Please report any broken links or trouble you might come across to the Webmaster. Please take a moment to let us know so that we can correct any problems and make your visit as enjoyable and as informative as possible.

NavSource Online:
Section Patrol Craft Photo Archive

Nightingale (SP 523)



Call sign:
Nan - Unit - Boy - Xray
Motorboat:

  • Built by C. F. Ferguson, Groton, CT
  • Acquired by the Navy 11 June 1917
  • Commissioned 29 June 1917
  • Placed out of service 8 September 1919
  • Struck from the Navy Register 27 March 1919
  • Sold 15 December 1919
  • Fate unknown.

    Specifications:

  • Displacement 14 t.
  • Length 46'
  • Beam 16'
  • Draft 2'
  • Speed 13 kts.
  • Complement 11
  • Armament: One 1-pounder and one machine gun
  • Propulsion: One 120hp 6-cylinder Sterling gasoline engine, one shaft.
    Click on thumbnail
    for full size image    		 Size Image Description Source
    Nightingale 67k
    Namesake:

    Nightingale - Any of several small European thrushes noted for sweet nocturnal song

    		 Tommy Trampp
    Photo added 31 December 2021
    Nightingale 61k Photographed prior to her World War I Navy service
    U.S. Navy photo NH 102063    		 Naval Historical Center
    Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: The second Nightingale, a motorboat built by C. W. Ferguson, Groton, Conn., was acquired by the Navy from J. L. Hubbard, Groton, 11 June 1917 and commissioned 29 June 1917 at Newport, Ens. Franklin Farrel in command.

    Operating in the 2nd Naval District, and based at Newport R.I. during World War I, Nightingale patrolled the experimental submarine zone off New London throughout the fall, inspecting commercial vessels for district licenses and alternating duties with Magistrate (SP-143), patrolling the harbor entrance. On special duty 18 September, she maneuvered with a Chilean sub off Fishers Island. Continuing patrol duty, Nightingale directed all commercial traffic from the experimental zone 31 October, shifting station to Fishers Island Sound 11 November. Relieved by Daraga (SP-43) the 13th, she thereafter alternated duties with Daraga off New London, Fishers Island, and Stonington, Conn., and later with Magistrate (SP-143) and Kingfisher (SP-76).

    Nightingale continued on patrol until 8 September 1919 when she was placed out of service. She was sold to G. A. Ford Yachts Agency, New York City 15 December 1919.

    Back to the Main Photo Index Back to the Patrol Craft/Gunboat/Submarine Chaser Ship Index Back to the Section Patrol Craft Photo Index
    Comments, Suggestions, E-mail Webmaster
    This page created by Joseph M. Radigan and maintained by David Wright
    All pages copyright NavSource Naval History