Please report any broken links or trouble you might come across to the Webmaster. Please take a moment to let us know so that we can correct any problems and make your visit as enjoyable and as informative as possible.
NavSource Online:
Section Patrol Craft Photo Archive
Fairmont (ID 2429)
Freighter: Built in 1918 by the New York Shipbuilding Co. Camden, NJ; Acquired by the Navy, 18 December 1918 and commissioned the same day; Decommissioned, 28 February 1919 and returned to the United States Shipping Board for return to her owners, Coastwise Transportation; Renamed Nebraskan in 1922 and later took the name Black Point; Transferred to the Soviet Union under Lend Lease 8 December 1942 and renamed Sukhona and assigned it to the Far East State Sea Shipping Co. During 1943 and 1944 it was seconded to the Soviet Pacific Fleet for transport duties. The Soviets, concerned about the poor technical condition of the ship (and lacking suitable repair facilities) returned the ship to the U.S. on 5 May 1944. After repairs, the ship reverted to its name Black Point and operated by C.H. Sprague and Sons. On 5 May 1945, just a few days before VE-day, Black Point was torpedoed by U-853 off Pt. Judith, RI while sailing to Boston Twelve crew members went down with the ship. U-853 was sunk 6 May 1945 in the North Atlantic south-east of New London, CT in position 41° 13; N., 71° 27' W., by depth charges from the U.S. destroyer escort USS Atherton (DE 169) and the Patrol frigate USS Moberly (PF 63). Fifty-five dead (all hands lost). The wreck of Black Point is a popular dive site today. She was the last ship sunk by a U-Boat in U.S. waters in World War II.
Specifications: Displacement 12,163 t.; Length 395' 1"; Beam 66'; Draft 27'; Speed 12 kts.; Complement 70; Armament one 6" and one 6-pounder.
Click On Image
For Full Size Image |
Size |
Image Description |
Source |
 |
110k |
In harbor on a winter day, circa 1918-1919. Note ice on the ship's side amidships. U.S. Navy photo NH 70454 |
Naval Historical Center |
 |
151k |
In port, probably soon after completion in early 1918. Note her large open hatch covers and the small gun mounted at her bow. U.S. Navy photo NH 99176 |
Naval Historical Center |
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: Fairmont, (No. 2429), a cargo ship, was launched 8 December 1917 by New York Shipbuilding Co. Camden, N.J.; acquired by the Navy 18 December 1918; and commissioned the next day, Lieutenant Commander E. H. Wider, USNRF, in command.Between 6 March 1918 and 21 November 1918 Fairmont made four voyages in convoy to France carrying cargo to supply the American Expeditionary force. Her last naval voyage, from 20 December 1918 to 1 February 1919, was with a cargo of flour and coal, which she carried to Rotterdam, Holland, for use by American agencies in the relief of war-caused famine in Europe. Fairmont was decommissioned 28 February 1919, and the same day transferred to the Shipping Board for return to her owner.
This page created and maintained by Joseph M. Radigan
© 2005 Joseph M. Radigan © 1996 - 2005 NavSource Naval History. All Rights Reserved.
|