USS Bab (SP-116) was high-speed motorboat leased for one dollar by the U.S. Navy during World War I. She was placed in service as a patrol craft and was assigned to the vicinity of Chicago, Illinois. Post-war she was returned to her owner for the sum of one dollar.
 USS Bab (SP-116) hauled out of the water during World War I.
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States | |
| Name | USS Bab |
| Namesake | name given to the boat by her owner prior to her acquisition by the Navy |
| Owner | Milton Wilson of Chicago, Illinois |
| Laid down | date unknown |
| Launched | date unknown |
| Completed | in 1916 at South Boston, Massachusetts |
| Acquired | leased by the Navy on 6 October 1917 |
| In service | October 1917 |
| Out of service | December 1918 |
| Stricken | circa December 1918 |
| Homeport | Chicago, Illinois |
| Fate | Returned to her owner for the sum of $1.00 on 31 December 1918 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Motorboat |
| Tonnage | 7 gross tons |
| Length | 38 ft 0 in (11.58 m) |
| Beam | 8 ft 1 in (2.46 m) |
| Draft | 2 ft 4 in (0.71 m) |
| Propulsion | Internal combustion engine |
| Speed | 36 miles per hour |
| Complement | not known |
| Armament | Two machine guns |
Built in South Boston
editBab was a 38-foot section motorboat of the high-speed "sea sled" design built in 1917 at Boston, Massachusetts, by Murray and Tregurtha Company. She was leased by the Navy for $1.00 from Milton Wilson of Chicago, Illinois; and designated as a section patrol craft, SP-116; and delivered on 6 October 1917.
World War I service
editAssigned to the 9th Naval District, Bab patrolled the waters of Lake Michigan until the onset of winter caused her to be laid up.
Post-war disposition
editEventually judged "not suitable for naval use", Bab was returned to her owner for the sum of $1.00 on 31 December 1918.
References
edit
This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.- USS Bab (SP-116), 1917-1918
