Ship Commissionings of 1918: A Chronological Record
The year 1918 marked a pivotal moment in naval history, characterized by the rapid expansion of fleets to meet the demands of global conflict. A commissioning is the formal process of placing a ship into active service, though in instances where no official ceremony occurred, the date of service entry is typically recorded as the commissioning date.
The vast majority of vessels commissioned during this period belonged to the United States Navy, with a significant emphasis on the production of destroyers to secure maritime lanes. However, the records also include specialized vessels from the Imperial German Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- The Wickes-class destroyer was the most frequently commissioned ship type in 1918.
- The United States Navy commissioned a diverse range of vessels, including battleships, tugboats, and section patrol craft.
- The New Mexico (BB-40), a New Mexico-class battleship, entered service on May 20, 1918.
- The Imperial German Navy commissioned the Oswald, a converted merchant seaplane carrier, in July.
- The Royal Netherlands Navy added four M-class minesweepers to its fleet between October and December.
Detailed Chronology of Naval Entries
The commissioning process in 1918 began early in the year with auxiliary support. On March 25, the US Navy added the A. G. Prentiss, a civilian tugboat delivered under charter. This was followed by a surge in destroyer production, specifically the Wickes-class, which provided the speed and versatility required for escort duties.
Spring and Summer Commissions
From April to June, the US Navy rapidly integrated destroyers such as the Fairfax, Little, and Kimberly. This period also saw the introduction of section patrol craft—small vessels used for local defense and surveillance—including the Akela and Arroyo. A major milestone occurred in May with the commissioning of the battleship New Mexico.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบLate Summer and Autumn Expansion
The third quarter of the year continued the trend of destroyer additions, with ships like the Wickes, Mahan, and Stribling joining the fleet. In July, the Imperial German Navy commissioned the Oswald (FS III), a unique converted merchant type seaplane carrier. By October, the Royal Netherlands Navy began commissioning its M-class minesweepers, starting with M 3 and M 4.
Year-End Finalizations
The final months of 1918 saw the completion of several more Wickes-class destroyers, including the Champlin, Ringgold, and Ludlow. Additionally, the Royal Netherlands Navy completed its M-class series with the commissioning of M 1 in October and M 2 in December.
Summary of 1918 Ship Commissionings
| Date | Operator | Ship Name | Class/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20 | United States Navy | New Mexico | New Mexico-class battleship |
| July 17 | Imperial German Navy | Oswald | Converted merchant seaplane carrier |
| October 1 | Royal Netherlands Navy | M 3 & M 4 | M-class minesweeper |
| Various | United States Navy | Multiple (e.g., Wickes, Mahan) | Wickes-class destroyer |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most common type of ship commissioned in 1918?
The Wickes-class destroyer was the most common type of ship commissioned during this year, with dozens of units entering the United States Navy.
Which battleship was commissioned in 1918?
The New Mexico (BB-40), a New Mexico-class battleship, was commissioned by the United States Navy on May 20, 1918.
Did any non-US navies commission ships in 1918?
Yes, the Imperial German Navy commissioned the seaplane carrier Oswald, and the Royal Netherlands Navy commissioned four M-class minesweepers (M 1, M 2, M 3, and M 4).
What is a section patrol craft?
A section patrol craft is a small vessel used for coastal defense, surveillance, and patrolling specific naval sections, such as the Akela and Arabia commissioned by the US Navy.
What happened to the ship Ahdeek?
The Ahdeek, a section patrol craft of the United States Navy, was commissioned on an unknown date and was later loaned to the Culver Naval School in 1919.