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UNITED STATES NAVY
TEMPORARY AUXILIARY SHIPS
WORLD WAR I

Photo # NH 85656: SS Westchester in an icy port, circa late 1917 or early 1918


Online Library of Selected Images:
-- CIVILIAN SHIPS --

Westchester (American Freighter, 1917).
Served as USS Westchester (ID # 3122) in 1918-1919

Westchester, a 5730 gross ton freighter, was built at Portland, Oregon. Part of the World War I merchant ship construction effort, she was originally named War Ally. Launched in December 1917, she was acquired by the Navy in August 1918, after having steamed to the East Coast, and placed in commission at that time as USS Westchester (ID # 3122). As a unit of the Naval Overseas Transportation Service, she made one voyage to France before the November 1918 Armistice ended the "Great War" fighting. A series of propeller casualties interrupted her second trip to France, but she finally completed the eastbound trip in early March. Returning to the United States in April 1919, USS Westchester was decommissioned later in that month and returned to the U.S. Shipping Board. Her career ended with abandonment in 1933.

This page features all available views concerning the freighter Westchester, which served as USS Westchester (ID # 3122) in 1918-1919.


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Photo #: NH 85656

SS Westchester (American Freighter, 1917)

Photographed in an icy port, prior to the installation of her guns, circa late 1917 or early 1918.
This ship was placed in commission as USS Westchester (ID # 3122) in August 1918. Following service with the Naval Overseas Transportation Service, she was decommissioned on 25 April 1919 and returned to the U.S. Shipping board.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 98KB; 740 x 600 pixels

 


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Page made 14 March 2004