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Section Patrol Craft Photo Archive

Panama (SP 101)



Call sign (1919):
George - Quack - Tare - Boy

Motorboat:

  • Built in 1914 by Luther Pinder, Key West, FL
  • Acquired by the Navy 29 April 1917
  • Commissioned 26 May 1917
  • Transfered to the Department of Agriculture 4 November 1920
  • Fate unknown.

    Specifications:

  • Displacement 78 t.
  • Length 78'
  • Beam 21'
  • Draft 5' 6"
  • Speed 9.5 kts.
  • Complement 17
  • Armament: One 3-pounder and one machine gun
  • Propulsion: One 100hp 6-cylinder Buffalo gasoline engine, one shaft.
    Click on thumbnail
    for full size image    		 Size Image Description Source
    Panama 80k Possibly photographed at the time of her launching, circa 1914
    U.S. Navy photo NH 102111    		 Naval Historical Center
    Panama 70k Photographed in a Florida port, prior to World War I
    U.S. Navy photo NH 42996
    Commanding Officers
    01ENS Thomas L. Pinder, USNRF1918
    Courtesy Joe Radigan
    Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships History: Panama, a motor boat built in 1914 by Luther Pinder, Key West, Fla., was acquired by the Navy from Miami and Nassau Passenger Line, Miami, Fla. 29 April 1919 and commissioned 26 May 1917.

    In merchant service Panama had laid cable for Western Union in and around Key West. During her Naval career, she operated out of the 7th Naval District, headquartered at Key West. Patrolling in and around this port, she occasionally operated in Caribbean waters. While returning from the Canal Zone, she sighted two possible U-boats on her port bow 24 August 1918. She pursued them until dark, despite heavy weather which prevented a surface attack.

    After the war Panama was transferred to the Department of Agriculture 4 November 1920.

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