USS Justin (1891)

USS Justin (1891) was a steamship acquired by the U.S. Navy for use as a collier. Her task was to carry coal and to provide it to ships and stations. Her task was one that was being phased out, as the navies of the world were shifting from coal to petroleum to drive their ships.

Acquired as a schooner

The first "Justin" to be named as such by the U.S. Navy, she was launched in 1891 by R. Dixon & Co., Middlesbrough, England; purchased from Bowring & Archibald; and commissioned 27 April 1898, Comdr. George E. Ide in command.

Spanish-American War service

"Justin" performed collier service in the Chesapeake Bay area until sailing for Guantánamo Bay 2 June for coaling duties during the Spanish-American War. Returning to Virginia, "Justin" operated along the U.S. East Coast and in New England, then departed Norfolk, Virginia, 11 October. After visiting Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Mexico, she arrived San Francisco, California, 3 February 1899 and decommissioned there 17 February.

Supporting the U.S. Asiatic Fleet

Recommissioned at Mare Island, California, 19 September 1900, "Justin" sailed 1 October for duty in the Far East. - For the next seven years she provided fuel and supplies to the Asiatic Fleet during a period of intense and growing American activity in the Orient.

She returned to San Francisco, California, 23 November 1907 via Guam and Honolulu. From 1907 to 1915 "Justin" carried coal to units of the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed at widely scattered points from the U.S. West Coast to South America.

Decommissioning

She decommissioned at Mare Island 20 December 1915.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Spanish-American War
* United States Asiatic Fleet

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/02/0292.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive – Justin]