USS California (SP-647)

USS California (SP-647) – later known as USS SP-647 – was originally a motorboat used by the San Francisco Bar Pilots Association as a pilot boat. She was leased by the Navy, and outfitted as an armed section patrol craft, assigned to patrol and protect San Francisco harbor. At war's end, she was returned to the pilot's association.

A California pilot boat

California, a 58' 2" motorboat, was built in 1910 at San Francisco, California, for local employment as a pilot boat. She was leased from the San Francisco Bar Pilot's Association and commissioned in the Navy as USS California (SP-647) on 28 April 1917.

World War I service

The fourth ship to be so named by the U.S. Navy, California (No. 647), served Section Patrol duties during the war. Later renamed USS SP-647, the motor boat performed harbor patrol duties and acted as guard boat for Pier 29 at San Francisco until 23 November 1918

Decommissioning

California (No. 647) was returned to the San Francisco Bar Pilot's Association on 23 November 1918.

Additional photos

The San Francisco Maritime Museum, located in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, holds additional photographs of the pilot boat California in its Livingston Collection.

USS California (SP-647)

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