USS Reefer (1846) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | USS Reefer |
| Builder |
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| Acquired | May 25, 1846 |
| Commissioned | June 19, 1846 |
| Decommissioned | 1848 |
| Fate | Sold at New York in 1848 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Schooner |
| Displacement | 76.5 short tons (69.4 t) |
| Length | 59 ft (18 m) |
| Beam | 19 ft (5.8 m) |
| Draft | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Complement | 40 officers and enlisted |
| Armament | |
The USS Reefer was a type of sailing ship called a schooner. It was bought by the United States Navy in New York City on May 25, 1846. The Navy needed it to carry messages and orders quickly. It served in Commodore David Conner's fleet during the Mexican–American War.
Contents
Life of the Ship
The Reefer officially joined the Navy on June 19, 1846. Its first commander was Lieutenant Isaac Sterrett.
War Duty in Mexico
The schooner arrived at Veracruz, Mexico, on July 10, 1846. It started its job of blocking the port. This meant stopping other ships from entering or leaving.
In early August, the Reefer helped with a mission against Alvarado. Alvarado was a river port with Mexican gunboats. However, a very strong river current stopped the American ships. They could not land as planned.
Another try was made against Alvarado on October 15, 1846. This attempt also failed. During this attack, a shell hit the Reefer near its steering part. Luckily, the ship was not badly damaged.
Storms and New Missions
On October 16, 1846, the Reefer sailed with a group of ships. This group was led by Commodore Matthew C. Perry. The next day, a big storm separated the Reefer from the other ships. Because of this, it missed a mission up the Tabasco River.
In mid-November, the Reefer helped take over Tampico. It then stayed there as a "station ship." This meant it was based there to help keep order and support the troops. In March 1847, it was part of the group that captured Veracruz.
After Veracruz
After Veracruz was captured, the American fleet took over other Mexican ports. Alvarado and Tuxpan were taken in April. In June, Frontera and Tabasco also came under American control. This ended the fighting on Mexico's east coast.
After that, the Reefer and other ships continued their blockade duty. They made sure supplies and messages could get through for the Army.
After the War
When the war ended, the Reefer was no longer needed. It was sold in New York in 1848.
