USS Nightingale (SP-523)

USS "Nightingale" (SP-523) was a "Nightingale"-class patrol boat acquired by the U.S. Navy for the task of patrolling coast and harbor waters of the United States.

"Nightingale", a motorboat built by C. W. Ferguson, Groton, Connecticut, was acquired by the Navy from J. L. Hubbard, Groton, 11 June 1917 and commissioned 29 June 1917 at Newport, Rhode Island, Ens. Franklin Farrel in command.

World War I service

Operating in the 2nd Naval District, and based at Newport, Rhode Island, during World War I, "Nightingale" patrolled the experimental submarine zone off New London, Connecticut, throughout the fall, inspecting commercial vessels for district licenses and alternating duties with USS|Magistrate|SP-143, patrolling the harbor entrance.

On special duty 18 September, she maneuvered with a Chilean submarine off Fishers Island. Continuing patrol duty, "Nightingale" directed all commercial traffic from the experimental zone 31 October, shifting station to Fishers Island Sound 11 November. Relieved by USS|Daraga|SP-43 the 13th, she thereafter alternated duties with "Daraga" off New London, Fishers Island, and Stonington, Connecticut, and later with "Magistrate" and USS|Kingfisher|SP-76. "Nightingale" continued on patrol until 8 September 1919 when she was placed out of service. She was sold to G. A. Ford Yachts Agency, New York City 15 December 1919.

References

See also

* World War I
* Patrol boat

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/170523.htm NavSource Online: Section Patrol Craft Photo Archive - Nightingale (SP 523)]