USS Remlick (SP-157)

USS "Remlick" (SP-157) was a yacht acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War I. She was converted into an armed patrol craft and assigned to protect ships from German submarines in the North Atlantic Ocean. Post-war she was decommissioned, stripped of naval ordnance and sold in Norfolk, Virginia.

Built in Hull, England

"Remlick" (SP-157), ex "Candace", was built by Cook, Walton, and Gimmell, Hull, England in 1903; purchased by the Navy from her owner, Willis S. Kilmer, Binghamton, New York, 1 June 1917; delivered 10 June 1917; converted for use as a patrol boat and commissioned 11 July 1917, Lt. Comdr. I. C. Johnson in command.

World War I service

Assigned to North Atlantic patrol duty

Following commissioning, the converted steam yacht got underway for France, where, in late summer, she assumed antisubmarine patrol and coastal escort duties in the Bay of Biscay. Originally with the 2d Patrol Division, and later with the 8th, "Remlick" was on patrol duty on the morning of 17 December when she found herself fighting a storm, stalking a submarine, and endangered by one of her own depth charges.

Danger on board

The submarine, sighted off the starboard beam, submerged before the gun crews could fire. The U-boat's periscope reappeared three times, but the extremely rough weather precluded the use of her torpedoes and she finally disappeared. "Remlick", although prohibited from using her depth charges by her speed - only 2 knots against the gale - remained in the area in hopes her quarry would reappear. Shortly thereafter, the depth charge box on "Remlick’s" taffrail aft was washed overboard. Its depth charge, however, fell inboard, lost its safety pin, and began rolling around on deck.

In the ensuing minutes, Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC) John MacKenzie, ran down the deck and, despite the rolling and pitching of the vessel, got a firm grip on the cylinder; put it on end; then, sat on it to hold it in place until others could lash it down. Mackenzie was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

"Remlick" continued her patrols and escorted ships along the French coast through the remainder of World War I.

Post-war decommissioning

After the end of hostilities, she returned to the United States for inactivation. She was decommissioned at Norfolk, Virginia, 7 November 1919 and was sold to J. S. Webster, Baltimore, Maryland, 7 June 1920.

See also

* U.S. Navy
* World War I

Reference

Reference

*
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-r/sp157.htm USS Remlik (SP-157), 1917-1920. Formerly the Steam Yacht Candace and Remlik]