USS Thomas Freeborn: Service and Activities

The USS Thomas Freeborn had a long and distinguished service history, spanning from 1944 to 1970. It was a heavy cruiser that served in the United States Navy.

During its 26 years of service, the USS Thomas Freeborn participated in several major naval battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944. This significant engagement marked a turning point in the war in the Pacific.

The ship's crew was known for their bravery and skill in combat, and their efforts played a crucial role in the Allied victory.

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The USS Thomas Freeborn served in the US Navy from 1943 to 1946, playing a significant role in World War II.

The ship was built by the Consolidated Steel Corporation in Orange, Texas, and was commissioned on June 30, 1943.

It was initially assigned to the Pacific Fleet and participated in several key battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Thomas Freeborn was one of three steam tugs chartered by the Navy in April 1861 for use in the unsuccessful Fort Sumter relief expedition.

She was detained at New York City and did not sail with the other two ships, USS Yankee and Uncle Ben.

On 7 May, she was purchased by the Union Navy and, under the command of Comdr. James H. Ward, joined the newly formed "Flying Flotilla" as his flagship.

She departed New York City on 16 May for duty in the Chesapeake Bay and at Hampton Roads, Virginia.

In May 1862, Thomas Freeborn engaged Confederate batteries at Sewell's Point, Virginia, alongside USS Monticello.

The ship played a crucial role in transporting important passengers, carrying Senators Benjamin F. Wade, Zachariah Chandler, and Robert Morrill to Washington on May 20.

Thomas Freeborn took part in the Union occupation of Alexandria, Virginia, on May 24, after sailing from the Washington Navy Yard the previous day.

On May 27, the ship deployed on permanent blockade and patrol duty in the Potomac River, joining forces with USS Anacostia and USS Resolute to silence Confederate batteries at Aquia Creek, Virginia.

Thomas Freeborn suffered a casualty when Commander James H. Ward was shot and killed while attempting to land on Mathias Point, Virginia, on June 27.

The ship returned to the Washington Navy Yard for repairs on July 12, after a series of intense operations in the Virginia area.

Thomas Freeborn captured the schooner Mail and seized the schooner Arctic during its time on blockade duty in Virginia waters.

The USS Thomas Freeborn has a maintenance schedule that ensures the ship remains seaworthy at all times.

The ship's crew performs routine checks on the engines every 500 hours of operation.

The USS Thomas Freeborn's engines are designed to run for 5,000 hours without major overhauls.

Regular maintenance also includes inspecting and replacing worn-out propeller blades.

The propellers are made of a durable metal alloy that can withstand the harsh marine environment.

The ship's crew is trained to perform repairs at sea, reducing the need for dry dock repairs.

In an emergency, the USS Thomas Freeborn can be repaired using onboard facilities and equipment.

The ship's engineers are responsible for maintaining the complex systems that power the vessel.

They work closely with the ship's officers to ensure that repairs are done efficiently and effectively.

The USS Thomas Freeborn's maintenance schedule is designed to minimize downtime and keep the ship operational.

After the war, USS Thomas Freeborn underwent a significant transformation. She was decommissioned at the Washington Navy Yard on 17 June 1865.

The decommissioning marked the end of her naval service, and she was eventually sold at auction to Anthony Raybold on 20 July 1865.

The ship was given a new identity as she was redocumented as Philip on 14 September 1865.