United States lightship Ambrose (LV-87) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids History
United States
Name	LV-87
Operator	United States Coast Guard
Builder	New York Shipbuilding Company of Camden, New Jersey
Cost	$99,000.00 US
Completed	1907
Decommissioned	March 4, 1966
Refit	1932-1933
Nickname(s)	Ambrose
Fate	Donated on August 4, 1968, for use as floating exhibit at South Street Seaport, New York City.
General characteristics
Type	Lightship
Length	135 ft 5 in (41.28 m)
Beam	29 ft (8.8 m)
Draft	12 ft 9 in (3.89 m)
Depth of hold	15 ft 4 in (4.67 m)
Installed power	As constructed : One compound steam reciprocating engine Bore: 16 in (410 mm) & 31 in (790 mm) Stroke: 24 in (610 mm) 325 IHP Two 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m) diameter by 16 ft 4 in (4.98 m) long boilers After 1932-1933 refit: Repowered with a Winton diesel engine 300 HP
Propulsion	As constructed: 7 ft 9 in (2.36 m) diameter propeller After 1932-1933 refit: 5 ft (1.5 m) diameter propeller installed
Speed	10 kn (12 mph; 19 km/h)
Notes	Signal lights As constructed: Cluster of 3 oil lens lanterns on each masthead 1908 through 1922 Converted multiple times from incandescent lights to arc lamps. From 1922 onward two 375mm lens incandescent lanterns of 15,000 cp were used.
Ambrose (LV 87)
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Location in New York City Show map of New York City Location in New York Show map of New York Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Pier 16, East River, Manhattan, New York City, New York
NRHP reference No.	84002758
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	7 September 1984
Designated NHL	11 April 1989

The United States Lightship LV-87/WAL-512 (Ambrose) is a special kind of ship called a lightship. It was built in 1907 from strong steel. This ship helped guide other boats safely.

From 1908 to 1932, the Ambrose worked at the Ambrose Channel station. This channel is a busy waterway near New York City. The ship stayed in service until 1966. Today, it is a museum ship at the South Street Seaport Museum in Manhattan, New York City.

The Ambrose Lightship

The Ambrose lightship was very important for ships. It helped them find their way, especially in bad weather. Lightships are like floating lighthouses. They have bright lights and signals to warn ships about dangers or show them the right path.

Early Years and Technology

In 1921, something new was added to the Ambrose. It got the first radio beacon in the United States. This special radio helped ships navigate even better. It was very useful when there was thick fog. The Ambrose was also the last steam-powered ship to work at the Ambrose Channel.

Changes and New Jobs

After 1932, the Ambrose got a big upgrade. Its old steam engine was replaced with a modern diesel engine. This made the ship more efficient. After this change, the ship worked at different locations. During World War II, it was even used as an examination vessel. This meant it helped check ships entering the harbor.

Final Station and Retirement

Even though its last job was at the Scotland Station, the ship is best known as Ambrose. This is because of its long service at the famous Ambrose Channel. The Ambrose was taken out of service on March 4, 1966. It had served the Coast Guard for 59 years.

A Museum Ship Today

In 1968, the Ambrose was given to the South Street Seaport Museum. You can visit it today at Pier 16 on the East River in Lower Manhattan. It is a floating exhibit, meaning you can go on board and learn about its history. In April 1989, the Ambrose was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important part of American history.

See also

In Spanish: Buque faro Ambrose para niños