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USS Hannibal (AG-1)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Hannibal (AG-1)

USS Hannibal (AG-1), a converted steamer, was built as Joseph Holland by J. Blumer & Co., Sunderland, England, in 1898; purchased by the Navy 16 April 1898; renamed Hannibal; and commissioned 7 June, Comdr. H. G. Colby in command.

From June 1898 to May 1908 USS Hannibal (AG-1) served in the Collier Service along the Atlantic coast. After an overhaul in 1908, she continued in the Collier Service with her base in New England for nearly 3 years, USS Hannibal (AG-1) deicommissioned 15 August 1911. She recommissioned 16 October 1911 and was assigned to the U.S. Survey Squadron to make depth soundings and surveys in preparation for the opening of the Panama Canal. Hydrographic surveys continued in the Caribbean until 1917, including operations in Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Cuba.

With the advent of World War I, USS Hannibal (AG-1) operated with the Patrol Force of the Atlantic Fleet. After an overhaul in early 1918, she became a tender to submarine chasers at Plymouth, England. USS Hannibal (AG-1) served in English waters until December, when she sailed for the Azores via Gibraltar as a sub-chaser escort. In early 1919 she resumed sub-tender duties, and visited England, France, and Portugal returning to the United States in August

USS Hannibal (AG-1) remained in reserve at Philadelphia until 9 February 1921, when she sailed for Cuba to resume survey operations which lasted until 1930. During the next decade USS Hannibal (AG-1) surveyed waters near Trinidad, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and the Canal Zone. During World War II she operated out of Norfolk in the Chesapeake Bay degaussing range. USS Hannibal (AG-1) decommissioned 20 August 1944 and was sunk as a bombing target March 1945.

For a complete history of USS Hannibal (AG-1) please see its DANFS page.