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USS Isla de Luzon (1898-1920)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Isla de Luzon (1898-1920)

USS Isla de Luzon (1898-1920) was launched in 1887 by Sir W. G. Armstrong, Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, for the Spanish Navy. A captured prize of the Spanish-American War she commissioned in the United States Navy 31 January 1900, Comdr. J. V. B. Bleecker in command.

Operating out of Zamboanga, Philippine Islands, USS Isla de Luzon (1898-1920) supported naval and land operations against Philippine insurgents. She was a unit of the Southern Squadron that cut off the enemy supplies on Samar; assisted in the capture of Lukban, the insurgent leader in Samar, and the close blockade of the island, all of which contributed to final declaration of Armistice.

USS Isla de Luzon (1898-1920) was detached from the Asiatic Station 15 August 1902 when she departed Cavite for home. Following long custom, when she visited Muscat's picturesque harbor, members of her crew painted "Isla de Luzon" on the steep entrance cliff. In recent years this has been periodically refurbished by visiting ships of the U.S. Middle East Force Command. After transiting the Suez Canal and touching ports of the Mediterranean, USS Isla de Luzon (1898-1920) returned to Pensacola, Fla., 16 March 1903. She was attached to the Pensacola Navy Yard until 6 December when she was assigned duty with the Louisiana Navy Militia, and, subsequently, with the Illinois Naval Militia on the Great Lakes.

At the beginning of World War I, USS Isla de Luzon (1898-1920) was stationed at Chicago, as a training ship on the Great Lakes. She remained until 30 September 1918 when she arrived at Narragansett Bay for assignment to the Naval Torpedo Station for duty with the Seamen Gunner's Class. Following the installation of torpedo tubes, she was on range in the Bay from 13 November 1918 until 13 December 1918.

USS Isla de Luzon (1898-1920) decommissioned 15 February 1919 and was designated as yard craft of the Naval Torpedo Station, Newport, R.I., until her name was struck from the Navy List 23 July 1919.

For a complete history of USS Isla de Luzon (1898-1920) please see its DANFS page.