The USS Nokomis (SP-609) was a luxurious steam yacht built by Pusey & Jones in Wilmington, Delaware, and launched on December 27, 1916. Designed by Henry J. Gielow, the vessel was constructed as hull 360, featuring a steel hull with a waterline length of approximately 203 feet and a depth of hold of 19 feet 6 inches. The vessel's overall length was augmented by a flush deck design, with a prominent steel deck house measuring about 141 feet in length and topped by a shade deck, creating a promenade space. The interior was opulently appointed, with tailored furnishings and decor, including a large dining room, owner's stateroom, and guest accommodations, along with specialized spaces such as a gymnasium, sitting room, radio room, and officer quarters. Power was supplied by Babcock & Wilcox water tube boilers driving two triple-expansion engines, which powered twin screws. The yacht had a fuel capacity of 350 tons of coal stored in bunkers alongside the boiler room. Auxiliary systems included electrical power and forced air heating and cooling. Notably, Nokomis was equipped with seven boats, comprising a 35-foot express launch, a 30-foot service launch, two 21-foot power launches, a power lifeboat, and two additional lifeboats. Originally owned by Horace E. Dodge of Detroit, the vessel was acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1917 before its completion, and commissioned on December 3, 1917. During World War I, Nokomis served in the North Atlantic, conducting patrol and escort duties, particularly in French waters, including Rochefort. She was armed with 3-inch guns and played a role in protecting shipping from German submarines and Q-ships. After the war, she was reclassified as PY–6 and returned to civilian use in 1921, primarily functioning as a survey vessel in Caribbean and Mexican waters, notably contributing to hydrographic surveys with aerial photography. Decommissioned in 1938, the Nokomis was later loaned to the Coast Guard in 1943, intended for conversion into a submarine chaser. However, the conversion was halted as the submarine threat lessened, and the vessel was eventually towed to Mallows Bay, Maryland, where she was scrapped in June 1944. The USS Nokomis stands as a notable example of a private yacht repurposed for wartime service, with a distinguished career spanning patrol, survey, and auxiliary roles over two decades.

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