USS Siboney (ID-2999)

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Siboney

USS Siboney (ID-2999) was a United States Navy transport ship that served during World War I. Originally built as the SS Siboney for the Ward Line, a shipping company operating between New York and Cuba, she was acquired by the Navy in 1917 to transport troops and supplies to Europe as part of the United States' effort in the war.

Construction and Design

The SS Siboney was constructed in 1916 by William Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designed as a passenger and cargo vessel, she was equipped with facilities to accommodate both first-class and steerage passengers, catering to the lucrative trade between the United States and Cuba. Upon completion, the ship measured approximately 6,000 tons displacement, was 400 feet in length, and had a beam of 54 feet. Her propulsion system consisted of steam turbines, enabling her to reach speeds of up to 16 knots.

Service History

Ward Line Service

Before her acquisition by the Navy, the SS Siboney operated on the New York to Havana route, becoming one of the Ward Line's premier vessels for transporting passengers and goods between the United States and Cuba.

World War I

With the United States' entry into World War I in April 1917, the need for transport ships to carry American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) and their supplies to Europe became critical. The SS Siboney was acquired by the Navy in May 1917 and commissioned as USS Siboney (ID-2999) after a brief conversion for military use. Her modifications included the installation of defensive armaments and the conversion of passenger and cargo spaces into troop accommodations and storage for military supplies.

Throughout the war, USS Siboney made multiple voyages across the Atlantic, safely transporting thousands of soldiers and tons of equipment to the European theater. Her service was not without incident; in 1918, she encountered a submarine and successfully evaded torpedo attacks, showcasing the dangers faced by transport ships during the war.

Post-War Service and Decommissioning

After the armistice in November 1918, USS Siboney continued to serve in the transport role, repatriating American troops from Europe. She was decommissioned in 1919 and returned to the Ward Line, resuming her peacetime operations as a passenger and cargo vessel.

Legacy

USS Siboney's contributions to the United States' efforts in World War I exemplify the vital role of transport ships in supporting overseas military operations. Her service highlights the adaptability of civilian vessels for wartime needs and the dangers faced by these ships and their crews in wartime conditions.