East Hampton (S.P. 573)
1917-1919
The Navy retained the name carried by this vessel at the time of her acquisition.
(S.P. 573: registered tonnage 407 (gross); length 162'9"; beam 26'6"; speed 12.5 knots (trial); complement 37; armament 1 3-pounder)
The single-screw fishing trawler East Hampton was built in 1913 at Rockland, Maine, by Cobb & Butler; purchased by the Navy on 18 April 1917 from the Trident Fisheries Co. of Portland, Maine; assigned the identification number S.P. 573 and classified as a minesweeper; and commissioned on 8 May 1917, Lt. John O'Brien, USNRF, in command.
Assigned to the First Naval District East Hampton was employed in minesweeping and patrol, icebreaking and general towing. During June-August 1918 she escorted submarine chasers to Bermuda and the Azores, then resumed duty in the First Naval District. In January 1919 she was fitted out as a lightship, serving in that capacity at Middle Bank and Stellwagon Bank until May.
Decommissioned on 2 December 1919, East Hampton was sold on 14 June 1920 to the C.E. Davis Packing Co. of Fleeton, Virginia.
Updated, Robert J. Cressman
22 February 2022
