USC&GS Explorer (1904)

The first USC&GS Explorer was a steamer that served as a survey ship in the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey from 1904 to 1939 except for a brief time in United States Navy service from 1918 to 1919 for patrol duty in Alaskan waters as USS Explorer during World War I. After initial service along the United States East Coast and off Puerto Rico, the ship transferred to Seattle, Washington in 1907 to begin survey work in Alaskan waters during summer and more southern waters along the United States West Coast in winter. On her return from the Navy in 1919, the ship was condemned and due to be sold but instead was retained as a survey vessel into the fall of 1939. After a stint with the National Youth Administration from 1939 to 1941, she saw service during World War II with the United States Army Corps of Engineers as the freight and supply ship Atkins (FS 237).

USC&GS Explorer
History
United States
NameExplorer
NamesakeExplorer, a person who engages in the process of exploration, an activity which has some expectation of discovery
OperatorUnited States Coast and Geodetic Survey
BuilderPusey & Jones, Wilmington, Delaware
Yard number316
Completed1904
Acquired30 November 1904
Commissioned29 December 1904
Identification
  • GVWJ
FateTransferred to United States Navy 3 June 1918
Acquired31 March 1919 (returned by U.S. Navy)
RecommissionedFebruary 1920
DecommissionedFall 1939
FateTransferred to National Youth Administration 1939
United States
NameExplorer
NamesakePrevious name retained
OperatorUnited States Navy
Acquired22 May 1918
Commissioned3 June 1918
Decommissioned31 March 1919
FateReturned to U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey 31 March 1919
NotesOperated as patrol vessel
United States
NameExplorer
NamesakePrevious name retained
OperatorNational Youth Administration
Acquired1939
FateAcquired by United States Army 1941
United States
NameAtkins (FS 237)
OperatorUnited States Army
Acquired1941
NotesClassified as "freight and supply ship" (FS); operated by United States Army Corps of Engineers as survey ship
General characteristics
(as Coast and Geodetic Survey survey ship in 1904)
TypeSurvey ship
Tonnage335 GRT
Displacement450 tons
Length
Beam27 ft (8.2 m)
Draft8 ft 7.5 in (2.6 m) mean at 450 ton displacement
Depth14 ft 6.5 in (4.4 m)
PropulsionSteam engine, one shaft
Sail planSchooner rig
Speed10.3 knots (19.1 km/h; 11.9 mph)
Crew43 (7 officers, 36 men)
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