USS Druid (SP-321)

USS Druid (SP-321) was a United States Navy patrol vessel in commission from 1917 to 1919. She was sent to the European coast and the Mediterranean to protect Allied shipping from German submarines and other dangers.



A yacht built in New York
Druid was built in 1902 as a private steam yacht by the Burlee Dry Dock Company of Staten Island, New York. She was purchased by the Navy in Havana, Cuba, from her owner, W. W. Dwyer of New York City, on 2 June 1917.

World War I service
The Navy began outfitting Druid for World War I "distant service" and commissioned her as USS Druid on 17 September 1917 with Lieutenant H. A. McClure in command.

Druid spent the rest of the war performing patrol, escort, and towing duties in the western Mediterranean, the Strait of Gibraltar, and off the coast of Portugal. Druid returned to the United States following the armistice with Germany, which took place on 11 November 1918.

Post-war disposition
Druid was placed in reserve in New London, Connecticut, on 3 January 1919 and decommissioned on 28 May 1919. She was sold on 10 September 1919.