The USS Aster was a steam-powered screw tugboat acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War, primarily used for naval patrol and blockade enforcement along the Confederate coast. Originally named Alice, she was a wooden steamer purchased at Philadelphia on 25 July 1864 from Bishop, Son, and Company. The vessel was renamed Aster upon acquisition and was placed in commission on 12 August 1864 under the command of Acting Master Samuel Hall. Constructed as a screw tug, USS Aster was tasked with patrolling navigable waterways to prevent Confederate and foreign trade during wartime. Following her commissioning, she was ordered to join the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, with her destination being waters off Wilmington, North Carolina. Although her exact voyage details are not documented, she arrived in the theater by early September 1864 and was undergoing repairs at Norfolk, Virginia, on 16 September. Aster’s notable service occurred off New Inlet on 7 October 1864, where she commenced her blockade duties. During her patrol, she spotted a vessel approaching New Inlet and pursued it, intending to intercept a blockade runner. The chase culminated in Aster grounding on the Carolina Shoals just before midnight. Despite efforts to refloat her, including assistance from USS Berberry, the ship remained stuck. Unable to free her, Acting Master Hall and his crew transferred to Berberry and then set Aster ablaze to prevent her capture, resulting in her destruction. The USS Aster’s service highlights the Union Navy’s efforts to enforce the blockade and restrict Confederate trade during the Civil War. Her loss underscores the hazards faced by blockade vessels operating in challenging coastal waters. Her brief but active service exemplifies the critical role of steam-powered tugs in naval operations of the era.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.