USS Sultana (SP-134)

USS "Sultana" (SP-134) was a yacht acquired under a free lease by the U.S. Navy during World War I. She was outfitted as a patrol craft and was assigned to escort duty in the North Atlantic Ocean. She served honorably -- rescuing survivors adrift in the water and protecting cargo ships from submarine attack – and was returned to her owner at the close of the war.

Built in Erie Basin, New York

"Sultana" (SP-134) was built in 1889 by Henderson and Robbins at Erie Basin, New York. On 4 May 1917, Mrs. E. H. Harriman of New York City loaned the steam yacht to the United States Navy under a free lease; and she was commissioned on 27 May 1917, Lt. E. G. Allen in command.

World War I service

Assigned to the North Atlantic Ocean

"Sultana" was fitted out at the New York Navy Yard, and she joined a special patrol force at Tompkinsville, New York, on 6 June. The force sailed for France on 9 June. On 4 July, she rescued 45 survivors of the American merchantman, "Orleans", which has been torpedoed the day before; and she landed them at Brest, France, that evening.

From 4 July 1917 to 5 December 1918, "Sultana" was attached to the United States Patrol Squadron based at Brest. During that period, the ship performed escort and patrol duty. After the fighting ended, she headed for home on 5 December; proceeded via the Azores and Bermuda; and arrived at New York City on 28 December 1918.

Post-war decommissioning and disposal

"Sultana" was stripped of her military hardware, decommissioned, and returned to Mrs. Harriman on 17 February 1919 and struck from the Navy list.

See also

* USS Vedette (SP-163)
* U.S. Navy
* World War I

Reference

*
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-s/sp134.htm USS Sultana (SP-134), 1917-1919. Previously the Civilian yacht Sultana]