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{{use dmy dates |date=June 2013}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
|+USS ''West Apaum'' (ID-3221)
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=[[File:USS West Apaum (ID-3221).jpg|300px|''West Apaum'' painted in [[dazzle camouflage]] during sea trials on 20 June 1918]]
|Ship image=[[File:USS West Apaum (ID-3221).jpg|300px|''West Apaum'' painted in [[dazzle camouflage]] during sea trials on 20 June 1918]]
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|Ship country=
|Ship country=
|Ship flag={{USN flag|1919}}
|Ship flag={{USN flag|1919}}
|Ship name=''West Apaum''
|Ship name=
|Ship namesake=
|Ship namesake=
|Ship owner=[[United States Shipping Board]]
|Ship owner=[[United States Shipping Board]]
|Ship operator=<div>
|Ship operator=
* 1918–1919: United States Navy, as USS ''West Apaum''
|Ship builder=[[Skinner & Eddy]]<br>[[Seattle, Washington]]
|Ship builder=[[Skinner & Eddy]]<br>[[Seattle, Washington]]
|Ship yard number=23<ref name=Colton>{{cite web | last = Colton | first = Tim | url = http://shipbuildinghistory.com/history/shipyards/4emergency/wwone/skinnereddy.htm | title = Skinner & Eddy, Seattle WA | work = Shipbuildinghistory.com | publisher = The Colton Company | date = | accessdate = 2008-09-01 }}</ref>
|Ship yard number=23<ref name=Colton>{{cite web |last=Colton |first=Tim |url=http://shipbuildinghistory.com/history/shipyards/4emergencylarge/wwone/skinnereddy.htm |title=Skinner & Eddy, Seattle WA |website=Shipbuilding History |publisher=The Colton Company |accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref>
|Ship laid down=19 March 1918<ref name=S&E>{{cite journal | author = Skinner & Eddy | title = Consistent Building Record | format = display advertisement | journal = Pacific Marine Review | location = [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]] | publisher = J. S. Hines | year = 1918 | month = October | page = 143 | oclc = 2449383 }}</ref>
|Ship laid down=19 March 1918<ref name=S&E>{{cite journal |author=Skinner & Eddy |title=Consistent Building Record |url=http://archive.org/stream/pacificmarinerev1518paci#page/n889/mode/2up |type=display advertisement |journal=Pacific Marine Review |location=San Francisco |publisher=J. S. Hines |date=October 1918 |page=143 |oclc=2449383}}</ref>
|Ship launched=23 May 1918<ref name=S&E />
|Ship launched=23 May 1918<ref name=S&E />
|Ship completed=19 June 1918<ref name=S&E />
|Ship completed=19 June 1918<ref name=S&E />
|Ship acquired=20 June 1918<ref name=NHC-photo>{{cite web | title = ''West Apaum'' (American Freighter, 1918) | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-civil/civsh-w/w-apaum.htm | author = [[Naval Historical Center]] | work = Online Library of Selected Images: Civilian Ships | publisher = Naval Historical Center, Navy Department | date = 14 March 2004 | accessdate = 2008-09-01 }}</ref>
|Ship acquired=20 June 1918<ref name=NHC-photo>{{cite web |title=''West Apaum'' (American Freighter, 1918) |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-civil/civsh-w/w-apaum.htm |work=Online Library of Selected Images: Civilian Ships | publisher=[[Naval Historical Center]], Navy Department |date=14 March 2004 |accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref>
|Ship commissioned=20 June 1918<ref name=DANFS>{{cite DANFS | author = Naval Historical Center | title = West Apaum | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/w5/west_apaum.htm | short = on }}</ref>
|Ship commissioned=20 June 1918<ref name=DANFS>{{cite DANFS |title=West Apaum |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/w5/west_apaum.htm}}</ref>
|Ship decommissioned=25 July 1919<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship decommissioned=25 July 1919<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship identification={{IMO Number|2216500}}<ref name=Miramar>{{cite web | url =http://www.miramarshipindex.org.nz/ship/list?search_op=OR&IDNo=2216500| title = West Apaum | work = Miramar Ship Index | publisher = R.B.Haworth | accessdate = 2008-09-01 }}</ref>
|Ship identification={{IMO Number|2216500}}<ref name=Miramar>{{csr |register=MSI |id=2216500 |shipname=West Apaum |accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref>
|Ship fate=abandoned, scrapped, 1933<ref name=Miramar />
|Ship fate=abandoned, scrapped, 1933<ref name=Miramar />
}}
}}
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|Ship tonnage={{GRT|5,537|first=short}}<ref name=Miramar />
|Ship tonnage={{GRT|5,537|first=short}}<ref name=Miramar />
|Ship displacement=12,226 t<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship displacement=12,226 t<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship length={{convert|409|ft|5|in|m|abbr=on}} ([[length between perpendiculars|LPP]])<ref name=Miramar /><br>{{convert|423|ft|9|in|m|abbr=on}} ([[length overall|overall]])<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship length={{convert|409|ft|5|in|m|abbr=on}} ([[length between perpendiculars|LPP]])<ref name=Miramar /><br />{{convert|423|ft|9|in|m|abbr=on}} ([[length overall|LOA]])<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship beam={{convert|54|ft|0|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship beam={{convert|54|ft|0|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship hold depth={{convert|29|ft|9|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship hold depth={{convert|29|ft|9|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship draft={{convert|22|ft|2.25|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship draft={{convert|22|ft|2.25|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship propulsion=1 × [[triple-expansion steam engine]],<ref name=Miramar /> {{convert|2700|hp|abbr=on}}
|Ship propulsion=1 × [[triple-expansion steam engine]],<ref name=Miramar /> {{convert|2700|hp|abbr=on}}
|Ship speed={{convert|10.5|knots|km/h}} (1918)<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship speed={{convert|10.5|kn}} (1918)<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship capacity=
|Ship capacity=
|Ship complement=81<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship complement=81<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship crew=
|Ship crew=
|Ship armament=1 × {{convert|4|in|mm|adj=on}} gun<br>1 × {{convert|3|in|mm|adj=on}} gun<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship armament=1 × {{convert|4|in|mm|abbr=on}} gun<br />1 × {{convert|3|in|mm|abbr=on}} gun<ref name=DANFS />
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
|}
|}


'''USS ''West Apaum'' (ID-3221)''' was a [[cargo ship]] in the [[United States Navy]] during [[World War I]]. She had been built as '''SS ''West Apaum''''' for the [[United States Shipping Board]] (<small>USSB</small>) as part of the ''West'' boats, a series of steel-[[hull (watercraft)|hull]]ed cargo ships built on the [[West Coast of the United States]].
'''USS ''West Apaum'' (ID-3221)''' was a [[cargo ship]] in the [[United States Navy]] during [[World War I]]. She had been built as '''SS ''West Apaum''''' for the [[United States Shipping Board]] (USSB) as part of the ''West'' boats, a series of steel-[[hull (watercraft)|hull]]ed cargo ships built on the [[West Coast of the United States]].


''West Apaum'' sailed on three voyages for the U.S. Navy, two after the [[Armistice with Germany|Armistice]], before she was decommissioned in July 1919. Though little is available regarding ''West Apaum''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s civilian career, it is known that she was sailing on a [[New York City|New York]] – [[Rotterdam]] route in early 1927. By early 1929, ''West Apaum'' had been laid up by the <small>USSB</small>, which abandoned her in 1933. The cargo ship was scrapped in the second quarter of that same year.
''West Apaum'' sailed on three voyages for the US Navy, two after the [[Armistice with Germany|Armistice]], before she was decommissioned in July 1919. Though little is available regarding ''West Apaum''{{'}}s civilian career, it is known that she was sailing on a [[New York City|New York]] – [[Rotterdam]] route in early 1927. By early 1929, ''West Apaum'' had been laid up by the USSB, which abandoned her in 1933. The cargo ship was scrapped in the second quarter of that same year.


== Design and construction ==
== Design and construction ==
The ''West'' ships were [[cargo ship]]s of similar size and design built by several shipyards on the [[West Coast of the United States]] for the [[United States Shipping Board]] (<small>USSB</small>) for emergency use during [[World War I]]. All were given names that began with the word ''West'', like ''West Apaum'',<ref name=CW-358>Crowell and Wilson, pp. 358–59.</ref> one of some 24 ''West'' ships built by [[Skinner & Eddy]] of [[Seattle, Washington]].<ref name=Colton /><ref group=Note>Skinner & Eddy was an emergency shipyard that only operated from 1916 until about 1920.</ref>
The ''West'' ships were cargo ships of similar size and design built by several shipyards on the [[West Coast of the United States]] for the United States Shipping Board for emergency use during [[World War I]]. All were given names that began with the word ''West'', like ''West Apaum'',<ref name=CW-358>Crowell and Wilson, pp. 358–59.</ref> one of some 24 ''West'' ships built by [[Skinner & Eddy]] of [[Seattle, Washington]].<ref name=Colton /><ref group=Note>Skinner & Eddy was an emergency shipyard that only operated from 1916 until about 1920.</ref>


''West Apaum'' (Skinner & Eddy No. 23, <small>USSB</small> No. 88)<ref name=Colton /> was [[keel laying|laid down]] on 19 March 1918, [[ship naming and launching|launched]] on 23 May, and delivered to the [[United States Navy]] upon completion on 19 June.<ref name=DANFS /><ref name=Miramar /> ''West Apaum'' was built in a total of 78 working days,<ref name=NHC-photo /> 92 calendar days,<ref name=Hurley>Hurley, pp. 92–93.</ref> and was tied with three other ships for tenth place on a list of the ten fastest constructed ocean-going vessels compiled in 1920.<ref name=Hurley /><ref group=Note>The other three ships tied for tenth-fastest were {{USS|West Alsek|ID-3119|2}} and {{USS|West Gotomska|ID-3322|2}}—both also constructed by [[Skinner & Eddy]], and ''Lake Gardner''. See: Hurley, p. 93.</ref> Skinner & Eddy received a $25,000 bonus for completing the ship early.<ref>[[United States House of Representatives]], Select Committee on U. S. Shipping Board Operations, p. 624.</ref>
''West Apaum'' (Skinner & Eddy No. 23, USSB No. 88)<ref name=Colton /> was [[keel laying|laid down]] on 19 March 1918, [[ship naming and launching|launched]] on 23 May, and delivered to the Navy]] upon completion on 19 June.<ref name=DANFS /><ref name=Miramar /> ''West Apaum'' was built in a total of 78 working days,<ref name=NHC-photo /> 92 calendar days,<ref name=Hurley>Hurley, pp. 92–93.</ref> and was tied with three other ships for tenth place on a list of the ten fastest constructed ocean-going vessels compiled in 1920.<ref name=Hurley /><ref group=Note>The other three ships tied for tenth-fastest were {{USS|West Alsek|ID-3119|2}} and {{USS|West Gotomska|ID-3322|2}}—both also constructed by [[Skinner & Eddy]], and ''Lake Gardner''. See: Hurley, p. 93.</ref> Skinner & Eddy received a $25,000 bonus for completing the ship early.<ref>[[United States House of Representatives]], Select Committee on U. S. Shipping Board Operations, p. 624.</ref>


The ship was {{GRT|5,537|first=yes}},<ref name=Miramar /> and was {{convert|409|ft|5|in|m}} long ([[length between perpendiculars|between perpendiculars]]) and {{convert|54|ft|m|1}} [[beam (nautical)|abeam]]. ''West Apaum'' had a steel [[hull (watercraft)|hull]] and a [[mean]] [[draft (hull)|draft]] of {{convert|22|ft|2.25|in|m}}.<ref name=DANFS /> She [[displacement (ship)|displaced]] 12,226 t,<ref name=DANFS /> and had a [[deadweight tonnage]] of {{DWT|8,800}}.<ref name=S&E /> The ship had a single [[triple-expansion steam engine]] powered by three [[coal]]-fired [[boiler]]s that drove her single [[screw propeller]], and moved the ship at a {{convert|10.5|knots|km/h|adj=on}} pace.<ref name=Miramar />
The ship was {{GRT|5,537|first=yes}},<ref name=Miramar /> and was {{convert|409|ft|5|in|m}} long ([[length between perpendiculars|between perpendiculars]]) and {{convert|54|ft|m|1}} [[beam (nautical)|abeam]]. ''West Apaum'' had a steel hull and a [[mean]] [[draft (hull)|draft]] of {{convert|22|ft|2.25|in|m}}.<ref name=DANFS /> She [[displacement (ship)|displaced]] 12,226 t,<ref name=DANFS /> and had a [[deadweight tonnage]] of {{DWT|8,800}}.<ref name=S&E /> The ship had a single [[triple-expansion steam engine]] powered by three [[coal]]-fired [[boiler]]s that drove her single [[screw propeller]], and moved the ship at a {{convert|10.5|knots|km/h|adj=on}} pace.<ref name=Miramar />


== Military career ==
== Military career ==
USS ''West Apaum'' (ID-3221) was [[ship commissioning|commissioned]] into the [[Naval Overseas Transportation Service]] (<small>NOTS</small>) on 20 June 1918 with [[Lieutenant Commander (United States)|Lieutenant Commander]] J. S. Gibson, [[United States Naval Reserve Forces|USNRF]], in command.<ref name=DANFS />
USS ''West Apaum'' (ID-3221) was [[ship commissioning|commissioned]] into the [[Naval Overseas Transportation Service]] (NOTS) on 20 June 1918 with [[Lieutenant Commander (United States)|Lieutenant Commander]] J. S. Gibson, [[United States Naval Reserve Forces|USNRF]], in command.<ref name=DANFS />


''West Apaum'' departed [[Bremerton, Washington]], on 27 June for [[Arica]], [[Chile]], to take on a cargo of nitrates for the United States. Sailing from there via the [[Panama Canal]], ''West Apaum'' arrived at [[Savannah, Georgia]], on 9 September. From there she sailed for [[Hampton Roads, Virginia]], where she arrived on 10 October. Eight days later, loaded with [[rolling stock]], steel [[Rail tracks|rails]], and other general cargo for the [[United States Army]], the cargo ship sailed for France. Delayed at [[City of Halifax|Halifax]] for repairs to her damaged propeller, ''West Apaum'' finally entered the harbor at [[La Pallice (harbour)|La Pallice]] on 22 November, 11 days after the [[Armistice with Germany|Armistice]].<ref name=DANFS />
''West Apaum'' departed [[Bremerton, Washington]], on 27 June for [[Arica]], [[Chile]], to take on a cargo of nitrates for the United States. Sailing from there via the [[Panama Canal]], ''West Apaum'' arrived at [[Savannah, Georgia]], on 9 September. From there she sailed for [[Hampton Roads, Virginia]], where she arrived on 10 October. Eight days later, loaded with [[rolling stock]], steel [[Rail tracks|rails]], and other general cargo for the [[United States Army]], the cargo ship sailed for France. Delayed at [[City of Halifax|Halifax]] for repairs to her damaged propeller, ''West Apaum'' finally entered the harbor at [[La Pallice (harbour)|La Pallice]] on 22 November, 11 days after the [[Armistice with Germany|Armistice]].<ref name=DANFS />


''West Apaum'' unloaded her railroad goods, loaded {{convert|2214|LT|t}} of Army cargo, and headed for the United States on 13 December. She arrived at Hampton Roads on 3 January 1919. ''West Apaum'' made two more voyages to France under Navy control. On her final voyage, she carried airplane materials to France and returned {{convert|5000|LT|t}} of Army [[Ammunition#Ordnance ammunition|ordnance]] to [[New York City|New York]] on 11 July. On 25 July, ''West Apaum'' was decommissioned and returned to the <small>USSB</small>.<ref name=DANFS />
''West Apaum'' unloaded her railroad goods, loaded {{convert|2214|LT|t}} of Army cargo, and headed for the United States on 13 December. She arrived at Hampton Roads on 3 January 1919. ''West Apaum'' made two more voyages to France under Navy control. On her final voyage, she carried airplane materials to France and returned {{convert|5000|LT|t}} of Army [[Ammunition#Ordnance ammunition|ordnance]] to [[New York City|New York]] on 11 July. On 25 July, ''West Apaum'' was decommissioned and returned to the USSB.<ref name=DANFS />


== Civilian career ==
== Civilian career ==
Little is known about ''West Apaum''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s subsequent civilian career. In the first quarter of 1927, it is known that ''West Apaum'' was sailing on a New York – [[Rotterdam]] route.<ref>{{cite news | title = Movements of steamships | work = The Washington Post | date = 21 January 1927 | page = 8 }} {{cite news | title = Movements of steamships | work = The Washington Post | date = 1 April 1927 | page = 12 }}</ref> While in this service, ''[[The New York Times]]'', in one of just a few mentions the ship received in contemporary news coverage, reported on the transfer of one of ''West Apaum''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew members to the [[United States Lines]] ocean liner {{SS|Republic|1917|2}} at sea. The crewman had fallen into an open [[Trapdoor|hatch]]way and had fractured his skull. The two ships, located some {{convert|200|nmi|km}} west of New York, came within a quarter-mile {{convert|0.25|nmi|km}} of each other and the injured man was loaded on to a boat from ''Republic'' in the heavy seas. The crewman, though successfully transferred to ''Republic'', died several hours later.<ref>{{cite news | title = Sick man picked up at sea | work = The New York Times | date = 6 January 1927 | page = 28 }} {{cite news | title = Tells Legion plans for Paris meeting | work = The New York Times | date = 8 January 1927 | page = 8 }}</ref>
Little is known about ''West Apaum''{{'}}s subsequent civilian career. In the first quarter of 1927, it is known that ''West Apaum'' was sailing on a New York – [[Rotterdam]] route.<ref>{{cite news |title=Movements of steamships |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=21 January 1927 |page=8}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Movements of steamships |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=1 April 1927 |page=12}}</ref> While in this service, ''[[The New York Times]]'', in one of just a few mentions the ship received in contemporary news coverage, reported on the transfer of one of ''West Apaum''{{'}}s crew members to the [[United States Lines]] ocean liner {{SS|Republic|1917|2}} at sea. The crewman had fallen into an open [[Trapdoor|hatch]]way and had fractured his skull. The two ships, located some {{convert|200|nmi}} west of New York, came within {{convert|1/4|mi|km}} of each other and the injured man was loaded on to a boat from ''Republic'' in the heavy seas. The crewman, though successfully transferred to ''Republic'', died several hours later.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sick man picked up at sea |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=6 January 1927 |page=28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Tells Legion plans for Paris meeting |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=8 January 1927 |page=8}}</ref>


By early 1929, ''West Apaum'' had been laid up, and was under consideration by the <small>USSB</small> for the installation of [[pulverized coal-fired boiler]]s for testing purposes,<ref>{{cite news | title = Plan pulverized coal on more freighters | work = The New York Times | date = 13 March 1928 | page = 59 }}</ref> but lost out on the honor to {{SS|West Alsek||2}}.<ref name=NYT-wa_to_get>{{cite news | title = West Alsek to get coal pulverizers | work = [[The New York Times]] | date = 21 February 1929 | page = 55 }}</ref> No further information on ''West Apaum''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s career is available, but it is known that she was abandoned by the <small>USSB</small> in 1933,<ref name=DANFS /> and scrapped in the second quarter of that year.<ref name=Miramar />
By early 1929, ''West Apaum'' had been laid up, and was under consideration by the USSB for the installation of [[pulverized coal-fired boiler]]s for testing purposes,<ref>{{cite news |title=Plan pulverized coal on more freighters |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60B17FD3559127A93C1A81788D85F4C8285F9 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=13 March 1928 |page=59 |subscription=yes}}</ref> but lost out on the honor to {{SS|West Alsek||2}}.<ref name=NYT-wa_to_get>{{cite news |title=West Alsek to get coal pulverizers |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20814F83E5A167A93C3AB1789D85F4D8285F9 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=21 February 1929 |page=55 |subscription=yes}}</ref> No further information on ''West Apaum''{{'}}s career is available, but it is known that she was abandoned by the USSB in 1933,<ref name=DANFS /> and scrapped in the second quarter of that year.<ref name=Miramar />


== Notes ==
== Notes ==

Revision as of 14:35, 11 June 2013

USS West Apaum (ID-3221)
West Apaum painted in dazzle camouflage during sea trials on 20 June 1918
West Apaum painted in dazzle camouflage during sea trials on 20 June 1918
History
OwnerUnited States Shipping Board
Builderlist error: <br /> list (help)
Skinner & Eddy
Seattle, Washington
Yard number23[3]
Laid down19 March 1918[2]
Launched23 May 1918[2]
Completed19 June 1918[2]
Acquired20 June 1918[4]
Commissioned20 June 1918[5]
Decommissioned25 July 1919[5]
IdentificationIMO number: 2216500[1]
Fateabandoned, scrapped, 1933[1]
General characteristics
TypeDesign 1013 ship
Tonnage5,537 GRT GRT uses unsupported parameter (help)[1]
Displacement12,226 t[5]
Lengthlist error: <br /> list (help)
409 ft 5 in (124.79 m) (LPP)[1]
423 ft 9 in (129.16 m) (LOA)[5]
Beam54 ft 0 in (16.46 m)[5]
Draft22 ft 2.25 in (6.7628 m)[5]
Depth of hold29 ft 9 in (9.07 m)[5]
Propulsion1 × triple-expansion steam engine,[1] 2,700 hp (2,000 kW)
Speed10.5 knots (19.4 km/h; 12.1 mph) (1918)[5]
Complement81[5]
Armamentlist error: <br /> list (help)
1 × 4 in (100 mm) gun
1 × 3 in (76 mm) gun[5]

USS West Apaum (ID-3221) was a cargo ship in the United States Navy during World War I. She had been built as SS West Apaum for the United States Shipping Board (USSB) as part of the West boats, a series of steel-hulled cargo ships built on the West Coast of the United States.

West Apaum sailed on three voyages for the US Navy, two after the Armistice, before she was decommissioned in July 1919. Though little is available regarding West Apaum's civilian career, it is known that she was sailing on a New York – Rotterdam route in early 1927. By early 1929, West Apaum had been laid up by the USSB, which abandoned her in 1933. The cargo ship was scrapped in the second quarter of that same year.

Design and construction

The West ships were cargo ships of similar size and design built by several shipyards on the West Coast of the United States for the United States Shipping Board for emergency use during World War I. All were given names that began with the word West, like West Apaum,[6] one of some 24 West ships built by Skinner & Eddy of Seattle, Washington.[3][Note 1]

West Apaum (Skinner & Eddy No. 23, USSB No. 88)[3] was laid down on 19 March 1918, launched on 23 May, and delivered to the Navy]] upon completion on 19 June.[5][1] West Apaum was built in a total of 78 working days,[4] 92 calendar days,[7] and was tied with three other ships for tenth place on a list of the ten fastest constructed ocean-going vessels compiled in 1920.[7][Note 2] Skinner & Eddy received a $25,000 bonus for completing the ship early.[8]

The ship was 5,537 GRT GRT uses unsupported parameter (help),[1] and was 409 feet 5 inches (124.79 m) long (between perpendiculars) and 54 feet (16.5 m) abeam. West Apaum had a steel hull and a mean draft of 22 feet 2.25 inches (6.7628 m).[5] She displaced 12,226 t,[5] and had a deadweight tonnage of 8,800 DWT.[2] The ship had a single triple-expansion steam engine powered by three coal-fired boilers that drove her single screw propeller, and moved the ship at a 10.5-knot (19.4 km/h) pace.[1]

Military career

USS West Apaum (ID-3221) was commissioned into the Naval Overseas Transportation Service (NOTS) on 20 June 1918 with Lieutenant Commander J. S. Gibson, USNRF, in command.[5]

West Apaum departed Bremerton, Washington, on 27 June for Arica, Chile, to take on a cargo of nitrates for the United States. Sailing from there via the Panama Canal, West Apaum arrived at Savannah, Georgia, on 9 September. From there she sailed for Hampton Roads, Virginia, where she arrived on 10 October. Eight days later, loaded with rolling stock, steel rails, and other general cargo for the United States Army, the cargo ship sailed for France. Delayed at Halifax for repairs to her damaged propeller, West Apaum finally entered the harbor at La Pallice on 22 November, 11 days after the Armistice.[5]

West Apaum unloaded her railroad goods, loaded 2,214 long tons (2,250 t) of Army cargo, and headed for the United States on 13 December. She arrived at Hampton Roads on 3 January 1919. West Apaum made two more voyages to France under Navy control. On her final voyage, she carried airplane materials to France and returned 5,000 long tons (5,100 t) of Army ordnance to New York on 11 July. On 25 July, West Apaum was decommissioned and returned to the USSB.[5]

Civilian career

Little is known about West Apaum's subsequent civilian career. In the first quarter of 1927, it is known that West Apaum was sailing on a New York – Rotterdam route.[9][10] While in this service, The New York Times, in one of just a few mentions the ship received in contemporary news coverage, reported on the transfer of one of West Apaum's crew members to the United States Lines ocean liner Republic at sea. The crewman had fallen into an open hatchway and had fractured his skull. The two ships, located some 200 nautical miles (370 km; 230 mi) west of New York, came within 1⁄4 mile (0.40 km) of each other and the injured man was loaded on to a boat from Republic in the heavy seas. The crewman, though successfully transferred to Republic, died several hours later.[11][12]

By early 1929, West Apaum had been laid up, and was under consideration by the USSB for the installation of pulverized coal-fired boilers for testing purposes,[13] but lost out on the honor to West Alsek.[14] No further information on West Apaum's career is available, but it is known that she was abandoned by the USSB in 1933,[5] and scrapped in the second quarter of that year.[1]

Notes

  1. ^ Skinner & Eddy was an emergency shipyard that only operated from 1916 until about 1920.
  2. ^ The other three ships tied for tenth-fastest were West Alsek and West Gotomska—both also constructed by Skinner & Eddy, and Lake Gardner. See: Hurley, p. 93.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "West Apaum (2216500)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  2. ^ a b c d Skinner & Eddy (October 1918). "Consistent Building Record". Pacific Marine Review (display advertisement). San Francisco: J. S. Hines: 143. OCLC 2449383.
  3. ^ a b c Colton, Tim. "Skinner & Eddy, Seattle WA". Shipbuilding History. The Colton Company. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  4. ^ a b "West Apaum (American Freighter, 1918)". Online Library of Selected Images: Civilian Ships. Naval Historical Center, Navy Department. 14 March 2004. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "West Apaum". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command.
  6. ^ Crowell and Wilson, pp. 358–59.
  7. ^ a b Hurley, pp. 92–93.
  8. ^ United States House of Representatives, Select Committee on U. S. Shipping Board Operations, p. 624.
  9. ^ "Movements of steamships". The Washington Post. 21 January 1927. p. 8.
  10. ^ "Movements of steamships". The Washington Post. 1 April 1927. p. 12.
  11. ^ "Sick man picked up at sea". The New York Times. 6 January 1927. p. 28.
  12. ^ "Tells Legion plans for Paris meeting". The New York Times. 8 January 1927. p. 8.
  13. ^ "Plan pulverized coal on more freighters". The New York Times. 13 March 1928. p. 59. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ "West Alsek to get coal pulverizers". The New York Times. 21 February 1929. p. 55. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)

Bibliography


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