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Civilian Identification Numbered Ships Photo Archive

Luella (ID 2691)



Civilian call sign (1919):
Love - King - Mike - Dog
Refrigerated Freighter:

  • Built in 1916 as War Whale by the Baltimore Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Baltimore, MD
  • Launched 10 November 1917
  • Renamed Luella prior to completion
  • Acquired by the Navy 27 May 1918 and commissioned USS Luella (ID 2691) the same day at Baltimore
  • Decommissioned 6 August 1918 and returned to the United States Shipping Board for repairs
  • Recommissioned 16 September 1918 at New York
  • Decommissioned 26 September 1919 at Philadelphia, PA and returned to the United States Shipping Board the same day
  • Scrapped in 1933 by Boston Iron and Metal of Baltimore, MD.

    Specifications:

  • Displacement 8,785 t.
  • Length 353' 3"
  • Beam 49'
  • Draft 23'
  • Speed 11.25 kts.
  • Complement 92
  • Armament: One 6"/50 and one 3"/50 mount
  • Propulsion: Three singled ended boilers, one 1,800shp Curtis steam turbine, one shaft.
    Click on thumbnail
    for full size image    		 Size Image Description Source
    Luella 112k Probably shown around the time of her completion in May 1918
    National Archives photo from Shipscribe.com    		 Robert Hurst
    Luella 120k c. May 1918
    On builder's trials
    National Archives photo from Shipscribe.com
    Luella 106k In port wearing pattern camouflage, possibly when inspected by the Third Naval District on 19 September 1918.
    Naval Historical Center photo NH 105222
    View the Luella (ID 2691)
    DANFS history entry located on the Naval History and Heritage Command website
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