kids encyclopedia robot

USS Benicia (1868) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
USS Benicia.jpg
USS Benicia
Quick facts for kids
History
Name USS Benicia
Launched 18 August 1868
Commissioned 1 December 1869
Decommissioned 29 November 1875
Fate Sold, 3 May 1884
General characteristics
Type Screw sloop
Displacement 2,400 long tons (2,439 t)
Length 250 ft 6 in (76.35 m)
Beam 38 ft (12 m)
Draft 18 ft (5.5 m)
Speed 11.5 knots (21.3 km/h; 13.2 mph)
Complement 291 officers and enlisted
Armament
  • 1 × 11 in (280 mm) smoothbore guns
  • 10 × 9 in (230 mm) smoothbore guns
  • 1 × 60-pounder rifle
  • 2 × 20-pounder breech-loading rifles

USS Benicia was a screw sloop in the United States Navy during the late 19th century. She was named for Benicia, California.

History

Benicia was launched 18 August 1868 by Portsmouth Navy Yard as Algoma. She was renamed Benicia on 15 May 1869. It was commissioned 1 December 1869 with Commander S. Nicholson in command.

Between March 1870 and August 1872, Benicia served on the Asiatic Station. It took part in Rear Admiral John Rodgers' expedition to Korea (16 May-11 June 1871). During this period Ordinary Seaman John Andrews, Chief Quartermaster Patrick H. Grace and Private Michael McNamara, USMC, received the Medal of Honor.

Following repairs at Mare Island Navy Yard, Benicia joined the North Pacific Squadron 6 December 1872. She cruised in Mexican, Central American, and Hawaiian waters and arrived at San Francisco, California on 29 November 1874 carrying King Kalākaua of Hawaii and his suite.

Captain of the Mizzen Top Albert Weisbogel also received the Medal of Honor (his first award) for service on Benicia, in 1874.

Benicia made a cruise to Alaska (11 May-21 July 1875) and was decommissioned at Mare Island 29 November 1875. Benicia was sold 3 May 1884.

  • This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.
kids search engine
USS Benicia (1868) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.