Hobcaw (S.P. 252)
1917-1918
The Navy retained the name carried by this vessel at the time of her acquisition.
(S.P. 252: displacement 19; length 52'6"; beam 12'6"; draft 2'6"; speed 8 knots; armament 1 1-pounder)
Hobcaw, a motor boat, was built by L. B. Newman of Long Branch, N.Y., in 1907, and acquired by the Navy from her owner, B. M. Baruche of New York City, on 27 August 1917. She was commissioned at Georgetown, S.C., on 10 September 1917, Ens. B. T. Daggett in command.
Assigned to the Sixth Naval District, Hobcaw patrolled the waters of Winyah Bay, S.C., based at Charleston, until transferred to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. Arriving at her new duty station on 1 August 1918, Hobcaw acted as a towing boat and transported passengers until entering the Charleston Navy Yard for repairs on 19 September 1918.
Hobcaw was returned to her owner and stricken from the Navy Register on 18 November 1918, one week after the Armistice ended the Great War.
Updated, Robert J. Cressman
15 October 2020
