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Civilian Identification Numbered Ships Photo Archive

Naiwa (ID 3512)



Civilian call sign (1919):
Love - Nan - Have - Pup
Freighter:

  • Built in 1918 by the Baltimore Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Baltimore, MD
  • Launched 4 July 1918
  • Acquired by the Navy 10 September 1918
  • Completed and commissioned 4 November 1918 at Baltimore
  • Decommissioned 9 May 1919 and returned to the United States Shipping Board
  • Scrapped in 1929.

    Specifications:

  • Displacement 12,260 t.
  • Length 423' 9"
  • Beam 54'
  • Draft 24' 2"
  • Speed 10.5 kts.
  • Complement 85
  • Armament: One 4"/50 and one 3"/50 mount
  • Propulsion: Four Heine boilers, one 2,500shp General Electric steam turbine, one shaft.
    Click on thumbnail
    for full size image    		 Size Image Description Source
    Naiwa 55k Probably photographed shortly after completing her construction in late 1918
    Naval Historical Center photo NH 65105    		 Robert Hurst
    Naiwa 179k c. 1919
    Naval Operating Base Hampton Roads, VA
    Photo by Taylor's Studio, Norfolk, VA
    Commanding Officers
    01LCDR Joseph D. Sweetser, USNRF4 November 1918
    02LCDR George W. Wainwright, USNRF1919
    Courtesy Joe Radigan
    Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships History: Naiwa was built by the Baltimore Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Baltimore, Md.; launched 4 July 1918; turned over to the Navy 10 September; commissioned at Baltimore 4 November; and assigned to NOTS on Army account.

    After refitting, Naiwa cleared Baltimore Harbor 27 November 1918 with a general cargo for France, but was forced to turn back because of steering gear malfunctions. Following repairs, she steamed from Norfolk, Va. 8 March 1919, arrived La Pallice 23 March, and then went on to Bordeaux where she discharged her cargo.

    Naiwa cleared Bordeaux 12 April and steamed to Brest, where she took on a cargo of German guns and gun parts. Arriving Norfolk 2 May, she decommissioned 9 May.

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