The USS Badger was an auxiliary cruiser of the United States Navy, originally built in 1889 by the Delaware River Iron Ship Building and Engine Works in Chester, Pennsylvania. Initially named the Yumuri, she was a merchant vessel before her acquisition by the U.S. Navy. The ship was purchased on April 19, 1898, for use during the Spanish–American War, and subsequently converted into an auxiliary cruiser at the New York Navy Yard. She was commissioned on April 25, 1898, under the command of Commander A. S. Snow. The vessel measured approximately 3,497 gross register tons (GRT) and was equipped for naval patrol and blockade duties. During her service, Badger participated in the blockade of Cuba from July 1 to August 18, 1898. Notably, on July 26, 1898, off the Dry Tortugas, she seized a Spanish tug towing two vessels, both flying quarantine flags. After providing medical aid and provisioning, she held the vessels in port until August 3, when a prize crew was assigned to sail the tug to New York. The other vessels, containing 399 prisoners of war, were sent to Havana. Following her Cuban operations, Badger transported U.S. Army troops from Guantánamo Bay to Montauk Point, New York, arriving on August 24, 1898. She then sailed to the Pacific, arriving at San Francisco on April 15, 1899. In the Pacific, she carried the Joint High Commission to Samoa and cruised in local waters. After returning to Mare Island Navy Yard in August 1899, she cruised along the West Coast with state naval militias before decommissioning on October 31, 1899. On April 7, 1900, she was transferred to the War Department and renamed Lawton, serving as an army transport. Fitted for troop and supply service, Lawton was capable of carrying 700 passengers and was involved in transporting troops and citizens, including relief efforts for Alaska and China during the Boxer Rebellion. Her maritime service highlights her versatility in both naval and military roles during a transformative period in U.S. maritime history.

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