Ship Commissionings of 1919
The year 1919 marked a significant period of naval activity, characterized by the formal commissioning of various vessels into active service. A commissioning is the formal act of placing a ship in active service, though in instances where no official ceremony occurred, the date the vessel entered service is typically recorded.
The majority of the naval activity during this year focused on the expansion of the United States Navy, particularly with the deployment of destroyers and specialized support vessels.
Key Facts
- The Wickes-class destroyer was the most frequently commissioned ship type in 1919.
- The United States Navy commissioned the USS Idaho, a New Mexico-class battleship, in March 1919.
- Specialized support ships, including Patoka-class oilers, were added to the fleet in late 1919.
- Non-naval agencies, such as the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey and the Bureau of Fisheries, also commissioned vessels during this period.
Naval Expansion and Vessel Types
The Wickes-Class Destroyers
A dominant feature of the 1919 commissioning list is the Wickes-class destroyer. These versatile warships were commissioned throughout the first half of the year, including the Harding, Ramsay, Hazelwood, McKean, Williams, Gridley, Crane, Aaron Ward, Ingraham, Hart, Tattnall, and Abbot.
Notable leadership was present during these entries; for example, the USS Aaron Ward was commissioned under the command of Commander Raymond A. Spruance, and the USS Abbot was led by Lieutenant Commander William N. Richardson Jr.
Battleships and Support Ships
Beyond destroyers, the fleet saw the addition of heavy firepower and logistical support. The USS Idaho, a New Mexico-class battleship, entered service on March 24. Later in the year, the Navy bolstered its refueling capabilities with the commissioning of two Patoka-class oilers: the Patoka in October and the Ramapo in November.
Civilian and Survey Vessels
Commissioning activity extended to government agencies outside the Navy. The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey commissioned the Audwin, a survey vessel that previously served as a section patrol vessel. Additionally, the United States Bureau of Fisheries commissioned the MV Eider (2), a cargo ship that had formerly functioned as a fishing vessel.
Summary of 1919 Commissionings
| Date | Operator | Ship | Class/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 January | US Navy | Harding | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 15 February | US Navy | Ramsay | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 20 February | US Navy | Hazelwood | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 25 February | US Navy | McKean | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 1 March | US Navy | Williams | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 8 March | US Navy | Gridley | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 24 March | US Navy | Idaho | New Mexico-class battleship |
| 18 April | US Navy | Crane | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 21 April | US Navy | Aaron Ward | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 15 May | US Navy | Ingraham | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 26 May | US Navy | Hart | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 26 June | US Navy | Tattnall | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 19 July | US Navy | Abbot | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 13 October | US Navy | Patoka | Patoka-class oiler |
| 15 November | US Navy | Ramapo | Patoka-class oiler |
| Unknown | US Coast and Geodetic Survey | Audwin | Survey vessel |
| Unknown | US Bureau of Fisheries | MV Eider (2) | Cargo ship |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ship commissioning?
A commissioning is the formal ceremony that places a ship into active service. If no ceremony is held, the date the ship officially enters service is used as the commissioning date.
Which class of ship was most common in 1919?
The Wickes-class destroyer was the most common, with twelve different vessels of this class commissioned throughout the year.
Which battleship was commissioned in 1919?
The USS Idaho, a New Mexico-class battleship, was commissioned on March 24, 1919.
Were any non-military ships commissioned in 1919?
Yes, the Audwin was commissioned for the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, and the MV Eider (2) was commissioned for the United States Bureau of Fisheries.
Who commanded the USS Aaron Ward upon its commissioning?
The USS Aaron Ward was under the command of Commander Raymond A. Spruance when it was commissioned on April 21, 1919.