The USS Edamena II (SP-14) was a patrol yacht that served in the United States Navy during World War I. Originally built as a luxury yacht, it was commissioned into naval service to support wartime efforts, primarily in coastal defense and anti-submarine roles.
Construction and Early History
The vessel was laid down in 1904 as Lydonia by the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, for its original owner, James Gordon Bennett Jr., a prominent newspaper publisher and sportsman. Designed as a steam yacht, Lydonia was a substantial vessel for its time, built for speed and comfort. It was later renamed Edamena and then Edamena II under private ownership before its acquisition by the U.S. Navy.
World War I Service
With the United States' entry into World War I, the U.S. Navy rapidly expanded its fleet by acquiring civilian vessels suitable for conversion to military use. Edamena II was acquired by the Navy on 24 April 1917 and commissioned as USS Edamena II (SP-14) on 10 May 1917. The "SP" designation stood for "Section Patrol," indicating its role in coastal defense.
Based primarily out of Boston, Massachusetts, USS Edamena II was assigned to the 1st Naval District. Its primary duties included:
- Patrols: Guarding vital coastal areas, harbors, and shipping lanes along the U.S. East Coast.
- Convoy Escort: Providing protection for merchant ships and transports, especially against potential U-boat threats.
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Conducting surveillance and, if necessary, engaging enemy submarines, though direct engagements were rare for patrol yachts of this type.
- Search and Rescue: Assisting distressed vessels or aircraft.
Throughout its naval service, Edamena II played a role in maintaining the security of American waters, contributing to the broader effort to protect Allied shipping from German submarine activity in the Atlantic.
Decommissioning and Post-War Career
Following the end of World War I, the need for a large fleet of patrol vessels diminished. USS Edamena II was decommissioned on 21 April 1919 and returned to its owner.
The yacht subsequently had a long and varied post-naval career, passing through several owners and being renamed multiple times. It was notably known as Moana, then Alva, and later as Black Douglas. As Black Douglas, it became a well-known pleasure yacht, particularly on the U.S. West Coast. The vessel ultimately sank off the coast of California in 1957, concluding its extensive maritime history.
Specifications (as USS Edamena II, approximate)
- Type: Patrol Yacht
- Displacement: Approximately 500-600 tons (standard)
- Length: Approximately 200 feet (61 m)
- Beam: Approximately 25-30 feet (7.6-9.1 m)
- Draft: Approximately 10-12 feet (3-3.7 m)
- Propulsion: Steam engines (likely triple expansion), twin screw
- Speed: Approximately 12-15 knots (22-28 km/h; 14-17 mph)
- Complement: Approximately 40-60 officers and enlisted men
- Armament (WWI): Typically equipped with light ordnance such as 3-inch (76 mm) guns and possibly depth charges or machine guns for anti-submarine defense.