USS Music (SP-1288) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | Music |
| Owner | Conservation Commission of Maryland |
| Operator | Maryland State Fishery Force |
| Builder | Chance Marine Construction Company, Annapolis, Maryland |
| Completed | 1914 |
| Acquired | 17 August 1917 (for joint operation) |
| Commissioned | 17 August 1917 |
| Fate | Returned to exclusive Fishery Force operation 24 September 1918. Sold 1920. |
| Notes | Maryland State Fishery Force vessels and crews operated in dual state/Navy role during war. |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Patrol vessel |
| Displacement | 18 tons |
| Length | 41 ft (12 m) |
| Beam | 9 ft (2.7 m) |
| Draft | 2 ft 6 in (0.76 m) |
| Speed | 8 knots |
| Armament | 1 × 1-pounder gun |
The USS Music (SP-1288) was a special patrol boat used by the United States Navy during World War I. It was originally a power boat owned by the Conservation Commission of Maryland. This boat played a dual role, helping both the state of Maryland and the U.S. Navy between 1917 and 1918. The Music was built in 1914 as a regular motor launch by the Chance Marine Construction Company in Annapolis, Maryland.
Contents
Soon after the United States joined World War I, the Navy needed more boats. They asked the Conservation Commission of Maryland if their boats could help with patrols. The state agreed to let their boats and crew join the U.S. Naval Reserve.
A Special Agreement
This agreement meant the boats would patrol the same areas. They would enforce both state fishing laws and federal laws. The best part was that the federal government would pay for everything. This included patrol time, wages, supplies, and repairs.
In August 1917, the Maryland State Fishery Force boats began working with the Navy. They were part of Squadron Number 8 in the 5th Naval District. They continued their usual patrols, making sure fishing laws were followed. They also helped with federal duties.
On August 17, 1917, the Music officially became a section patrol boat. It was given the name USS Music (SP-1288). The boat was then assigned to the 5th Naval District.
What Music Did During the War
During World War I, the USS Music had important jobs. It patrolled and inspected areas in Hampton Roads and on the Elizabeth River in Virginia. These duties helped keep the waterways safe during the war.
Returning to State Service
On September 24, 1918, the USS Music finished its Navy service. It went back to being used only by the Conservation Commission of Maryland. The boat was then assigned to patrol from Port Republic, Maryland. It worked alongside another power boat called the Dorothy.
In 1920, some of the older boats were sold. The Music was sold for $625.
Other Maryland Fishery Force Vessels
Many other boats from the Maryland Fishery Force also helped during the war. These included:
