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Naval History and Heritage Command

National Museum of the U.S. Navy

Turkey

The yacht USS Scorpion served in Turkish waters and was the station ship at Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1908, later helping out Turkish earthquake victims in 1912.  During the Second Balkan War and the beginning of World War I, she continued to assist and protect American interests in the area.   Upon U.S. entry into the war, she was interned at Constantinople, while also assisting British prisoners of war (POWs) and personnel.    Rear Admiral Mark L. Bristol, USN, was appointed as High Commissioner to Turkey and the Senior U.S. Naval Officer in Turkish Waters.    Scorpion became his flagship and dispatch vessel until the end of the war. 

Image:  NH 108722:  USS Scorpion (PY-3) before Sultan's Palace in Constantinople.   U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.