USS Cacique (ID-2213) was a freighter leased by the United States Navy in World War I. She was used to transport Allied personnel and cargo in support of the European fighting front. Post-war she was returned to her owners.

SS Cacique in port, possibly when she was inspected by the 12th Naval District on 27 December 1917.
History
United States
NameUSS Cacique
NamesakeCacique is the Spanish adaptation of an Indian word for prince or chieftain.
OwnerNew York and Pacific Steamship Company of New York City
BuilderShort Brothers of Sunderland, England
ChristenedSS Cacique
Completedin 1910 at Pallion, Sunderland
Acquiredleased by the US Navy 19 August 1918
Commissioned19 August 1918 as USS Cacique (ID # 2213).
Decommissioned24 March 1919 at Baltimore, Maryland
FateReturned to the United States Shipping Board on 24 March 1919 for return to her owners
General characteristics
TypeCargo ship
Tonnage6,202 GRT
Length394 ft 2 in (120.14 m)
Beam52 ft 3 in (15.93 m)
Draft27 ft 11 in (8.51 m)
Installed powerthree-cylinder triple-expansion steam engine
Propulsionsingle screw
Speed10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)
Complement70
Armament1x 5 inches (130 mm) gun mount

Built in England

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SS Cacique, a 6,202 Gross register ton commercial freighter, was built in 1910 by Short Brothers of Sunderland, England. She was owned by the New York and Pacific Steamship Company of New York City. On 19 August 1918 she was transferred to the Navy from the United States Shipping Board and commissioned the same day as USS Cacique (ID # 2213).

World War I service

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Assigned to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service, Cacique sailed from Norfolk, Virginia on 30 August 1918 to take part in supplying the United States Army in France. She made two voyages to Marseilles, France with general cargo, and returned to Baltimore, Maryland on 2 March 1919.

Post-war disposition

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After the November 1918 Armistice with Germany Cacique was decommissioned 24 March 1919, and returned to the US Shipping Board the same day. She was then returned to her owners.

References

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