USS Murray (SP-1438) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | Murray |
| Owner | Conservation Commission of Maryland |
| Operator | Conservation Commission of Maryland |
| Builder | Chance Marine Construction Company, Annapolis, Maryland |
| Completed | 1915 |
| Acquired | 17 August 1917 |
| Fate | Returned to owner 26 November 1918 |
| Notes | Maryland State Fishery Force boat, dual state and Navy service during war |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Patrol vessel |
| Length | 55 ft (17 m) |
| Beam | 13 ft (4.0 m) |
| Draft | 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m) |
| Speed | 10 mph (8.7 kn; 16 km/h) |
| Complement | 6 |
| Armament | None |
The Murray was a motorboat about 55 feet (17 meters) long. It was part of the Maryland State Fishery Force. This group helps protect the waters and natural resources of Maryland. The boat was owned by the Conservation Commission of Maryland. It operated from River Springs, Maryland. The Murray was built in 1915 by the Chance Marine Construction Company in Annapolis.
Helping in World War I
During World War I, the Murray also helped the United States Navy. Even though it was given a special Navy number (SP-1438), it was not officially commissioned as a Navy ship. It served both the Conservation Commission and the Navy at the same time.
The Navy asked the Conservation Commission for help when the United States joined the war. They wanted to use the state's boats for patrols. The state government agreed to this plan. The boats and their crews became part of the U.S. Naval Reserve. They continued to patrol their usual areas. This helped enforce both state fishing laws and federal laws.
The Maryland State Fishery Force boats began working with the Navy in August 1917. They were part of Squadron Number 8 in the 5th Naval District. A member of the Conservation Commission, George O. Haddaway, was also a Navy Lieutenant. He was in charge of these boats. The federal government paid for their expenses, wages, supplies, and repairs.
After the War
The Murray was returned to the Conservation Commission on November 26, 1918. This happened shortly after the war ended. The boat was not in good shape when it came back. The Conservation Commission then assigned it to the Potomac District.
Other Maryland Fishery Force Vessels
Many other boats from the Maryland Fishery Force also helped during this time. These included:
