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Identification Numbered Vessel Photo Archive

Cauto (ID 1538)



Civilian call sign:
Love - George - Mike - Nan

Cauto served both the U. S. Army and Navy.

Collier:

  • Built in 1916 by the Seattle Construction and Dry Dock Co., Seattle, WA
  • Completed 9 December 1916
  • Chartered by the U.S. Army on 15 October 1917
  • Acquired by the Navy 12 July 1918
  • Commissioned 13 July 1918
  • Decommissioned 2 February 1919 at Philadelphia, PA and transferred to the United States Shipping Board for returned to her owner, the New York and Cuba Mail Steamship Company
  • Wrecked in 1937.

    Specifications:

    Displacement 8, 060 t.
    Length 368'
    Beam 47'
    Draft 22' 6"
    Speed 14.25 kts.
    Complement 62
    Armament: Two 3"/50 mounts
    Propulsion: Three single ended and one auxiliary boiler, one 2,100hp vertical triple expansion steam engine, one shaft.

    Click on thumbnail
    for full size image    		 Size Image Description Source
    Cauto 79k Nearing completion at the Seattle Construction and Dry Dock Company shipyard, Seattle, Washington, on 19 June 1916
    U.S. Navy photos NH 96063 and NH 96064    		 Naval Historical Center
    Cauto 72k
    Cauto 77k In port, circa 1918
    U.S. Navy photo NH 99887
    Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships History: Cauto (No. 1538) was launched in 1916 by Seattle Construction and Dry Dock Co., Seattle, Wash.; acquired by the Navy from the Shipping Board 12 July 1918; commissioned 13 July 1918, Lieutenant Commander J. R. Curtis, USNRF, in command; outfitted at Philadelphia; and reported to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service.

    Between 21 July 1918 an February 1919, Cauto made three transatlantic voyages carrying supplies for the American Expeditionary Force in France. She was decommissioned at Philadelphia 2 February 1919, and returned to her owner.

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