Nightingale II (S. P. 523)
(SP-523: dp. 14; l. 46'; b. 16'; dr. TO"; s. 13.9 k.; cpl. 11; a. I 1-pdr., 1 mg.)
Any of several small European thrushes noted for sweet nocturnal song.
II
Nightingale, a motorboat built by C. W. Ferguson, Groton, Conn., was acquired by the Navy from J. L. Hubbard, Groton, 11 June 1917 and commissioned 29 June 1917 at Newport, Ens. Franklin Farrel in command.
Operating in the 2nd Naval District, and based at Newport, R.I. during World War I, Nightingale patrolled the experimental submarine zone off New London throughout the fall, inspecting commercial vessels for district licenses and alternating duties with Magistrate (S. P. 143), patrolling the harbor entrance. On special duty 18 September, she maneuvered with a Chilean sub off Fishers Island. Continuing patrol duty, Nightingale directed all commercial traffic from the experimental zone 31 October, shifting station to Fishers Island Sound 11 November. Relieved by Daraga (S. P. 43) the 13th, she thereafter alternated duties with Daraga off New London, Fishers Island, and Stonington, Conn., and later with Magistrate (S. P. 143) and Kingfisher (S. P. 76).
Nightingale continued on patrol until 8 September 1919 when she was placed out of service. She was sold to G. A. Ford Yachts Agency, New York City 15 December 1919.
