USS Felicia (SP-642)

USS "Felicia" (SP-642) was a yacht acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War I. She was outfitted and armed by the Navy as a patrol craft, and was assigned to patrol the New England waters. Her task of protecting ships from German submarines was interrupted by her collision with a submarine. Post-war she was reconfigured to her civilian condition, and was sold in 1919.

Built as a yacht in Brooklyn

The first ship to be so named by the Navy, "Felicia" (No. 642) was built in 1898 by J. N. Robins Company, Brooklyn, New York; purchased by the Navy 21 June 1917; and commissioned 29 June 1917, Lieutenant H. Langworthy, USNRF, in command.

World War I service

Based out of Newport, Rhode Island, "Felicia" patrolled the New England coast, on duty with the 2d Naval District, until 30 August 1918, when she collided with a submarine in heavy fog off Montauk Point.

Decommissioning and sale

She was in repair or laid up at various yards until decommissioned at Brooklyn, New York, 25 August 1919. "Felicia" was stricken from the list of Naval vessels in September 1919 and sold 25 March 1920.

See also

* U.S. Navy
* World War I

Reference

*

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-civil/civsh-f/felicia.htm Felicia (American Steam Yacht, 1898). Served as USS Felicia (SP-642) in 1917-1920]