USS Severn (1918) facts for kids
Maryland Conservation Commission Fisheries Force Severn, ca. 1918.
|
|
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Name | Severn |
| Namesake | The Severn River in Maryland |
| Completed | 1918 |
| Acquired | August 1917 (Navy — under lease, serving dual state/federal law enforcement role) |
| Commissioned | 1 September 1918 (Navy) |
| Stricken | 27 November 1918 (Navy) |
| Fate | Traded by Conservation Commission for more suitable boat, 1921 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Patrol vessel |
| Length | 40 ft (12 m) |
| Propulsion | 25hp Palmer engine |
The Severn was a small motorboat, about 40 feet long. It was part of the Maryland State Fishery Force. This group helped protect fish and waterways in Maryland. The boat was owned by the Conservation Commission of Maryland. It operated from Wittman, Maryland, and was led by Deputy Commander George O. Haddaway. The Commission bought the Severn in 1918. It had a special covered area for the pilot and was powered by a 25-horsepower Palmer engine.
Contents
What Was the Severn Used For?
The Severn was mainly used to patrol the waters of Maryland. Its job was to make sure people followed fishing laws. This helped keep the fish populations healthy.
How Did the Severn Help in World War I?
When the United States joined World War I, the Navy needed more boats. They asked the Conservation Commission if they could use their boats. The idea was to have these boats help patrol local waters. This would protect the coast and help with federal laws.
The state government agreed to this plan. The boats and their crews became part of the U.S. Naval Reserve. This meant they would still enforce state fishing laws. But they would also help the Navy. The Navy paid for their patrols, wages, and repairs. This helped the state save money.
In August 1917, the Maryland State Fishery Force boats started working with the United States Navy. They were part of Squadron Number 8 in the 5th Naval District. They continued to patrol their usual areas. They enforced both state conservation laws and federal laws. George O. Haddaway, who was already in charge of the Severn, became a Lieutenant in the Navy. He continued to command the boat.
The Severn officially joined the Navy on September 1, 1918. It was called USS Severn during this time. It patrolled the West River and Galesville, Maryland areas. Chief Master at Arms George A. Haddaway was its commander. The boat served the Navy until November 27, 1918. On that date, it was removed from the Navy's list of ships.
What Happened to the Severn After the War?
After the war ended, the Navy gave the Severn back to the Maryland Conservation Commission. The boat was not in good shape. It was taken out of service and put up for sale. Later, the Severn was traded for a different boat. This new boat was better suited for fisheries work.
Other Maryland Fishery Force Vessels
Many other boats also served with the Maryland Fishery Force. Some of them also helped the Navy during World War I. These boats included:
