Naval History and Heritage Command

USS Helena (PG-9) was launched by the Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, Va., 30 January 1896; sponsored by Miss Agnes Belle Steele, daughter of the mayor of Helena, Montana; commissioned at New York Navy Yard 8 July 1897, Cmdr. W. T. Swinburne in command.

USS Helena (PG-9)'s first assignment was with the North Atlantic Fleet, cruising primarily in home waters. During the Spanish-American War, she stood by in Cuban waters, where she saw action several times. USS Helena (PG-9) sailed from Boston 3 November 1898, bound for duty on the Asiatic Station, via the Suez Canal, arriving Philippines 10 February 1899. On 21 May 1899 she was present at the evacuation of Jolo by the Spanish and the landing of American troops to replace them. During June she stood by with other vessels in Manila Bay to support the Army during its offensive south of Manila into Cavite Province.

USS Helena (PG-9) remained in the Far East for the rest of her naval service, engaged in protecting American lives and interests. She served in Chinese waters from October 1900 until December 1902, then returned to the-Philippines until March 1903 when she sailed back to the China coast. In December 1904, she moored once more at Cavite in the Philippines, where USS Helena (PG-9) was placed out of commission 19 April 1905.

USS Helena (PG-9) recommissioned 16 July 1906, and cruised on the Asiatic Station until June 1907. From that time on, with intervals for overhaul, USS Helena (PG-9) served both with the South China patrol and Yangtze River Patrol. She was placed in reduced commission 29 June 1929, but continued to serve on the South China Patrol until 27 May 1932 when she was decommissioned and struck from the Navy list. She was sold 7 July 1934.

For a complete history of USS Helena (PG-9) please see its DANFS page.