USS Despatch (1902)

The USS Despatch (PY-1, later PG-75) was a United States Navy auxiliary vessel, originally built as a private yacht and acquired by the Navy in 1902. Constructed by Harlan and Hollingsworth of Wilmington, Delaware, she was commissioned into service later that same year.

Initially designated as a dispatch vessel (PY-1), Despatch served in various capacities, including as a presidential yacht. She was frequently used by President Theodore Roosevelt for official travel and naval reviews, offering a comfortable and secure means of transportation. The vessel was known for its elegant appointments and spacious accommodations, befitting its former role as a luxury yacht.

During her career, Despatch performed a variety of duties beyond simply transporting dignitaries. She participated in fleet exercises and acted as a training vessel for naval personnel. In 1921, she was redesignated as a gunboat (PG-75). Her service continued throughout the interwar period, supporting naval operations and providing a visible presence in various ports.

Despatch was decommissioned in 1942 and subsequently sold. Her post-Navy fate is not widely documented, but her legacy as a distinguished vessel and a frequent transport for President Roosevelt remains a notable part of naval history. Her conversion from a private yacht to a naval auxiliary demonstrates the adaptability of vessels in meeting evolving military needs.