USS Joseph F. Bellows (SP-323)

USS Joseph F. Bellows (SP-323) was a fishing boat purchased by the U.S. Navy during World War I. She was outfitted as an armed minesweeper and was assigned to the Virginia coast. Post-war she served as a tender and supply ship until sold in 1919.

History
United States
Name: USS Joseph F. Bellows
Namesake: A former name retained
Owner: Bellows and Squires, Inc., Ocran, Virginia
Builder: E. James Tull, Pocomoke City, Maryland
Laid down: date unknown
Completed: 1912
Acquired: by the Navy in May 1917
Commissioned: 18 May 1917
Decommissioned: unknown date
Stricken: unknown date
Homeport: Norfolk, Virginia
Fate: sold 2 July 1919; fate unknown
General characteristics
Type: fishing steamer
Displacement: 315 tons
Length: 162'
Beam: 24'
Draft: 14'
Propulsion: steam engine
Speed: 13 knots
Complement: not known
Armament: One 6-pounder gun

Built in Maryland

Joseph F. Bellows (SP-323), a fishing steamer built in 1912 by E. J. Tull, Pocomoke City, Maryland, was acquired by the Navy from Bellows and Squires, Inc., Ocran, Virginia, in May 1917. She commissioned 18 May 1917, Ens. T. C. Christopher, USNRF, in command.

World War I service

Assigned to the 5th Naval District at Norfolk, Virginia, Joseph F. Bellows operated as a minesweeper off Cape Henry and in the convoy channel to Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Post-war service

After the armistice ending World War I was signed, she acted as a lightship tender and a supply ship until July 1919.

Decommissioning and sale

Joseph F. Bellows was sold 2 July 1919 to NcNeal Dodson Co., Inc., Reedville, Virginia.

See also

References
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