USS Procyon (AG-11)

USS Procyon (AG–11) was an Antares-class cargo ship in the United States Navy after World War I. She later served as a training vessel for the Merchant Marine Academy as Empire State. In 1940 the ship was returned to the United States Maritime Commission, was renamed American Pilot, and sailed under the American flag during World War II. She was scrapped in 1948.

For other ships with the same name, see USS Procyon.
History
United States
NameUSS Procyon
NamesakeProcyon
BuilderAmerican International Shipbuilding, Hog Island, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Laid down1919
Launched13 May 1919
Acquired8 November 1921
Commissioned30 November 1921
Decommissioned1 April 1931
Renamed
  • TS Empire State (IX-38), 15 July 1931
  • TS American Pilot, circa 1941
FateSold for scrapping, 3 March 1948
General characteristics
Class and typeAntares-class cargo ship
Displacement4,060 long tons (4,125 t)
Length380 ft (120 m)
Beam54 ft 2 in (16.51 m)
Draft9 ft 8 in (2.95 m)
Speed11.5 knots (21.3 km/h; 13.2 mph)
Complement218

Service history

Procyon was built in 1919 by the American International Shipbuilding Corp., Hog Island, Pennsylvania, and launched as the SS Shaume; taken over by the Navy on 8 November 1921 from the U.S. Shipping Board, under executive order of 29 October 1921; and commissioned on 30 November 1921. Procyon served as flagship of Commander Fleet Base Force, U.S. Battle Fleet, until she was decommissioned on 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 on 15 July 1931. She served as a school ship for the Academy until 11 April 1940, when she was transferred to the Maritime Commission.

The ship was renamed American Pilot and sailed under the American flag during World War II. In the third quarter of 1948, American Pilot was scrapped at Wilmington, Delaware.

References
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