Ship Decommissionings of 1918
As the First World War drew to a close in 1918, the United States Navy began the process of downsizing its fleet. This period saw the decommissioning of various vessels, particularly Section patrol craft—small boats used for local defense and coastal surveillance—and auxiliary support ships that had been pressed into service for the war effort.
Decommissioning is the formal process of removing a ship from active naval service. In many instances during 1918, this meant returning privately owned vessels to their original civilian owners or selling them to new operators.
Key Facts
- The majority of vessels decommissioned in this list were Section patrol craft.
- Many ships were returned to their pre-World War I civilian owners.
- The US Navy utilized a system of Pennant numbers (such as SP for Section Patrol) to identify these vessels.
- The decommissioning process occurred primarily in the final quarter of 1918.
Analysis of Decommissioned Vessels
The transition from wartime to peacetime operations was reflected in the fate of these ships. While some vessels, like the Arroyo, experienced temporary decommissioning before being recommissioned, most were permanently removed from the naval register.
Section Patrol Craft and Tugs
The Section patrol craft served as the eyes and ears of the coast, ensuring security in harbors and littoral zones. Alongside these were specialized vessels like the A. G. Prentiss, a tugboat used for logistical support and maneuvering larger ships.
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Chronology of Service Termination
The decommissioning timeline shows a significant spike in activity during November and December 1918, coinciding with the end of hostilities. For ships that did not have a formal commissioning ceremony, the date they entered service was often used as the official reference point.
Summary of 1918 Decommissionings
| Date | Ship Name | Pennant | Type | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2 | Arroyo | SP-197 | Section patrol craft | Recommissioned 18 April 1918 |
| November 15 | Avis | SP-382 | Section patrol craft | Returned to civilian owner |
| November 29 | Arawan II | SP-1 | Section patrol craft | Returned to civilian owner |
| November | Acoma | SP-1228 | Section patrol craft | Returned to civilian owner |
| December 2 | A. G. Prentiss | ID-2413 | Tugboat | Returned to owner |
| December 16 | Arroyo | SP-197 | Section patrol craft | Returned to civilian owner |
| December 19 | Avenger | SP-2646 | Section patrol craft | Returned to civilian owner |
| December | Abalone | SP-208 | Section patrol craft | Returned to civilian owner |
| Unknown | Annabelle | SP-1206 | Section patrol craft | Returned to civilian owner |
| Unknown | Arabia | ID-3434 | Section patrol craft | Sold |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Section patrol craft?
A Section patrol craft was a small vessel used by the navy for local patrol duties, coastal defense, and surveillance within a specific naval section or district.
Why were so many ships returned to civilian owners?
During World War I, the US Navy acquired many private boats to fill immediate needs. Once the war ended, these vessels were no longer required for military service and were returned to their original owners.
What does the 'SP' in the pennant number stand for?
The 'SP' designation stands for Section Patrol, identifying the ship's primary role in coastal and harbor security.
Were all ships decommissioned in 1918 returned to owners?
No. While most were returned to owners, some vessels, such as the Arabia, were sold, and others, like the Arroyo, were recommissioned for a period before their final decommissioning.
How does this list differ from a list of shipwrecks?
This list focuses on ships that were formally decommissioned (removed from service). Ships that were lost at sea or destroyed are categorized as shipwrecks rather than decommissioned vessels.