USS Helenita (YP-2230) was a motorboat acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War I. She was configured as a district patrol craft, and was used to patrol the Norfolk, Virginia, waterways. She was then loaned to the city of Norfolk before eventually being sold as excess to needs.
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States | |
| Namesake | USS Helenita |
| Owner | Marine Aviation Corps |
| Laid down | date unknown |
| Acquired | by the Navy in 1919 |
| In service | February 1919 |
| Out of service | August 1919 |
| Stricken | not known |
| Homeport | Norfolk, Virginia |
| Fate | Loaned to the City of Norfolk, Virginia, Department of Public Safety; later sold on 22 June 1923 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Motorboat |
| Displacement | not known |
| Length | 45 ft (14 m) |
| Beam | 11 ft 8 in (3.56 m) |
| Draft | not known |
| Propulsion | not known |
| Speed | not known |
| Complement | not known |
| Armament | not known |
Built as a motorboat
editThe second military vessel to be so named by the U.S. Navy, Helenita was a small wooden motor boat acquired by the Navy in 1919, probably from the Marine Aviation Corps.
World War I service
editShe was used as a district patrol craft in the 5th Naval District, Norfolk, Virginia, from February to August 1919.
On loan to Norfolk, Virginia
editIn August 1919 she was transferred to the City of Norfolk, Virginia, Department of Public Safety. Transferred 30 August, Helenita served the city until 1 December 1922, when she was returned to the Navy at Norfolk.
Final disposition
editShe was finally sold to H. W. Bleckley, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 22 June 1923.
References
edit
This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.
