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Identification Numbered Vessel Photo Archive

Federal (ID 3657)



Civilian call sign (1919):
Love - Nan - Mike - Vice
Freighter:

  • Built in 1918 by the Federal Shipbuilding Co, Kearney, NJ
  • Acquired by the Navy 15 November 1918 and commissioned USS Federal (ID 3657) the same day
  • Decommissioned, 17 June 1919 and returned to the United States Shipping Board (USSB)
  • She remained in the hands of the USSB until 1937, then became the British freighter Federlock
  • Seized on the China Seas 8 December 1941 by the Imperial Japanese Navy while on time charter to a Japanese ship operator
  • Renamed Hakusan Maru
  • Torpedoed and sunk 11 June 1945 by USS Crevalle (SS 291).

    Specifications:

  • Displacement 13,130 t.
  • Length 411' 6"
  • Beam 55'
  • Draft 27'
  • Speed 11 kts.
  • Complement 60
  • Propulsion: Three oil-fired single ended boilers, one 2,500shp General Electric steam turbine, one shaft.
    Click on thumbnail
    for full size image    		 Size Image Description Source
    Federal 104k Photo from "U.S. Warships of World War One" by P. H. Silverstone Robert Hurst
    Federal 78k Photographed on 27 October 1918 by her builder, Federal Shipbuilding Co., Kearny, NJ
    National Archives photo from Shipscribe
    Federal 88k Probably photographed at the time of her completion and delivery to the Navy in mid-November 1918
    Naval Historical Center photo NH 105202
    Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: Federal, a cargo ship, was launched in 1918 by Federal Shipbuilding Co., Kearny, N.J.; acquired by the Navy 15 November 1918; and commissioned the following day, Lieutenant Commander A. [Arthur] W. Pratt, USNRF, in command.

    Fitted to carry horses as well as general cargo, Federal transported both on her first voyage to France, 30 November 1918 to 27 January 1919. Her second voyage, 13 March to 30 April, was also with cargo for the Army, and she returned with soldier passengers. Between 8 May and 9 June, she made her last voyage in naval service, carrying hay and oats for relief activities in Europe. She was decommissioned 17 June 1919 and returned to the Shipping Board.

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