USS Bridgeport (AD-10)

Bridgeport (AD-10) off New York City, May 1921.
From the collection of Lieutenant Commander Waldo B. McLeod.
US Navy photo # NH 90199 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center

Bridgeport (AD-10) was launched 1 August 1901 by Bremer Vulcan, Vegesack, Germany, as Breslau; seized by the Collector of the Port of New Orleans on American entry into World War I; turned over to the Shipping Board; transferred to the Navy at New Orleans; renamed Bridgeport 9 June 1917; and commissioned 25 August 1917, Lieutenant Commander A. B. Randall, USNR, in command.

Since the German crew had disabled the vessel she had to undergo extensive repairs at New Orleans and Boston prior to joining the fleet. Originally scheduled to be converted to a repair ship, she was designated AR-2 but was completed as a destroyer tender and re-designated AD-10. On 1 March 1918 Bridgeport was assigned to the Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet. After convoying small craft to the Azores, she arrived at Brest, France, 5 August 1918 and remained there as base repair and supply ship until 15 October 1919.

After the war she operated with the fleet as a repair and supply ship; aided in the rescue of S-5 during September 1920; and served as flagship, Destroyer Squadrons 3 and 8, Atlantic Fleet. Early in 1923 Bridgeport was assigned as tender, Destroyer Squadrons, Scouting Fleet, and cruised off the Atlantic Coast and in the Caribbean. She arrived at Boston Navy Yard 30 June 1924; went out of commission in reserve 3 November 1924; and was sold 2 February 1942.

Source: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (Published 1959).

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