The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the US National Archives, the UK Meteorological Office and Naval-History.Net are working with online volunteers to transcribe historical weather data and maritime events from the log books of US ships of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Transcriptions of the maritime events are published here, before and after they are edited by Naval-History volunteers.

The editors generally take great care when providing links to outside information. However, the Internet is dynamic: websites change constantly. Given the number of links included in the edited logs, and the rate at which websites change, it's not always possible to fix broken links immediately.

Special thanks are due to Dr Philip Brohan, British Meteorological Office, founder of the Old Weather project, to Dr Arfon Smith, former Technical Director of the Zooniverse, to Dr Kevin Wood, Climate Scientist, NOAA - University of Washington, Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, to Mark Mollan, Navy/Maritime Section Archivist, US National Archives, to the Old Weather forum moderators past and present, to Maikel, our computer and web design expert, and to our dedicated editors.

Further details about the projects can be found on the Old Weather Forum. For editing enquiries only, email Old Weather Editing Team.


UNITED STATES NAVY

UNITED STATES REVENUE SERVICE/COAST GUARD

UNITED STATES COAST & GEODETIC SURVEY

USS Kearsarge

USS Kearsarge

USRC Bear

USRC Bear

USC&GSS Explorer I

USC&GSS Explorer I


1. EDITED LOGS

THOSE BEING EDITED, and THOSE READY FOR EDITING

 

Log periods in bold have been edited, log periods in bold italics are being edited, and those just with links have only been formatted.

Click a ship's name to go to its general description, specifications and time line, or click a specific period to directly go to the ship's logs.

 

UNITED STATES NAVY

UNITED STATES REVENUE SERVICE/COAST GUARD

UNITED STATES COAST & GEODETIC SURVEY

BEAR, Cutter, barquentine-rigged steamship, 1884, Greely Arctic rescue mission.
Logs for:

BURTON ISLAND, Icebreaker, diesel-electric (Wind-class), 1946-78, Antarctic, Arctic.
Logs for:

CONCORD, Patrol gunboat (PG), 1891-1929, West Indies and South America, Asiatic Station, Alaskan waters, 1898 Battle of Manila Bay, South and South West Pacific, Yangtze Patrol.
Logs for:

JAMESTOWN, Sloop, wooden sailing ship, 1846-92, African Squadron, Mediterranean Squadron, Brazil Squadron, Civil War, North Pacific Squadron.
Logs for:

JEANNETTE, Naval Auxiliary, bark-rigged steamship, 1881, Arctic Exploring Expedition under George Washington DeLong.
Logs for:

RODGERS, Naval Auxiliary, steamship, 1881, Search for DeLong's Arctic Exploring Expedition, Alaskan and Siberian waters.
Logs for:

THETIS, Cutter, barque/bark-rigged steamship, 1884-1899, Greely Arctic rescue mission, Alaskan and Central American waters, survey work along coast Baja California.
Logs for:

VICKSBURG, Patrol gunboat (PG), 1897-1944 (including later Coast Guard service), Caribbean, 1898 Cuban patrols (Spanish-American War), Asiatic Squadron, Philippines, Far Eastern waters, Pacific coast of Central America.
Logs for:

YORKTOWN, Patrol gunboat (PG), 1889-1919, European waters, Mediterranean, American waters, Pacific Squadron, coast of Central and South America, Alaskan waters, Asiatic Squadron, Philippines.
Logs for:

BEAR, Cutter, barquentine-rigged steamship, 1885-1929, Alaskan waters, World War 1 service. Sold but later served in World War 2.
Logs for:

CHELAN, Cutter, turbo-electric (Lake-class, 250-footer), 1928-46, Bering Sea, Atlantic, Royal Navy from 1941.
Logs for:

COMMODORE PERRY or PERRY, Cutter, brigantine-rigged steamship, 1884-1910, Lake Erie, East and West Coasts of US, Alaskan waters, Spanish-American war service.
Logs for:

CORWIN, see THOMAS CORWIN.

EASTWIND, Icebreaker, diesel-electric (Wind-class), 1944-68, Greenland, Arctic, Antarctic, Circumnavigation, Great Lakes.
Logs for:

HAIDA, Cutter, turbo-electric (240-footer), 1921-47, Bering Sea, Prohibition duties, Alaskan waters escort duty in World War 2.
Logs for:

MANNING, Cutter, brigantine-rigged steamship, 1898-1930, East and West Coasts of US, Alaskan waters, Spanish-American War and World War 1 service.
Logs for:

NORTHLAND, Cutter, diesel-electric, 1927-46, Bering Sea, Greenland waters in World War 2.
Logs for:

NORTHWIND, Icebreaker, diesel-electric (Wind-class), 1945-89, Antarctica, Arctic, points in between.
Logs for:

PERRY, see COMMODORE PERRY.

RUSH (II), Cutter, topsail schooner-rigged steamship (rebuilt RUSH (I)), 1885-1912, Pacific and Alaskan waters.
Logs for:

SHOSHONE, Cutter, turbo-electric (Lake-class, 250-footer), 1931-41, Bering Sea, Alaskan waters, Royal Navy from 1941.
Logs for:

STORIS, Light icebreaker (later medium endurance cutter), 1946-55, Atlantic Coast, Greenland and Alaskan waters.
Logs for:

THETIS, Cutter, barque/bark-rigged steamship, 1899-1916, Alaskan and Hawaiian waters.
Logs for:

THOMAS CORWIN or CORWIN, Cutter, topsail schooner-rigged steamship, 1877-1900, Alaskan waters, Pacific coast of US, Spanish-American War service.
Logs for:

UNALGA (I), Cutter, steamship, 1912-1945, Alaskan waters, Florida, Cuba and San Juan areas, World War 1 and 2 service.
Logs for:

UNALGA (II) Freighter, construction supply, 1946-50, Alaskan waters.
Logs for:


2. LOGS BEING TRANSCRIBED

(click for current list)

ALSO LOGS BEING PREPARED FOR TRANSCRIPTION NOW OR IN THE FUTURE

 

Click ship's name for more information.

 

UNITED STATES NAVY

UNITED STATES REVENUE SERVICE/COAST GUARD

UNITED STATES COAST & GEODETIC SURVEY

ADAMS, Sloop, wooden screw steamship, 1876-1919, North and South Atlantic, Pacific coast of South & Central America, Alaskan waters, South and Central Pacific, Circumnavigation.

ADVANCE, Brig, sail, 1850-1855, high Arctic in Canada and Greenland on the Grinnell Rescue Expeditions.

ALASKA, Sloop, wooden screw steamship, 1868-83, Asiatic Squadron, 1871 Korean Expedition, European Squadron, 1873 Spanish Cuban crisis, Pacific coast of South & Central America, Alaskan waters, Central Pacific.

ALERT (I), British sloop, wooden screw steamship, 1884, loaned to US Navy for Greely Arctic rescue mission.

ALERT (II), Sloop, wooden screw steamship, 1875-1922, North Atlantic Station, Asiatic Squadron, Pacific Station (coasts of Central and South America, and Hawaiian waters), Alaskan waters, Bermuda.

AMMEN, Destroyer DD-527, Fletcher-class, turbo-electric, 1942-61, Aleutians, western and eastern�Pacific, Japan, and the Atlantic.

ATKA, Diesel-electric icebreaker (Wind-class), 1950-66, Arctic and Antarctic waters. Before and after this period sailed as USCGC SOUTHWIND.

CASCO, Small seaplane tender, 1941-47, Alaska, Aleutians, Central, South West and Western Pacific campaigns.

CHARLESTON, Large gunboat, 1936-46, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, Aleutians.

COGHLAN, Destroyer DD-421, Benson-class, turbo-electric, 1942-47, Aleutian Islands and Western Pacific.

CONSTITUTION, Heavy frigate, sailing ship, 1826-81 (some years and months missing), 1931-32, including Mediterranean Squadron, South Pacific Squadron, Home Squadron.

DALE, Destroyer, DD-353, Faragut-class, diesel engines, 1934-1945, mostly in the Pacific..

EDISTO, Icebreaker, diesel-electric (Wind-class), 1947-65, Greenland, Antarctica, Arctic, attempted North Polar circumnavigation (transferred in 1965 to US Coast Guard).

EDWARDS, Destroyer DD-619, Gleaves-class, turbo-electric, 1942-71, Atlantic, Guadalcanal, Aleutians, western Pacific and the Philippines.

FARRAGUT, Destroyer DD-348, Farragut-class, geared-turbines, 1934-1945, home waters, Hawaiian waters,�southwest Pacific,�Alaskan waters, and Japan..

FRAZIER, Destroyer, Benson-class, Diesel geared turbines, 1942-1946, Pacific Fleet and Aleutian Campaign..

FENIMORE COOPER, Tender, sailing schooner, 1853-56, Surveying Expedition to the North Pacific Ocean.

IDAHO, Battleship (BB-42), New Mexico-class; geared turbine engines, 4 propellers; 1919-1946, the Caribbean, the Atlantic and the Pacific Fleet including the Aleutian Islands Campaign.

JOHN HANCOCK, Naval Auxiliary, steamship, 1853-55, Surveying Expedition to the North Pacific Ocean.

JOHN P KENNEDY, Supply sailing ship, 1853-54, Surveying Expedition to the North Pacific Ocean.

KEARSARGE, Sloop, wooden screw steamship, 1862-64, Civil War.

LEXINGTON, Supply sailing ship or Storeship, 1853-55, Perry's Expedition to Japan (2nd visit), Pacific Patrol.

MACEDONIAN, Sloop (ex-Frigate), sailing ship, 1853-55, Perry's Expedition to Japan (2nd visit), Pacific Patrol.

MISSISSIPPI, Frigate, sidewheel steamship, 1852-55, Perry's Expedition to Japan (1st/2nd visits).

MOHICAN, Sloop, wooden screw steamship, 1883-1921, Pacific Squadron (coasts of Central and South America, South and Central Pacific), Alaskan waters, Philippines.

MONAGHAN, Destroyer, Farragut-class, geared steam turbines, 1935-1944, North Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, participating in Pearl Harbor attack, the Aleutians Campaign, and the Pacific Fleet.

MONITOR, Monitor, ironclad steamship, 1862, Civil War.

OSSIPEE, Sloop, wooden screw steamship, 1862-1891, Civil War, North Pacific, coasts of Central America, Alaskan waters, North Atlantic, Asiatic Squadron, West Indies.

PETREL, Patrol gunboat (PG), 1889-1920, North Atlantic Squadron, Asiatic Squadron, Alaskan waters, 1898 Battle of Manila, Philippines, European waters, Caribbean and West Indies.

PINTA, Naval Auxiliary (ex-tug), steamship, 1865-1908, Atlantic coast, Alaskan waters.

PLYMOUTH, Sloop, sailing ship, 1852-55, East India Station, Perry's Expedition to Japan (1st visit).

POLARIS, Schooner-rigged heavy screw tugboat, Civil War gunboat Periwinkle with Potomac Flotilla, Norfolk Navy Yard tug, North Pole exploration.

PORPOISE, Brig, sailing ship, 1854, Surveying Expedition to the North Pacific Ocean.

POWHATAN, Frigate, sidewheel steamship, 1852-55, Home Squadron, East India Squadron, Perry's Expedition to Japan (2nd visit).

RESCUE, Brig, sail, 1850-1851, high Arctic in Canada and Greenland on the First Grinnell Rescue Expedition.

SARATOGA, Sloop, sailing ship, 1852-53, East India Squadron, Perry's Expedition to Japan (1st/2nd visits).

SOUTHAMPTON, Supply sailing ship or Storeship, 1852-53, Perry's Expedition to Japan (2nd visit).

STATEN ISLAND, Icebreaker, diesel-electric (Wind-class), 1952-66, Greenland waters, Alaskan waters, Antarctica, and points in between (transferred in 1966 to US Coast Guard).

SUPPLY, Supply sailing ship or Storeship, 1852-55, West Indies Squadron, Perry's Expedition to Japan (2nd visit).

SUSQUEHANNA, Frigate, sidewheel steamship, 1853-55, East India Squadron, Chinese Coast Operations, Perry's Expedition to Japan (1st/2nd visits), Indian Ocean & Cape of Good Hope/Return Voyage.

TUSCARORA, Sloop, wooden screw steamship, 1861-80, Civil War, European and Atlantic waters, South Pacific Squadron, coasts of Central and South America, Caribbean, North Pacific Station.

UNITED STATES, Heavy frigate, sailing ship, 1841-44, Pacific Squadron.

VANDALIA, Sloop, sailing ship, 1853-55, Perry's Expedition to Japan (2nd visit), Taiping Rebellion.

VINCENNES, Sloop, sailing ship, 1853-56, Surveying Expedition to the North Pacific Ocean.

AIVIK, Yard patrol vessel, diesel-electric, converted commercial fishing trawler, 1942-44, Greenland patrol.

AKLAK, Yard patrol vessel, diesel-electric, converted commercial fishing ship, 1942-44, Greenland patrol.

ALATOK, Yard patrol vessel, steam, converted commercial fishing trawler, 1942-43, Greenland patrol.

AMAROK, Yard patrol vessel, diesel-electric, converted commercial fishing trawler, 1942-44, Greenland patrol.

ARLUK, Yard patrol vessel, diesel-electric, converted commercial fishing ship, 1942-44, Greenland patrol.

ATAK, Yard patrol vessel, diesel-electric, converted commercial fishing ship, 1942-44, Greenland patrol.

ATALANTA, Patrol vessel WPC-102, 165-foot Thetis-Class cutter, diesel engine, 1934-1950, based in Seattle with the Navy's Western Sea Frontier.

EDISTO, Icebreaker, diesel-electric (Wind-class), 1965-74, Greenland, Antarctica, Arctic, attempted North Polar circumnavigation (transferred in 1965 from US Navy).

GRANT, Cutter, three-masted steamship, 1871-1906, East coast of US, Alaskan waters, Spanish-American War service.

HUGH McCULLOCH or McCULLOCH, Cutter, barquentine-rigged steamship, 1897-1917, Spanish-American war service, West Coast of US, Alaskan waters.

LINCOLN, Cutter, fore topsail schooner-rigged steamship, 1865-1874, Alaskan waters.

MANNING, Cutter, brigantine-rigged steamship, 1898-1930, East and West Coasts of US, Alaskan waters, Spanish-American War and World War 1 service.

McCULLOCH, see HUGH McCULLOCH.

NANOK, Yard patrol vessel, diesel-electric, converted commercial fishing trawler, 1942-44, Greenland patrol.

NOGAK, Yard patrol vessel, diesel-electric, converted commercial fishing trawler, 1942-44, Greenland patrol.

NORTH STAR, Arctic supply ship converted to Cutter, 1 screw diesel engine, 1932-1949, Alaskan waters, Antarctica, Greenland Patrol.

OLIVER WOLCOTT or WOLCOTT, Cutter, steamship, 1873-1897, Alaskan waters.

RELIANCE, Cutter, topsail schooner, 1867-1874, Alaskan waters.

RUSH (I), Cutter, topsail schooner-rigged steamship, 1874-1884, Pacific coast of US, Alaskan waters.

RUSH (II), Cutter, topsail schooner-rigged steamship (rebuilt RUSH (I)), 1885-1912, Pacific and Alaskan waters.

SNOHOMISH, Tug, sea-going steamship, 1908-34, NW American waters, North Pacific, Alaskan waters.

SOUTHWIND, Diesel-electric icebreaker (Wind-class), 1944-45, Greenland waters, transferred to USSR, on return renamed USS ATKA, 1966-1974, returned to Coast Guard as SOUTHWIND.

STATEN ISLAND, Icebreaker, diesel-electric (Wind-class), 1966-74, Arctic, Alaskan waters, Antarctica, points in between (transferred in 1966 from US Navy).

TAHOMA (I), Cutter, triple expansion steamship, 1908-14, NE Pacific, Alaskan waters, Bering Sea.

TAHOMA (II), Cutter, turbine-driven steamship (A-class, 165-footer), 1934-55, Great Lakes, NW Atlantic escort duties in World War 2, US East Coast.

TALLAPOOSA, Cutter, steamship (Talapoosa-class), 1915-46, Nova Scotia waters, Gulf of Mexico, Bering Sea, Alaskan waters, Eastern seaboard.

WAYANDA (sometimes spelt Wawayanda), Cutter, steamship, 1863-1873, American Civil War, East and Southeast Coast of US, Alaskan waters.

WESTWIND, Icebreaker, diesel-electric (Wind-class), 1952-88, Eastern seaboard, Arctic, Antarctic, Greenland.

WOLCOTT, see OLIVER WOLCOTT.

DISCOVERER, Steamship, 1922-1941, Alaskan waters.

EXPLORER, Steamship, 1904-1939, Pacific.

FERDINAND R HASSLER or HASSLER, Steamship, 1871-1895, Pacific coast and Alaskan waters.

GEDNEY, see THOMAS R GEDNEY.

GUIDE, Steamship, 1923-1941, Pacific coast.

HASSLER,see FERDINAND R HASSLER.

HUMBOLDT, Schooner, 1885-1872, Pacific coast and Alaskan waters.

MCARTHUR, Steamship, 1876-1915, Alaskan waters.

SURVEYOR, Steamship, 1917-1956, North Pacific, Bering Sea, Alaskan waters.

TAKU, Steamship, 1898-1917, Alaskan waters.

THOMAS R GEDNEY or GEDNEY, Schooner-rigged steamship, 1875-1915, Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Alaskan waters.

WESTDAHL, Diesel launch, 1929-1946, Pacific coast, Alaskan waters.

WILDCAT, Steam launch, 1919-1941, Alaskan waters.


Sources

Sources

Sources

Most of the information and the images are from the US Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) official website, for which my grateful thanks. However, Conway's "All the World's Fighting Ships 1860-1905" and other sources have been referred to and some of the images are with thanks to Wikipedia. It is believed all the images are in the public domain. Links have been added to the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS) for all vessels and to the NHHC Photographic Site where images are available.

Most of the information and the images are from the US Coast Guard Historian's official website, for which my grateful thanks. It is believed all the images are in the public domain. Links have also been added to each cutter from the USCG Historian's site, some of which open as pdf's.

Most of the information and the images are from the NOAA History site, with additional details from Wikipedia, for which my grateful thanks. It is believed all the images are in the public domain. Links have also been added to each ship from the NOAA History site as well as Wikipedia, where available.


VESSELS of the UNITED STATES NAVY

United States Navy

The United States Navy recognizes 13 October 1775 as the date of its official establishment, when the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution creating the Continental Navy. With the end of the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Navy was disbanded. Under President George Washington, the Naval Act of 1794 created a permanent standing U.S. Navy. The history of the United States Navy divides into two major periods: the "Old Navy", a small but respected force of sailing ships that was also notable for innovation in the use of ironclads during the American Civil War, and the "New Navy", the result of a modernization effort that began in the 1880s and made it the largest in the world by the 1920s.

EARLY NAVAL SQUADRONS AND EXPEDITIONS IN SUMMARY
by date of establishment or expedition

Mediterranean Squadron (1801) - Protecting American shipping during and after the Barbary States Wars lasting from the 1780's to 1815. Renamed the European Squadron in 1865.

Pacific Squadron (1821) - Protecting American shipping and interests, and especially the whaling fleets, off the Pacific coast of North and South America, the Southern Pacific and around Hawaii. Other operations included the 1846-48 Mexican-American war and combating the slave trade. Became the Second Squadron of the Pacific Fleet in 1907.

West Indies Squadron (1822) - Combating piracy and the slave trade in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, also took part in the 1835-42 Second Seminole War. Combined with Home Squadron in 1842.

East India Squadron or East Indies Squadron (1835) - Protecting American shipping and interests in the Far East, including the Yangtse River. Other operations included the First (1839) and Second (1856-60) Opium Wars, anti-piracy operations and the opening-up of Japan (1846 and 1852-54). Became part of the Asiatic Squadron in 1868, which in turn became the First Squadron of the Pacific Fleet in 1907.

Home Squadron (1838) - Protecting Atlantic coastal waters, assist ships in distress, combat piracy and the slave trade, carry out coastal surveys, and train ships for overseas squadrons. Took part in the 1846-48 Mexican-American War. Discontinued in 1861

Other permanent Squadrons during this period were the Brazil (enforcement of Monroe Doctrine) and African (ban on slave trade).

Perry's Expedition to Japan (1852-54)

Perry Japanese ViewPerry

The expedition of Commodore Matthew C Perry (1794-1858) (above, and as seen by a Japanese artist) to open-up Japan to Western contact and trade, was made after a number of attempts by various countries had failed. His eventual success was due to his reliance on a sufficient show of strength and his knowledge of Japanese culture. Having departed Norfolk in November 1852 in the sidewheel steam frigate USS Mississippi and sailing via the Indian Ocean and Okinawa, he entered Tokyo Bay on the 8 July 1853 on board her, and accompanied by steam frigate USS Susquehanna (some sources have her as flagship with Perry on board her), and sailing sloops Saratoga and Plymouth. After great patience and skilful, but forceful diplomacy, Perry obtained agreement with the highest Imperial representatives to the drafting of a treaty of friendship and trade, and promised to return in the Spring of 1854 for the Japanese answer.

Arriving in Hong Kong in early August, he planned to winter there, but learning of possible Russian and French designs on Japan, sailed again in mid-January 1854 and entered Tokyo Bay on 11 February 1854 with steam frigates USS Mississippi, Susquehanna and Powhatan, sloops Macedonian, Saratoga and Vandalia, and storeships Lexington, Southampton and later Supply. The Japanese prevaricated for nearly a month, but on the 8 March, resumed discussions and agreed to open a harbor as a coaling station and refuge within five years. Perry pressed for the treaty, and wearing down the Japanese, obtained agreement on the 31st for two harbors to be opened, American shipwrecked sailors to be assisted and returned, American citizens to have freedom of movement within treaty ports, and for American-Japanese trade to be conducted in these ports. He left Japan on 28 June 1854. Some of the ships returned to the US, others remained on station with the Asiatic Squadron.

Perry Japanese 1854

Part of a Japanese account of the first visit - this section showing either USS Mississippi or Susquehanna.

Perry Japanese

Japanese print of Cdr Anan, Cdre Perry and Capt Henry Adam (Perry's second-in-command).

Perry 2nd Fleet

Cdre Perry "Bound for the East" (in some sources -"arriving on his second visit") - the ships are identified, left to right, as USS Princeton*, Vermont*, Alleghany*, St Mary's*, Macedonian, Vandalia, Plymouth, Saratoga, Mississippi (flagship), Susquehanna, Powhatan (*see below).

(Note: most online sources differ about which ships accompanied Commodore Perry on his two visits to Tokyo - believed to be four on the first occasion, and nine on the second.

The images do not help. In one of the four sections of the left hand one above, eight vessels are shown on the first visit. The right hand one, of the second visit (in some sources), also names eleven ships - four of which were nowhere near Japan at this time or at least did not enter Tokyo Bay, although they may have been scheduled to accompany the expedition(*). Hopefully transcribing the logs will help resolve this.)

Links: DANFS, Ships of Commodore Perry's Squadron

United States Surveying Expedition to the North Pacific Ocean (1853-56)

RodgersRinggold

In anticipation of Perry's success in opening up Japan, Congress authorised an expedition to survey the North Pacific Ocean, the Bering Strait, and the China Sea, sometimes called the Ringgold-Rodgers-Brooke Expedition, after the two captains, Commanders Cadwalader Ringgold (first above) and John Rodgers (second), and the astronomer Lieutenant John M Brooke. Ships taking part were sloop Vincennes (flagship), brig Porpoise, steamer John Hancock, ex-merchantman John P Kennedy and schooner Fenimore Cooper. The expedition departed Hampton Roads, Va on 11 June 1853 and returned to Brooklyn Navy Yard in July 1856. Commander Ringgold led the fleet, but in mid-1854, was relieved of command in Hong Kong by Commodore Perry, and Rodgers took over. In September 1854, as the ships continued their explorations, USS Porpoise parted company and was never seen again.

Taiping or T'ai Ping Rebellion (1850-64) - The major revolutionary war of 19th century China, when a Chinese Christian convert tried to overthrow the ruling Qing dynasty. Ships of the US Navy, including USS Vandalia protected American interests and property.

American Civil War (1861-65) - The bitterly-fought war, which included the momentous but inconclusive 1862 Battle of Hampton Roads between the ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (built on the hull of the partly-burnt USS Merrimac), the action between USS Kearsarge and the CSS Alabama, and the blockading duties of USS Ossipee.

Korean Expedition (1871) - An attempt to open-up Korea for trade, diplomacy and to aid shipwrecked seaman, led by Rear-Admiral Rodgers with ships USS Colorado, Alaska, Palos, Monocacy and Benicia. Korean forts fired on the US ships, American forces landed and captured several forts. Negotiations after the fighting failed, and did not start until 1882. Link: Naval Historical Foundation

Spanish Cuban crisis (1873) - During the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain, ex-Confederate vessel Virginius and its Cuban rebel crew were captured and several of them executed, including Americans and British. War between Spain and the USA was expected and a fleet including USS Alaska was assembled. Diplomatic efforts led to the freeing of the remaining prisoners.

Arctic Exploring Expedition under Lieutenant Commander George Washington DeLong (1879-81)

DeLong

An attempt to explore the polar regions in USS Jeannette by drifting with the pack-ice north of the Bering Straits. The ship was crushed by the ice and half the crew lost. USS Rodgers was lost by fire attempting to find her. Link: NHHC

VESSELS of the UNITED STATES REVENUE SERVICE/COAST GUARD

United States Revenue Cutter Service and Coast Guard

The Revenue Cutter Service was established by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton in 1790 as the Revenue Marine until July 1894, when it was renamed as the Revenue Cutter Service, to enforce maritime law in American waters. In 1915, the Revenue Cutter Service and the Life-saving Service were merged to form the Coast Guard. The Lighthouse Service was merged into the Coast Guard in 1939. In February 1942, the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard. It operated under the Department of the Treasury until 1967. The Coast Guard itself was moved to the Department of Transportation in 1967, and on 25 February 2003 it became part of the Department of Homeland Security. However, upon the declaration of war and when Congress so directs in the declaration, or when the President directs, the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Department of the Navy.

Until 1915, vessels of the Revenue Service were designated USRC - US Revenue Cutter. Thereafter as US Coast Guard Cutter - USCGC. The exceptions were in time of war when the Service(s) operated under the US Navy and then became USS. This included the Spanish-American War from 25 April to 12 August 1898, World War 1 from 1917 to 1919, and in World War 2.


The waters where many of the United States Revenue Cutter Service and Coast Guard ships served.

(Blank map courtesy https://www.abysse.co.jp/world-e/map/)

Map NE Pacific

VESSELS of the UNITED STATES COAST & GEODETIC SURVEY

United States Coast & Geodetic Survey - Outline

1807 - "Survey of the Coast" established by President Jefferson to survey the US coastline and draw nautical charts. Placed within the Department of Treasury, it was one of the first agencies of Government.

1818-32 - Transferred to the Department of the Navy before transferring back to Treasury in 1832. For much of its early history, survey ships were manned by Naval crews.

1836 - Renamed U.S. Coast Survey. By then and over the decades, duties included hydrography (surveying and charting seas, lakes and rivers), producing nautical charts, tidal predictions, and studying the Gulf Stream, reef systems and marine life.

1871 - Coast Survey authorized to carry out geodetic (land) surveys in the US interior.

1878 - Renamed Coast and Geodetic Survey to reflect role in geodesy.

1901 - C&GS established National Bureau of Standards.

1903 - Transferred to Commerce & Labour Department, and in 1913 to the Department of Commerce.

1917 - Commissioned Officers Corps established, later the NOAA Corps.

1965 - C&GS transferred to newly-formed Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA), later NOAA

1970 - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration established within the US Department of Commerce. C&GS reorganized into National Ocean Survey and National Geodetic Survey.


The waters where many of the United States Coast & Geodetic Survey ships served.

(Blank map courtesy https://www.abysse.co.jp/world-e/map/)

Map NE Pacific