USS Panther (1889)

The USS Panther (1889) was a steel-hulled auxiliary cruiser acquired by the United States Navy in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Originally built as a passenger and cargo liner by Blohm & Voss in Hamburg, Germany, for the Hamburg-American Packet Company, she was launched in 1889.

At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, the US Navy purchased Normannia, renamed her Panther, and commissioned her on April 8, 1898. She was used primarily as a repair ship, supplying ships of the North Atlantic Fleet with vital equipment and materials. Her ability to perform repairs at sea significantly extended the operational range and effectiveness of the fleet.

Following the end of the Spanish-American War, the Panther continued to serve in various capacities, including transporting marines and supplies to different parts of the world. She saw service in the Caribbean and in the Pacific, supporting US interests in regions experiencing political instability. She played a crucial role in the suppression of rebellions and the maintenance of order in areas where the US had a significant presence.

The USS Panther was decommissioned in 1907 and later sold in 1922. Her service highlights the Navy's reliance on auxiliary vessels to support its fleet and project power globally.