Navy as a patrol craft and reported to the Commander, 9th Naval District, headquartered at Lake Bluff, Illinois. "Ionita" patrolled the Detroit River and was struck by the Navy at war’s end.

Built in Michigan

"Ionita" (SP-388), a 55-foot-long motor yacht, was built by Church Boat Works, Trenton, Michigan, in 1914 for use as a pleasure craft on the Great Lakes. She was acquired by the Navy from her owner, R. A. Newman of Detroit, Michigan, 16 August 1917; and commissioned as USS "Ionita" (SP-388) 23 September 1917, William W. Ford, USNRF, in command.

World War I service

"Ionita" was assigned to the 9th Naval District as a section patrol craft and spent the war on patrol in the Detroit River.

Post-war service

After the World War I Armistice, she was transferred to the Naval Training Camp, Detroit, Michigan.

Decommissioning

"Ionita" was later decommissioned by the Navy and was sold to William Thewes, Cleveland, Ohio, 20 November 1919.

See also

* U.S. Navy
* World War I

References

*
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-civil/civsh-i/ionita.htm Motor Boat Ionita (1914); Later USS Ionita (SP-388), 1917-1919]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/170388.htm NavSource Online: Ionita (SP 388)]