In the pages of naval history, the USS Albany (CL-23) occupies a distinctive place as a symbol of enduring service and adaptability. This essay embarks on a voyage through time, tracing the remarkable journey of a protected cruiser that witnessed the Philippine–American War and World War I. With roots in England, acquisition by the United States Navy, and a diverse range of deployments, the USS Albany's story offers a unique window into the evolution of American naval power.
The USS Albany's origins are a testament to the dynamic nature of naval affairs during the late 19th century. Initially laid down as the Almirante Abreu for the Brazilian Navy at Newcastle upon Tyne, England, in December 1897, the cruiser's fate took an unexpected turn. In the midst of the Spanish–American War, the United States Navy recognized the strategic importance of this vessel and acted swiftly to acquire it. On March 16, 1898, the cruiser was purchased, ensuring it did not fall into the hands of the Spanish Navy.
The ship's renaming as the USS Albany and its subsequent launch in February 1899 marked the beginning of a new chapter in its storied history. The launch ceremony, sponsored by Mrs. John C. Colwell, epitomized the strong transatlantic ties between the United States and England. The USS Albany was commissioned in the River Tyne, England, on May 29, 1900, at a cost of $1,207,644.13 for its hull and machinery.
Service History: From the Philippines to Europe
The USS Albany (CL-23) embarked on its maiden voyage on June 26, 1900, destined for service in the Philippines amidst the Philippine–American War. This journey encompassed a globe-spanning route via Gibraltar, the Mediterranean Sea, the Suez Canal, and the Indian Ocean. Finally, on November 22, the cruiser arrived at Cavite in the Philippines, commencing its service with the Asiatic Fleet in the Philippines for the next seven months.
During this initial tour of duty, the protected cruiser's itinerary included a visit to Hong Kong, where it underwent repairs in drydock from December 28, 1900, to February 17, 1901. On July 3, 1901, the USS Albany departed Cavite, commencing its return voyage to the European Station. This journey retraced the steps of its maiden voyage, transiting the Suez Canal in early September and re-entering the Mediterranean on September 15.
Over the next nine months, the USS Albany crisscrossed the Mediterranean, making port calls in Greece, France, Italy, Spain, and Egypt. Its presence in the Atlantic was marked by stops at Cherbourg, France, and Southampton, England, where it joined other American naval vessels. Operating in concert with USS Illinois (Battleship No. 7) and protected cruisers USS Chicago and USS San Francisco (Cruiser No. 5), the cruiser engaged in exercises until July 20. Subsequently, it charted a course for the Baltic Sea, visiting Stockholm, Sweden; Kronstadt, Russia; and Copenhagen, Denmark, during its sojourn in northern European waters. Early in September, the cruiser exited the Baltic, returning to the Mediterranean on September 12. After nearly two months of duties in the "middle sea," the USS Albany set sail for the western hemisphere in early November. It arrived in the West Indies by late November, concluding the year with fleet tactical maneuvers. These maneuvers, which concluded in early January 1903, were instrumental in honing the ship's combat readiness.
On January 5, 1903, the USS Albany (CL-23) altered its course for Boston, setting the stage for repairs at both Boston and the New York Navy Yard. On February 15, 1903, the cruiser resumed its voyages, heading back to European waters.
Asiatic Fleet and the Pacific Coast
Upon completing its brief Mediterranean tour, the USS Albany transited the Suez Canal in late May 1903, charting a course for the Far East. After a stop for refueling in Hong Kong, the cruiser joined the Asiatic Fleet at Chefoo in northern China. For the majority of 1903, the ship operated extensively with the fleet in the waters of northern China, Korea, and Japan. Its operational flexibility allowed it to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the Far East during this period.
In December 1903, the USS Albany embarked on a voyage to Hawaii, commencing from Kobe, Japan. It reached Honolulu on December 16 and remained there until December 29, subsequently heading back to the western Pacific. Along the way, it made a stop at Guam in the Ladrone Islands (now Marianas) before reaching Cavite in the Philippines on January 20, 1904. The cruiser operated in the Philippines for approximately a month before setting sail for the coast of China on February 19. Four days later, it arrived in Shanghai, where it would remain for a month, actively participating in the regional dynamics. On March 22, the USS Albany set course for the Philippines once again, where it spent the period from March 26 to April 18 in Cavite. Afterward, it embarked on another brief voyage to Shanghai and back to the Philippines between April 18 and April 30. Following a week at Cavite, the cruiser resumed its maritime adventures, heading for the United States. This journey included stops at Guam and Honolulu, ultimately culminating in its arrival in Bremerton, Washington, on June 16. Shortly thereafter, the USS Albany (CL-23) was placed out of commission at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, entering a period of relative inactivity lasting almost three years.
On June 10, 1907, the USS Albany returned to full commission, now under the command of Comdr. Henry T. Mayo. Assigned to the Pacific Fleet, the cruiser spent the next three years patrolling the western coasts of North and Central America. Its role on the west coast primarily involved training exercises, although it also included surveillance missions along the coast of Central America—a region characterized by frequent unrest. During this time, the cruiser made port calls in Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, contributing to the protection of American citizens and interests in the volatile republics of Central America.
Special Service Squadron and Diplomatic Missions
By January 1909, the USS Albany underwent a transfer from the Pacific Fleet to the Special Service Squadron—a reflection of its role in patrol missions and readiness to disembark landing forces, furthering American interests in Mexico and Central America. In April 1909, while rendezvousing with other Navy ships at Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, the USS Albany played a pivotal role in the rescue of passengers from the stricken mail steamship Indiana, which had run aground off Isla Santa Margarita. This mission underscored the cruiser's adaptability and willingness to engage in humanitarian efforts when required.
On the evening of April 16, 1909, the USS Albany, under the command of Commander Henry T. Mayo, received expedited orders to prepare for immediate departure from Mare Island. Its mission: to embark "special peace envoy" William I. Buchanan and proceed to Central America for a two-month "peace-keeping" cruise. Departing Mare Island on April 20, the cruiser commenced a fifteen-month period during which it cruised along the west coast of North and Central America, undertaking surveillance missions to safeguard American citizens and property in the tumultuous republics of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. This commitment to preserving American interests during times of unrest demonstrated the USS Albany's pivotal role as an instrument of diplomacy.
In October 1909, while the USS Albany was undergoing repairs at Mare Island and preparing to sail south to Magdalena Bay, it participated in the Portola Festival at San Francisco. This city-wide fair, held from October 19 to 23, marked a significant moment in the city's history as it celebrated the 140th anniversary of the Portolá expedition—the first recorded Spanish (and European) land entry and exploration of present-day California. The cruiser's presence at this event underscored its role as a symbol of American maritime prowess and its ability to engage in both diplomatic and ceremonial duties.
Nicaraguan Operations and Far Eastern Deployments
Nicaragua emerged as a focal point of operations for the USS Albany during the early part of 1910. The cruiser was attached to Rear Admiral William W. Kimball's Nicaraguan expeditionary force, operating in the challenging geopolitical landscape of Central America. From there, the ship returned north to the Puget Sound Navy Yard in May, initiating preparations for another deployment to the Asiatic Fleet.
On August 4, 1903, the USS Albany embarked on its journey to Chinese waters. It made stops in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Yokohama, Japan, before reaching Woosung, China, on September 15. For nearly three years, the cruiser navigated the waters of the Far East, making port calls in the Philippines, China, and Japan. Its adaptability and readiness for diverse missions were demonstrated as it engaged in activities ranging from diplomacy to surveillance.
In early 1917, the USS Albany found itself operating with the U.S. Atlantic Fleet off the coast of Virginia—a shift that reflected the deteriorating relations between the United States and the German Empire. The backdrop for this change in assignment was the escalating tension arising from Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare campaign. By February and March, relations had reached a breaking point. In April, the United States entered World War I on the side of the Allied Powers, marking a pivotal moment in history.
On July 5, 1917, the USS Albany received orders to report to New York for convoy duty, playing a critical role in safeguarding the transatlantic passage of ships. Assigned duties as the flagship for Squadron 6 within the Patrol Force of the Atlantic Fleet, the cruiser carried the flag of Rear Admiral William C. Watts. Throughout World War I, it shepherded 11 convoys of merchant ships, troop transports, and cargomen safely between the United States and Europe—a testament to its role in safeguarding transatlantic commerce and supporting the war effort.
Post-War and Final Years
In 1919, the USS Albany (CL-23) returned to the Asiatic Fleet—a theater of operations characterized by the Russian Civil War and the presence of various Allied powers. During this period, the cruiser played a vital role in supporting American troops ashore, conducting armed landing parties and evacuating sick and wounded personnel. This period underscored its adaptability in responding to complex geopolitical situations.
The withdrawal of American troops from the region in the spring of 1920 marked a shift in the USS Albany's duties. It resumed peacetime operations with the Asiatic Fleet, encompassing summers in Chinese waters and winters in the Philippines. During this time, the cruiser underwent a reclassification as a gunboat, designated as PG-36 on July 17, 1920. Subsequently, on August 8, 1921, it was reclassified once again, this time as a light cruiser under the designation CL-23.
In July 1922, the USS Albany set sail from Chinese waters for the last time, commencing its journey back to the United States. Arriving at the Mare Island Navy Yard on August 6, the cruiser was placed out of commission on October 10, 1922, marking the conclusion of its active service. For several years, the USS Albany remained berthed at Mare Island, a silent witness to the changing tides of history.
On November 3, 1929, the name of the USS Albany (CL-23) was struck from the Naval Vessel Register. Subsequently, on February 11, 1930, the cruiser was sold for scrapping, closing the chapter on a vessel that had traversed oceans, navigated diplomatic waters, and served as a sentinel of American naval power.
The USS Albany (CL-23) stands as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of American naval vessels during a period of global upheaval. From its unexpected acquisition in England to its diverse range of deployments, including service in the Philippine–American War and World War I, the cruiser's story reflects the multifaceted role of the U.S. Navy on the world stage. Its ability to transition from diplomacy to combat, and from humanitarian missions to convoy protection, showcases the versatility required of naval vessels during dynamic periods in history. The USS Albany (CL-23) remains an enduring symbol of naval service—a legacy etched in the annals of maritime history.
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