The lead ship of her class of two pre-dreadnought battleships, USS Kearsarge BB-5 was laid down on 30 June 1896. Launched on 24 March 1898, she was commissioned into the US Navy on 20 February 1900.
Her early career saw Kearsarge act as the flagship for the the North Atlantic Squadron. In June 1903, she sailed for Europe, visiting Germany and the United Kingdom, returning in July.
The Great White Fleet
On 16 December 1907 she sailed with the Great White Fleet on a world tour, returning to the US on 22 February. The Great White Fleet was the popular nickname for the group of United States Navy battleships that completed a journey around the globe from December 16, 1907, to February 22, 1909, by order of President Theodore Roosevelt. It consisted of 16 battleships divided into two squadrons, along with various small escorts, and earned its moniker for the stark white paint on its hulls.
The fleet’s primary mission was to make friendly courtesy visits to numerous countries while displaying new U.S. naval power to the world; Roosevelt sought to demonstrate growing American military prowess and blue-water naval capabilities.
World War One
On her return from the Great White Fleet, Kearsarge was modernized from 4 September 1909 to 23 June 1915. The ship received cage masts, new water-tube boilers, and another four 5-inch guns. The 1-pounder guns were removed, as were sixteen of the 6-pounders.
During World War One, she acted primarily as a training ship on the Atlantic Coast.
Decommissioned in May 1920, Kearsarge was converted into a crane ship, and was given hull classification symbol IX-16 on 17 July 1920, but it was changed to AB-1 on 5 August. Her turrets, superstructure, and armor were removed, and were replaced by a large revolving crane with a lifting capacity of 250 tons (230 tonnes), as well as 10-foot (3.0 m) blisters, which improved her stability.
World War Two
On 6 November 1941, Kearsarge was renamed Crane Ship No. 1, allowing her name to be reused (originally for CV-12, which was later changed to Hornet and then for Kearsarge CV-33). She was sold for scrap on 9 August 1955.
4 × 13 in (330 mm)/35 caliber guns 4 × 8 in (203 mm)/35 caliber guns 14 × 5 in (127 mm)/40 caliber guns 20 × 6-pounders (57 mm or 2.2 in) 8 × 1-pounders (37 mm or 1.5 in) 4 × .30 in (7.6 mm) machine guns 4 × 18 in (457 mm) torpedo tubes
Armor
Belt: 5–16.5 in (127–419 mm) Barbettes: 12.5–15 in (318–381 mm) Turrets (primary): 15–17 in (381–432 mm) Turrets (secondary): 6–11 in (152–279 mm) Conning tower: 10 in (254 mm)
Under Construction
USS Kearsarge (BB-5) and Kentucky (BB-6) ready for launching at Newport News, Virginia, 24 March 1898USS Kearsarge (BB-5) and Kentucky (BB-6) ready for launching at Newport News, Virginia, 24 March 1898Kearsarge (BB-5) on 24 March 1898, Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VAKearsarge (BB-5) just prior to completionA view from the bridge of the Kentucky (BB-6) at the outfitting pier. USS Kearsarge (BB-5) is on the right
In Service
USS Kearsarge (BB-5) in 1899, while making 16.82 knots on trials off the U.S. East CoastUSS Kearsarge (BB-5) in drydock during her trials period, 18 September 1899USS Kearsarge (BB-5) underway during her shakedown periodUSS Kearsarge (BB-5) Starboard bow at wharf, 18 September 1899USS Kearsarge (BB-5) between 1898 and 1901USS Kearsarge (BB-5) seen in Kiel, Germany July 1903 passing the Kaiser’s yacht Hohenzollern.USS Kearsarge (BB-5) in 1903 leading the U.S. fleet past British battleships during a visit to EnglandUSS Kearsarge (BB-5) in 1903View of the forecastle of USS Kearsarge (BB-5), looking down between her main and secondary armament, circa 1904USS Kearsarge (BB-5) in drydock, about 1905USS Kearsarge (BB-5) being positioned in a drydock prior to pumping out the water, about 1905USS Kearsarge seen in the early 1900sUSS Kearsarge seen in the early 1900sUSS Kearsarge (BB-5) starboard view 1906USS Kearsarge seen in 1908 during the cruise of the Great White FleetUSS Kearsarge (BB-5) in drydock at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, 30 May 1908USS Kearsarge (BB-5) in Sydney Harbor, Australia, in late August 1908USS Kearsarge (BB-5) accompanied by small boats while underway between 1903 – 1909Receiving ship at the Philadelphia Navy Yard circa 1910. At right is USS Kearsarge (BB-5) which is having her new cage masts installedUSS Kearsarge (BB-5) anchored off New York City during the October 1912 naval reviewUSS Kearsarge (BB-5) October 1916 off BostonUSS Kearsarge (BB-5) at a naval review in the Hudson River on 27 December 1918USS Kearsarge (BB-5) in Middle West Chamber Gatun Locks, Going South 7 July 1919USS Kearsarge (BB-5) anchored off New York City during the late teens. Her secondary broadside guns have all been removedUSS Kearsarge (BB-5) in port and replacing damaged 13-inch guns
As U.S. Crane Ship No. 1 Kearsarge
Kearsarge (BB-5) at Philadelphia Navy Yard during her conversion to U.S. Crane Ship No. 1, 13 January 1921US Crane Ship No. 1 testing the 250 ton crane 27 October 1922USS Idaho (BB-42) being re-gunned at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, by Crane Ship No. 1 Kearsarge circa the later 1920sCrane Ship No. 1 Kearsarge is forth from left and and three piers away is USS Florida (BB-30) 1925Crane Ship No. 1 Kearsarge at South Boston Oct. 1925US Crane Ship No. 1 in dry dock at South Boston, Massachusetts, while undergoing repairs on 3 October 1925U.S. Crane Ship No. 1 alongside the North Approach Wall of the Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal, in 1926US Crane Ship No.1 passing through the Gaillard Cut, while transiting the Panama Canal during the 1920s or 1930sUS Crane Ship No. 1 AB-1 seen at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1936U.S. Crane Ship No. 1 in Puget Sound, 1937Kearsarge (AB-1), aerial photograph by Naval Aviation Base, Coco Solo, and released 8 July 1938Kearsarge (AB-1) is moored next to the Alabama (BB-60) for lifting the 16 inch gun barrels into placeU.S. Crane Ship (AB-1) at sea, May 1944Kearsarge (AB-1) is seen in the background during a noon time bond rally at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in 1945US Crane Ship No. 1 is seen at Pier 8 of Boston Naval Shipyard in August 1948US Crane Ship No.1US Crane Ship No.1 in Navy Yard drydockUS Crane Ship No.1US Crane Ship No.1 in Navy Yard drydockU.S. Crane Ship No. 1 is seen at Pier 8 of Boston Naval Shipyard in August 1948Crane Ship No. 1 lifting a 120 ton crane from South Boston in November, 1948The raised trawler Lynn is seen alongside U.S. Crane Ship No. 1 5 September 1952
Founded in 1965 as the “The Lady Hopetoun and Port Jackson Marine Steam Museum”, the Sydney Heritage Fleet operates 10 large and 55 small heritage vessels. Its 450 active volunteer workers conserve Australia’s maritime past, while preserving traditional technical methods and skills.
Three (as of August 2024) vessels are currently being restored, the 1912 ferry Kanangra, the 1950s wooden speed boat Kookaburra II and the 1927 pilot vessel John Oxley. Possibly the most well known vessel is the 1874 iron barque James Craig, now fully restored and regularly put to sea under full sail and is a beautiful site when sailing Sydney Harbour.
We booked a tour of the Kanangra restoration project, which gave us an opportunity to also see some of the other ships in the fleet. See their website for times and tickets.
Getting There
We took the light rail from Central Station to Rozelle and walked (10 minutes) to Sydney Heritage Fleet from there.
The Tour
A safety briefing started the tour, as we would be entering an active work area. Safety hats and high-visibility jackets (both provided) along with enclosed shoes (wear your own) were a requirement.
The tour started in the workshop where we saw how the parts needed for the restoration were made. Then it was on to the dock to see the boats. Although we only boarded the Kanangra, we were able to see many others very well.
On board the Kanangra we needed to stay alert, as the decking and sides of the ship were under repair. Interestingly, the largest job currently being undertaken was the removal of concrete from the hull. Large quantities had been used to stop leaks in the rusting hull plates. Apparently it’s a quick and easy fix, but difficult to remove.
We were able to see all levels of the ferry, from the engine room to the top deck and restored wheel house. Restoration should finish in 2032 when she will be back in the water. Considering how badly corroded the hull looked and the amount of steel plates requiring replacement, I can see why it will take this long.
This was a fantastic tour and highly recommended for anyone who likes old ships. The tour guides were very informative, friendly and passionate about the restoration. The tour ran two hours and we loved every minute.
Sydney Ferry Kanangra
Launched on the 14th of August 1912, Kanangra is a steel-hulled K-class ferry that operated on Sydney Harbour until 1985. Originally coal fired, she was converted to diesel in 1959.
Kanangra is currently sited on a floating dock at Rozelle Bay as part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Restoration work intends to restore her to the 1960s configuration with diesel power.
KanangraExterior showing corrosion of hullExterior showing corrosion of hullInterior of the upper deckWheelhouseEngine telegraphLower deck interiorInterior of the Lower DeckLower deck interiorOutside lower deckEngine Room
Steam Ship John Oxley
Built in 1927 in Scotland for the Queensland Harbours and Rivers Board, the John Oxley was a relief pilot vessel in Moreton Bay, a buoy tender and a lighthouse tender that operated along the Queensland coast.
In the Second World War John Oxley was requisitioned for the Royal Australian Navy and a 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun was mounted on the stern. She was returned to her former duties in 1946, and converted from coal to oil fuel that same year.
John Oxley continued in service until 1968 and was officially donated to Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1970. Since 2002 the John Oxley has been under continuous restoration at the Heritage dockyard of the Sydney Heritage Fleet, Rozelle Bay, Sydney. As of August 2024 she is nearing completion and almost ready for her first post-restoration cruise.
John Oxley restored upper worksOfficer’s quartersJohn Oxley pilots’ area and stairs to lower deckRestored kitchenJohn Oxley restoration of interior underwayJohn Oxley Steam Ship
Bronzewing-class Tugs
Four Bronzewing-class harbour tugs were constructed for the Royal Australian Navy. The ships in the class were:
Bronzewing (HTS 501) Currawong (HTS 502) HTS 503 (to Papua New Guinea in 1974) Mollymawk (HTS 504)
They were constructed by Stannard Bros, Sydney, except for HTS Mollymawk (504), she was constructed by Perris Engineering, Brisbane.
Bronzewing and Currawong are currently on loan to the Sydney Heritage Fleet, where they are often used in the support of the James Craig and other heritage ships in the Fleet.
Harman is a Royal Australian Navy motor launch built in 1944 by the firm Storey and Keers. The RAN used her on Sydney Harbour to transfer personnel between ship and shore and the various establishments on the Harbour.
On retirement from the RAN in 1957, she was transferred to Cockatoo Island Dockyard where she worked as a passenger and general duties launch. She was acquired by the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1992 and has since undergone several refits to keep her seaworthy.
Motor Launch Harman starboard sideHarmanMotor Launch Harman port aft view
Motor Launch Berrima
Launched in 1955 as A.O.R.1, Berrima is a motor launch owned by the Sydney Heritage Fleet and used around Sydney Harbour. Originally used by Stannard Bros on behalf of Australian Oil Refineries on Botany Bay, it ferried workers from La Perouse to the refinery on the other side of Botany Bay. At times it also doubled as the Pilot Cutter.
Berrima was acquired by the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1990.
Motor Launch BerrimaMotor Launch Berrima
Lady Hopetoun
Built in 1902 by WM Ford on Sydney Harbour, the Lady Hopetoun was used as a VIP and Vice-Regal steam yacht by the NSW Government through the Sydney Harbour Trust and its successor the Maritime Services Board of NSW until the 1960s.
Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun starboard sideLady Hopetoun starboard sideSteam Launch Lady Hopetoun port sideSteam Launch Lady Hopetoun seen from the Kanangra
Motor Launch Protex
Built sometime around 1908, Protex was later purchased in 1934 by the Sydney ferry and tug company, Nicholson Bros. In line with their usual policy of naming their craft using words beginning with ‘Pro’ she was called Protex after a popular brand of soap. Up until 1970, she ferried goods and people from the Palmolive factory at Balmain to various city wharves.
In 1970, she was sold to Mr Terry Hodgson who used her as a ferry operating out of Woy Woy and Toukley, and later between Brooklyn and Dangar Island on the Hawkesbury River.
The Protex became part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1981 and is berthed at their Rozelle wharf.
ProtexProtex
Steam Tug Waratah
Built in 1902 at Cockatoo Island, Waratah is a coal fired tug and part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Originally named Burunda, her primary role was to tow dredges and barges between the various ports along the NSW coast.
From 1948, her age and condition restricted her to operating within the Newcastle Port and by 1968 she was considered to be beyond economical repair and was set to be scrapped. Saved by the Sydney Heritage Fleet, she is now, once again, fully operational and regularly takes passengers on trips around Sydney Harbour.
Steam Tug Waratah bow viewPort viewSteam Tug Waratah bridge and main deckWaratah looking down from KanangraSteam Tug Waratah
Covering Australia’s maritime history from pre-colonial times to the present, the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney has an excellent collection of ships and artefacts on display. The most obvious displays are the ships and boats of the heritage fleet docked on Darling Harbour, but those inside also deserve a lot of attention.
Indigenous Watercraft
As the oldest users of the Australian coast and waterways, a large section is devoted to indigenous watercraft and heritage. Displays of canoes from around Australia and the Torres Strait are on display.
Aboriginal Bark CanoeIlma from the Bardi Jawi people
Kay Cottee and Blackmores First Lady
In 1989, Kay Cottee became the first woman to circumnavigate the world alone, without stopping, without assistance, by way of both hemispheres and the five southernmost capes. It took her 189 days in Blackmores First Lady, in a time before Social Media and with poor communications.
Visitors are able to enter the boat and experience how small it is. Getting on board really makes you realise what an incredible achievement it was.
Blackmores First Lady in which Kay Cottee became the first woman to perform a single-handed, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the worldInside Kay Cottee’s Blackmores First Lady
Model Ships
One section of the Museum has beautifully made ship models relevant to Australia. As the museum is based in Sydney most of the Royal Australian Navy’s shops named HMAS Sydney are displayed. The largest and most impressive is the aircraft carrier, which has amazing detail.
Other models range from sailing ships to bulk iron ore carriers. All were important either for exploration or trade.
Model of The Royal Australian Aircraft Carrier HMAS Sydney (III)A model of BHP Pacific IronSailing Ship Model
Other Exhibits
Interesting displays located throughout the museum include the ships bell from USS Canberra (AG-2) which was named after HMAS Canberra, a heavy cruiser sunk during the Second World War. A 40mm cannon from a Royal Australian Navy ship lets you get a close up look at this important anti-aircraft weapon.
The Bell of USS Canberra CAG-2Spirit of Australia – The World’s Fastest Boat 1978Bofors 40mm cannonDeep Sea Diver Statue
HMAS Vampire
HMAS Vampire (II) D11 was a Daring class destroyer operated by the Royal Australian Navy. Launched in 1959 and decommissioned in 1986. Entry to Vampire and the other ships is included in the ticket cost of the Maritime Museum (as of March 2024).
HMAS VampireHMAS Vampire 4.5″ Guns Sick Bay of HMAS VampireSenior Ratings’ Lounge HMAS Vampire
HMAS Onslow
HMAS Onslow was an Oberon class submarine of the Royal Australian Navy. Commissioned 1969 in and decommissioned in 1999. Walking through the submarine makes you realise how cramped the conditions are. This isn’t somewhere I would want to live months on end.
The historical fleet contains ships that have importance to Australia’s maritime heritage. Possibly the most impressive to still be preserved is the Krait. This ex-Japanese fishing boat was used by Australia Special Forces during the Second World War to sneak into Singapore Harbour where they damaged 37,000 tonnes of Japanese ships.
