Procyon I (AG-11)
A first-magnitude star in the constellation Canis Minor.
I
Procyon (AG-11) was built in 1919 by the American International SB Corp., Hog Island, Pa. and launched as SS Shaume; taken over by the Navy 8 November 1921 from the U.S. Shipping Board, under executive order of 29 October 1921; and commissioned 30 November 1921, Lt. Bertram David in command.
Procyon served as flagship of Commander Fleet Base Force, U.S. Battle Fleet, until she decommissioned 1 April 1931. Inspected by the State Education Department of New York, she was found suitable for use as a Merchant Marine Academy training vessel; and, by request of Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, she was renamed Empire State (IX-38) and turned over to the State of New York 15 July 1931. She served as a school ship for the Academy until 11 April 1940, when she was transfered to the Maritime Commission for disposal.
