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46k | Raphael Semmes, born on 27 September 1809 in Charles County, Md., was appointed midshipman in the United States Navy on 1 April 1826. After initial duty in Lexington in the Mediterranean Squadron, he attended the Naval School at Norfolk, Va.; then served on the Mediterranean, West Indian, South American, and Florida stations; conducted a hydrographic survey of Narragansett Bay; and served in various capacities at the Washington Navy Yard. During the Mexican War, he served as commanding officer of Somers until that ship's loss; then became flag lieutenant under Commodore Conner. He participated in the siege of Vera Cruz and the expedition against Tuxpan and accompanied General Scott's army to Mexico City. Promoted to Commander on 14 September 1855, he was subsequently appointed Light House Inspector of the 8th Light House District and served on the Light House Board until 1861. With the secession of Alabama, his adopted home state, Semmes resigned his commission in the United States Navy on 15 February 1861. He subsequently served in the Confederate States Navy and, after commanding the raiders Sumter and Alabama, was appointed Rear Admiral and given the command of the James River Squadron, which he destroyed during the evacuation of Richmond. After the war, he taught at the Louisiana State Seminary; edited the Memphis Daily Bulletin; and practiced law in Mobile.. | Bill Gonyo |
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45k | Undated, location unknown. | Paul Rebold |
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114k | USS Semmes (Destroyer # 189) at anchor, probably in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1919-1920. Collection of Gustave Maurer. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. Photo #: NH 2214. | Robert Hurst/Paul Rebold |
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55k | Newspaper clipping from the Philadelphia Evening Public Ledger date October 14 1920. | Mike Mohl |
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191k | Christmas dinner menu, at Norfolk December 25 1920. | Alan Butler |
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243k | In Drydock circa 1920's. | Alan Butler |
As CG-20 |
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52k | On Coast Guard service during the Prohibition Era, from the Official Coast Guard Website. | Mike Green |
As AG-24 |
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113k | Based on the East Coast from 1935 until her retirement after WW2, the Semmes was a sonar test ship during the late 30's and added escorting, training and anti-submarine patrols to her mission after the start of WW2, based out of Key West. She is shown here on April 12, 1945, off the Charleston Navy Yard, in her final configuration. Except for the single aft 3"/50 gun, she has had most of her original armament removed. In common with her anti-submarine role, she carries a Hedgehog forward, four depth charge throwers and her stern depth charge racks at the stern. She only carries a surface search radar, the new SU model. | - |
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77k | Underway at low speed off New York City, 29 April 1939. | Paul Rebold/Robert Hurst |
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56k | Charleston Navy Yard, April 12 1945. | Robert Hall |