USS Roanoke is the name given to several United States Navy vessels, most prominently a 19th‑century screw frigate and a World War I patrol craft. The name derives from the city of Roanoke, Virginia, and by extension the historic Roanoke Colony.
Vessels bearing the name
| Hull designation | Type | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Decommissioned / fate | Notable service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USS Roanoke (1855) | Screw frigate (later store ship) | 1855 | 12 Oct 1855 | 26 Oct 1855 | 30 Apr 1882 (sold) | Served as a supply and stores ship during the American Civil War; later used for transporting cargo and personnel. |
| USS Roanoke (SP‑169) | Section patrol vessel (converted civilian yacht) | – | – | 14 Jun 1917 | 13 Mar 1919 (returned to owner) | Conducted coastal patrols and convoy escort duties in the Atlantic during World War I. |
| USS Roanoke (CL‑145) | Light cruiser (Cleveland‑class) – canceled | 30 Jun 1944 (planned) | – | – | Canceled 7 Jun 1945 before construction began; the name was never assigned to a completed hull. | |
| USNS Roanoke (T‑AK‑272) | Cargo ship (Military Sea Transportation Service) | 1944 (as SS William H. Latham) | 21 Oct 1944 | – (operated as USNS) | Struck from the Naval Vessel Register 15 Oct 1976 | Though designated USNS rather than USS, this vessel carried the name in merchant‑marine service for the Navy. |
Individual ship histories
USS Roanoke (1855)
- Construction: Built at the New York Navy Yard; wooden hull with a screw propeller and auxiliary sail rig.
- Service: Initially served as a frigate, but after the outbreak of the Civil War was converted to a storeship and used primarily for logistical support. She operated in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, delivering provisions, ammunition, and troops.
- Disposition: Decommissioned in 1882 and sold at public auction; subsequent civilian use is not well documented.
USS Roanoke (SP‑169)
- Origin: Acquired from private owner J. H. McIntyre; originally a luxury motor yacht built in 1911.
- World War I service: Assigned to the 5th Naval District; performed harbor patrol, anti‑submarine watch, and escort duties along the U.S. East Coast.
- Decommissioning: Returned to the original owner after the armistice; the vessel resumed civilian operation.
USS Roanoke (CL‑145)
- Planning: Authorized as part of the final batch of Cleveland‑class light cruisers.
- Cancellation: The end of World War II reduced the need for additional cruisers, and the contract was terminated before keel‑laying. No hull was constructed under this designation.
USNS Roanoke (T‑AK‑272)
- Service: Operated as a cargo ship for the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) during the post‑World War II period, transporting supplies to U.S. forces worldwide.
- Status: Though not bearing the “USS” prefix (reserved for commissioned warships), the vessel is often listed in naval registries under the name Roanoke.
Naming convention
The United States Navy traditionally names ships after cities, states, and significant geographic features. The repeated use of “Roanoke” follows this convention, honoring the historic settlement in Virginia and the city that bears its name.
See also
- Roanoke (disambiguation) – for other uses of the name in geography, history, and popular culture.
- List of United States Navy ships – comprehensive index of naval vessels.
All information presented reflects verified historical records from United States Navy archives and reputable naval reference works. No speculative or unverified details are included.