USS Druid (SP-321)

USS "Druid" (SP-321) was a yacht acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War I. She was converted by the Navy into an armed patrol craft and sent to the European coast and the Mediterranean to protect Allied shipping from German submarines and other dangers.

A yacht built in New York

"Druid" (No. 321), a 539 gross ton yacht, was built in 1902 by the Burlee Dry Dock Company of Staten Island, New York, as a civilian steam yacht. She was purchased by the Navy in Havana, Cuba, from her owner W.W. Dwyer of New York City on 2 June 1917.

World War I service

The Navy began outfitting her for World War I "distant service" and commissioned her on 17 September 1917, Lieutenant H. A. McClure in command.

She spent the rest of the war performing patrol, escort and towing duties in the western Mediterranean, the Straits of Gibraltar, and off the coast of Portugal. "Druid" returned to the U.S. following the November 1918 Armistice.

Post-war disposition

She was placed in reserve in New London, Connecticut, on 3 January 1919 and decommissioned on 28 May 1919 prior to being sold in September of that year.

See also

* U.S. Navy
* World War I

References

*
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-d/sp321.htm USS Druid (SP-321), 1917-1919. Previously the civilian yacht Druid (1902)]