Vintage US Navy motor boat
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| History |
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 United States |
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| Name | USS Gretchen |
| Namesake | Previous name retained |
| Acquired | 30 July 1917 |
| Fate | Returned to owner 1 November 1917 |
| Notes | Operated as private motorboat Gretchen before and after U.S. Navy service |
| General characteristics |
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| Type | Patrol vessel |
| Tonnage | 84 gross register tons |
| Length | 86 ft (26 m) |
| Beam | 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m) |
| Draft | 4 ft (1.2 m) |
| Speed | 10 knots |
The first USS Gretchen (SP-423) was a patrol vessel acquired by the United States Navy in 1917.
Gretchen was built as a private motorboat. On 30 July 1917, the U.S. Navy acquired her from her owner, Sylvanus Stokes, for use as a section patrol boat during World War I. She was placed in service as USS Gretchen (SP-423).
Assigned to the 5th Naval District, Gretchen was found unsuited for use in patrol duties. The Navy returned her to her owner on 1 November 1917.
Gretchen should not be confused with USS Gretchen (SP-1181), another patrol vessel in U.S. Navy service at the same time.
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