Seneca, a 157 gross ton steam yacht, was built at Boston, Massachusetts, in 1888. She was purchased by the Navy in May 1917 from her owner, the Johnson Lighterage Company of New York City, for the nominal sum of $1.00. Placed in commission as USS Seneca (SP-427) in mid-July 1917, she served for the rest of World War I as a section patrol vessel and minesweeper, based at Tomkinsville, Staten Island, New York. Renamed SP-427 in 1918, she was decommissioned in early January 1919 and sold back to her former owner for $100.00.
This page features the only view we have concerning the steam yacht Seneca, which served as USS Seneca (SP-427) and USS SP-427 in 1917-1919.
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The following photograph shows a converted yacht that MAY be USS SP-427 (formerly USS Seneca):
Photo #: NH 53708-A Patrol Vessel (converted yacht) In New York Harbor, near the Statue of Liberty, in February 1919. Judging by the fenders at her bow and along her sides, she may be operating as a tug. This small ex-yacht may be USS SP-427 (formerly USS Seneca), which was based at nearby Tomkinsville, on Staten Island, and was quite similar in appearance. However, Seneca was decommissioned in early January 1919, more than a month before this photograph was taken. It is possible the date of the photograph is incorrect, or that this vessel, if it really is Seneca, may have already been back in civilian employment. It will be noted that she apparently does not display an "SP" number on her bow. This image is cropped from Photo # NH 53708. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph. Online Image: 84KB; 740 x 585 pixels |
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If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions." |
Page made 22 August 2004
New image added 16 October 2005