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Section Patrol Craft Photo Archive

Kemah (SP 415)



Call sign:
George - Sail - Jig - Cast
Motor Yacht:

  • Built in 1917 by the Luders Marine Construction Co., Stamford, CT
  • Acquired by the Navy 7 October 1917
  • Commissioned 16 July 1918
  • Decommissioned 18 September 1919
  • Sold 22 September 1920 for $19,050
  • Fate unknown.

    Specifications:

  • Displacement 300 t.
  • Length 146'
  • Beam 21'
  • Draft 8' 6"
  • Speed 13 kts.
  • Complement 51
  • Armament: Two 3"/50 mounts and two machine guns
  • Propulsion: Two 300hp 8-cylinder Southwark-Diesel engines, two shafts.
    Click on thumbnail
    for full size image    		 Size Image Description Source
    Kemah 88k In port, 1918
    U.S. Navy photo NH 89792    		 Naval Historical Center
    Kemah 84k Photographed circa 1918-1919
    U.S. Navy photo NH 52041
    Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: Kemah (SP-415), a motor yacht, was built by Luders Marine Construction Co., Stamford, Conn., in 1917 to 1918 and acquired while under construction from her owner, F. E. Lewis II, of New York City, 7 October 1917. Brought to the Navy Yard, New York in April 1918, Kemah commissioned 16 July, Lt. L. L. Rand, USNRF, in command.

    Originally assigned to the 6th Naval District at Charleston, she was transferred upon commissioning to the 3d Naval District, New York, for the period of her service. Restricted to protected waters, Kemah served as a guard ship on coastal waters of New York Harbor. She continued her patrol duty until 3 September 1919 when she was withdrawn from active duty. Kemah decommissioned 18 September and was sold 22 September 1920 to R. T. Robinson of San Diego.

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