St. Mary's (motorboat) facts for kids
Conservation Commission motorboat St. Mary's, ca. 1918.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| Name | St. Mary's |
| Namesake | St. Mary's County, Maryland |
| Builder | Ruark, Hooper's Island, Maryland |
| Completed | 1912 |
| Acquired | 17 August 1917 (Navy under cotract-lease) |
| In service | 17 October 1917 (Navy under cotract-lease) |
| Out of service | 26 November 1918 (Navy under cotract-lease) |
| Notes | Maryland State Fishery Force boat, dual state and Navy service during war |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Patrol vessel |
| Length | 49 ft (15 m) |
| Beam | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
| Draft | 3 ft (0.91 m) mean |
| Speed | 8 mph (7.0 kn; 13 km/h) |
The St. Mary's was a small motorboat, about 49 feet (15 meters) long. It was built in 1912 in Hooper's Island, Maryland. This boat belonged to the Conservation Commission of Maryland. Its main job was to help the Maryland State Fishery Force patrol the waters around Wynne, Maryland.
Serving During World War I
When the United States joined World War I, the Navy needed more boats to help patrol the coast. They asked the Maryland Conservation Commission if they could use their boats. The state agreed to let their boats and crew join the United States Navy Reserve.
This was a good deal for everyone. The boats, including St. Mary's, could continue their regular work of enforcing fishing laws. But now, they would also help the Navy with federal duties. The best part was that the U.S. government would pay for all the costs, like wages, supplies, and repairs.
In August 1917, the Maryland State Fishery Force boats officially started working with the Navy. They were part of Squadron Number 8 in the 5th Naval District. St. Mary's began its Navy service on October 17, 1917. It was given the Section Patrol number SP-1457.
The boat continued to patrol its usual area. This included parts of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. Its patrol zone stretched between Point Lookout, Maryland, and the mouth of the St. Mary's River.
St. Mary's served in this dual role for the rest of World War I. It even continued for two weeks after the war ended. Its final patrol for the Navy was on November 25, 1918. The next day, on November 26, 1918, the state Conservation Commission took full control of the boat again.
After the War
The motorboat St. Mary's continued to be an active part of the State Fishery Force. It was still in operation in January 1923, according to the Conservation Commission's annual report from 1922.
Other Maryland Fishery Force Vessels
Here are some other boats that were part of the Maryland Fishery Force:
