USS Spitfire (1803)

USS "Spitfire" (1803) was a bomb ketch converted from a sloop that served the U.S. Navy during the early years of the republic. She carried ammunition for the U.S. Navy warships in the Mediterranean in their battles with the Barbary pirates.

Built in Connecticut

The second ship to be so named by the Navy, "Spitfire" -- a merchant sloop built in Connecticut in 1803 -- was purchased by the Navy at Boston, Massachusetts, on 25 April 1805; was commissioned the same day; and converted to a bomb ketch by the Boston Navy Yard.

Barbary Wars support

Commanded by Midshipman Daniel McNeill, Jr., "Spitfire" sailed for the Mediterranean on 23 June 1805 and reached Gibraltar on 1 August. The bomb ketch operated in the Mediterranean supporting American operations against the Barbary powers until sailing for home on 3 June 1806.

She arrived at Charleston, South Carolina, on 19 July and was placed in ordinary at Norfolk, Virginia, on 3 August 1806.

Reactivation

The ship reactivated in July 1807 under command of Midshipman F. Cornelius de Kroff but remained at Norfolk until laid up again in December.

Post-service fate

"Spitfire" was broken up at the Norfolk Navy Yard in 1820.

See also

* U.S. Navy
* Barbary Wars

Reference

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