USS Holly was a lighthouse tender borrowed by the U.S. Navy from the U.S. Commerce Department during World War I and armed as a patrol craft. Holly was used to patrol the waters near Norfolk, Virginia. Post-war she was returned to the Commerce Department.

History
United States
NameUSS Holly
NamesakeAny of a genus of trees and shrubs having thick, glossy, spiny margined leaves and bright red berries
OwnerU.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Lighthouse Service
Completed1881
Acquiredby the Navy, 15 April 1917
HomeportNorfolk, Virginia
FateReturned to the Lighthouse Service by Executive order dated 1 July 1919
General characteristics
Typelighthouse tender
Tonnage367    
Length176 ft (54 m)
Beam24 ft (7.3 m)
Draft8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Propulsionsteam engine
Speed9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph)
Complement23 officers and enlisted

Service history

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The first ship to be so named by the Navy, Holly, a wood and steel lighthouse tender, was built in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1881, and was owned by the Department of Commerce, Lighthouse Service, until being taken over by the Navy 15 April 1917. She served in the 5th Naval District, operating from Norfolk, Virginia, on general and patrol duty during the balance of World War I. The steamer was returned to the Lighthouse Service by Executive order dated 1 July 1919.

See also

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References

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