USS Omaha (1869)

The first USS "Omaha" was laid down in 1867 by the Philadelphia Navy Yard as "Astoria"; launched 10 June 1869; she was renamed "Omaha" on 10 August 1869; and commissioned 12 September 1872, Captain John C. Febiger in command.

"Omaha's" first assignment was with the South Atlantic Squadron, and she served alternately on South and North Atlantic Stations from 1873 to 1879. From 1880 to 1884, "Omaha" was laid up in ordinary at Philadelphia, for a complete refit. By 1885 she was en route to the Asiatic Station via Cape Horn.

"Omaha" served on the Asiatic Station from 1885 to 1891. In 1890, on the night of 8 February, she put ashore a detachment of officers and men to assist in fighting an extensive fire in the town of Hodogaya, Japan, on request of the United States Consul-General.

In 1891, "Omaha" returned to Mare Island Navy Yard, where she decommissioned and was placed in ordinary. She never recommissioned, but later was turned over to the Marine Hospital Service, (which later became the U.S.Public Health Service) and subsequently anchored at Angel Island, California for use as a quarantine barge. "Omaha" served in this capacity until 1914, after which she was scrapped.

See USS "Omaha" for other ships of this name.

References

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-o/omaha.htm US Naval History website]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/o2/omaha-i.htm Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships] online. This article includes text from the public domain.

External links

* [http://web4homes.com/rendezvous/omaha.htm Pictures & history of USS Omaha]