The USS Ino was a fast and large clipper ship built for long-range cruising, acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. Commissioned at the Boston Navy Yard on 23 September 1861 under Lt. J. P. Cressy, the vessel was characterized by its impressive speed and substantial storage capacity, making it well-suited for hunting Confederate commerce raiders and conducting blockades. Constructed to be a formidable warship, the Ino was armed with powerful guns, enabling it to engage enemy vessels effectively. Its initial mission commenced shortly after commissioning, as it departed Boston on 27 September 1861 to seek out "rebel pirates." A notable achievement early in its service was sailing from Boston to Cadiz, Spain, in just 13 days and 16 hours, demonstrating its exceptional speed. While in European waters, Ino assisted USS Kearsarge and USS Tuscarora in blockading the Confederate cruiser CSS Sumter at Gibraltar, which sought repairs there under Captain Raphael Semmes. Throughout the war, Ino was active in blockading and patrolling missions along the Atlantic coast. It captured the French bark La Manche attempting to break the blockade at Charleston and participated in efforts to track Confederate raiders like CSS Alabama and CSS Florida. The vessel also transported parts of the monitor USS Comanche and was involved in disguising operations to lure Confederate ships into action. Its service extended to waters near St. Helena and off the coast of Portugal, reflecting its extensive operational range. After the war, Ino returned to New York, underwent repairs, and was later deployed to the Mediterranean and off Portugal. Decommissioned in Boston on 13 February 1867, the ship was sold at auction on 19 March 1867 to Samuel G. Reed and was renamed Shooting Star. Its service record highlights its versatility, speed, and strategic importance during the Civil War, exemplifying the clipper ship's role in naval blockades and maritime patrols during this pivotal period.

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