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UNITED STATES NAVY
TEMPORARY AUXILIARY SHIPS
WORLD WAR I

Photo # NH 1081: USS Chesapeake in port, 3 April 1919.

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- U.S. NAVY SHIPS --

USS Chesapeake (ID # 3395), 1919-1919.
Originally the Civilian Steamship Chesapeake (1900)

USS Chesapeake, a 2000-ton (displacement) salvage ship, was built at Wilmington, Delaware, in 1900 by Harlan & Hollingsworth as the 1101 gross ton civilian freighter Chesapeake. She was acquired by the Navy at the end of August 1918, converted at New York, and placed in commission in March 1919. In May Chesapeake crossed the Atlantic to France and spent the next few months performing salvage and other duties. Beginning in August she carried equipment to Scotland in support of the operation to sweep the North Sea mine barrage. Decommissioned at Brest, France, in late October 1919, Chesapeake was soon sold to a British salvage firm.

This page features all available views concerning USS Chesapeake (ID # 3395) and the civilian steamship Chesapeake of 1900.


Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

Photo #: NH 101393

S.S. Chesapeake (American Freighter, 1900)

In port, prior to her World War I era Naval service, possibly when inspected by the Third Naval District on 28 March 1917. Photographed by B.R. Roome, New York City.
This commercial steamship was acquired by the Navy on 31 August 1918 and fitted out as a salvage ship. Commissioned as USS Chesapeake (ID # 3395) on 22 March 1919, and subsequently employed during the clearance of the North Sea Mine Barrage, she was sold in England on 27 October 1919.

The original print is in National Archives' Record Group 19-LCM.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 58KB; 740 x 435 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 1081

USS Chesapeake (ID # 3395)

At the Morse Dry Dock and Repair Company (probably in the New York City area), 3 April 1919.
Also present are several tugs, among them the Dewitt C. Ivins (in the left center foreground) and the Solicitor (partially visible in the right foreground).
Note the heavy boom fitted to Chesapeake's foremast to support her intended employment as a salvage ship.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 120KB; 610 x 675 pixels

 


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Page made 17 March 2005