USS Helen Baughman (SP-1292) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | USS Helen Baughman |
| Namesake | Previous name retained |
| Builder | Bowns, Nanticoke, Maryland |
| Completed | 1894 |
| Acquired | August 1917 |
| Commissioned | 1917 |
| Fate | Returned to owner 27 November 1918 |
| Notes | Operated as civilian schooner Helen Baughman 1894-1917 and from 1918 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Patrol vessel |
| Displacement | 50 tons |
| Length | 66 ft 8 in (20.32 m) |
| Beam | 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m) |
| Draft | 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m) |
The USS Helen Baughman (SP-1292) was a special ship. It served the United States Navy during World War I. This ship was a patrol vessel. It helped keep the waters safe from 1917 to 1918.
Contents
The Helen Baughman's Early Life
Before joining the Navy, the Helen Baughman was a regular boat. It was built in 1894 in Nanticoke, Maryland. A company named Bowns built her. She was a schooner, which is a type of sailing ship. Schooners have at least two masts. They use sails to move across the water.
In August 1917, a big change happened. The U.S. Navy needed more ships. This was because of World War I. The Navy bought the Helen Baughman. They got her from the Maryland State Conservation Commission. This group usually manages natural resources.
The Navy wanted her for a special job. She would be a section patrol boat. This meant she would help guard the coast. After being bought, she was commissioned. This means she officially became a Navy ship. Her new name was USS Helen Baughman (SP-1292).
Patrol Duties During the War
The USS Helen Baughman had an important role. She was sent to the 5th Naval District. This area covered parts of the U.S. coast. Her home base was in Deale, Maryland.
Protecting the Chesapeake Bay
Her main job was to patrol the Chesapeake Bay. This is a large body of water. It is very important for shipping and trade. She cruised around areas like Herring Bay and Tangier Sound. Her patrols helped protect the bay. They made sure no enemy ships or submarines entered. She served bravely for the rest of World War I.
After the War
When World War I ended, the Navy no longer needed the Helen Baughman. On November 27, 1918, she was returned. The Navy gave her back to the Maryland State Conservation Commission. She went back to being a civilian schooner.
