Monday, November 12, 2012

The United States' Mediterranean Squadron-- Part 1

From Wikipedia.

Until I mentioned the USS Constellation being in the Mediterranean Squadron during the Civil War, i was completely unaware that there was one.  So, I had to do some research.

It was also called the Mediterranean Station and formed in response to the Barbary Wars.  In the 1820s to 1860s, it primarily was used to suppress piracy from Greece and to use Gunboat Diplomacy (The Big Stick).

The USS Constellation, the last all sail frigate,  was sent to its duty in 1855.  In the Civil War years it mounted sixteen 8-inch shell guns, four 32-pdr. guns, one 30-pdr. Parrot pivot rifle and a 20-pdr. Parrott pivot rifle.

In 1865, it was renamed the European Squadron.  From July 1865 to 1867, Rear Admiral Louis M. Goldsborough commanded it from the USS Colorado.

More to Come.  --Old B-Runner

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