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Section Patrol Craft Photo Archive

Legonia II (SP 399)


Built in 1909 as the 168' steam yacht Walucia at Wilmington, DE; Renamed Lydonia and Legonia II; Acquired by the Navy, June 1917; Commissioned USS Legonia II (SP 399), June 1917. hroughout World War I, she served as a messenger, escort and guard ship in the Fifth Naval District, based at Norfolk, Virginia. She was also used as the flagship of the Naval District Commandant, a role that continued after the war ended in November 1918. Decommissioned in August 1921 and sold at the end of September 1921. Fate unknown.

Specifications: Displacement 119 t.; Length 168'; Beam 22' 6"; Draft 11'; Speed 13 kts.; Complement 36; Armament four 6-pounders and two .30 cal. machine guns; Propulsion steam.
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Legonia II 55k Photographed prior to World War I.
USN Photo NH 102004
Naval Historical Center

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: Legonia II, a steam yacht, was built in 1909 by Pusey & Jones, Wilmington, Del.; purchased by the Navy 6 June 1917 from her owner, William B. Hurst, Baltimore, Md.; taken over 9 June 1917; enrolled in the Naval Coast Defense Reserve 12 June 1917; and commissioned 14 June 1917 at Baltimore, Lt. Comdr. Hm. L. Walker in command.

Assigned to the 5th Naval District, Legonia II operated out of Norfolk throughout World War I. She served as a messenger and dispatch ship, as well as flagship of the Commandant, 5th Naval District; and these duties sent her from Norfolk to Washington, Annapolis, and Baltimore. In addition she served as a harbor and coastal guard ship off Cape Henry; she patrolled the submarine nets; and she escorted. arriving and departing merchant ships through the defensive sea area of Hampton Roads.

After the Armistice, she continued to serve as 5th Naval District flagship. Legonia II decommissioned 1 August 1921 and was sold 30 September 1921 to Dr. John M. Masury, Norfolk, Va.

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