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NavSource Online:
Section Patrol Craft Photo Archive

Panama (SP 101)


Motor Boat: Built in 1914 by Luther Finder, Key West, FL; Acquired by the Navy 29 April 1917; Commissioned 26 May 1917; Decommissioned, (date unknown); Struck from the Naval Register, (date unknown); Transfered to the Department of Agriculture 4 November 1920. Fate unknown.

Specifications: Displacement 78 t.; Length 78'; Beam 21'; Draft 4'; Speed 9.5 kts.; Complement unknown; Armament one 3-pounder and one machine gun.


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Size Image Description Source
Panama 80k Possibly photographed at the time of her launching, circa 1914.
U.S. Navy Photo NH 102111
Naval Historical Center
Panama 70k Photographed in a Florida port, prior to World War I.
U.S. Navy Photo NH 42996
Naval Historical Center

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships History: Panama, a motor boat built in 1914 by Luther Finder, Key West, Fla., was acquired by the Navy from Miami and Nassau Passenger Line, Miami, Fla. 29 April 1919 and commissioned 26 May 1917.

In merchant service Panama had laid cable for Western Union in and around Key West. During her Naval career, she operated out of the 7th Naval District, headquartered at Key West. Patrolling in and around this port, she occasionally operated in Caribbean waters. While returning from the Canal Zone, she sighted two possible U-boats on her port bow 24 August 1918. She pursued them until dark, despite heavy weather which prevented a surface attack.

After the war Panama was transferred to the Department of Agriculture 4 November 1920.


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