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USS Ericsson (TB-2)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Ericsson (TB-2)

USS Ericsson, (TB-2), was launched 12 May 1894 by Iowa Iron Works, Dubuque, Iowa; sponsored by Miss Carrie Kiene; and commissioned 18 February 1897, Lieutenant N. R. Usher in command.

On 18 May 1897, USS Ericsson, (TB-2) arrived at Newport, R.I., her home port. Through the summer months, she cruised New England waters for trials and training, instructing regular and reserve officers in torpedo tactics. USS Ericsson, (TB-2) left Newport 18 September 1897 for a cruise to Annapolis, Norfolk, Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, and several ports in Florida, arriving at Key West on the last day of the year. This was to be her base for operations in the Caribbean during the next 7 months.

As war with Spain approached, USS Ericsson, (TB-2) patrolled the Florida Keys, intensified her training operations, and carried messages for the increasing number of the fleet present in the area. USS Ericsson, (TB-2) continued this duty after the opening of the war, then on 22 April 1898 began a blockade patrol between Havana and Key West.

USS Ericsson, (TB-2) patrolled off Cuba through mid-August 1898, and on 23 August arrived at New York, where she was decommissioned 21 September 1898 and laid up. In December 1900, she was returned to commission, still in reserve, then sailed for Norfolk, where on 6 March 1901 she was assigned to the Reserve Torpedo Flotilla. In October 1908, she moved to Charleston Navy Yard, where she was decommissioned 5 April 1912. She was sunk in ordnance tests.

For a complete history of USS Ericsson, (TB-2) please see its DANFS page.