USS Java (1815) facts for kids
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USS Java was a large, wooden sailing ship called a frigate in the United States Navy. It had 44 guns. The ship was named after an important American victory. This happened when the USS Constitution defeated a British ship, HMS Java, near Brazil in 1812. The British Java was so badly damaged that it had to be burned.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Name | USS Java |
| Builder | Flannigan & Parsons, Baltimore, Maryland |
| Laid down | 1814 |
| Launched | 1 August 1814 |
| Fate | Broken up, 1842 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | First class frigate |
| Tonnage | 1511 |
| Length | 175 ft (53 m) |
| Beam | 44 ft 6 in (13.56 m) |
| Draft | 13 ft 8 in (4.17 m) |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Complement | 400 officers and enlisted |
| Armament |
|
Building and First Voyage
The USS Java was built in Baltimore, Maryland, by Flannigan & Parsons. Its construction started in 1814 and finished in 1815. The ship was launched on August 1, 1814. However, it was not fully ready until after the War of 1812 had ended.
In August 1815, Captain Oliver Hazard Perry took command of the Java. The ship left Baltimore and picked up supplies in Hampton Roads and New York. Then, it sailed to Newport, Rhode Island, to get its full crew.
A Difficult Start
The Java was ordered to the Mediterranean Sea to help in the Second Barbary War. On January 22, 1816, it left Newport during a very bad storm. During this rough journey, one of the ship's masts broke. Ten sailors were on the yards (parts of the mast) at the time, and five of them sadly died.
Mediterranean Missions
By April 1816, the Java reached Algiers. Captain Perry went ashore to talk with the Dey of Algiers. He convinced the Dey to follow a peace treaty he had signed earlier.
Next, the Java sailed to Tripoli. It traveled with other US Navy ships like the Constellation, Ontario, and Erie. This showed the strength of the United States.
Protecting American Interests
After this, the frigate cruised around the Mediterranean Sea. It stopped at places like Syracuse, Messina, Palermo, Tunis, Gibraltar, and Naples. The ship's job was to protect American citizens and their trade. It also helped with diplomatic duties, which means it helped keep good relations between countries.
In early 1817, the Java returned to Newport. It was then stored at Boston, Massachusetts.
Later Service and Retirement
The Java returned to active duty in 1827. Captain William M. Crane was in charge for its second trip to the Mediterranean. During this time, it continued to protect American interests. Towards the end of this journey, the Java served as the main ship, or flagship, for Commodore James Biddle.
After coming back to the United States in 1831, the Java became a receiving ship in Norfolk. This meant it was used as a place for new sailors to stay before joining their ships. The USS Java was eventually taken apart in 1842.
