Anniversary of the USS Tallahassee’s launch recognized
City of Tallahassee photo
Special to the Outlook
As a prelude to the celebration of Veterans Day, the City of Tallahassee last Friday join U.S. Navy officials in recognizing the 120th anniversary of the launching of the USS Tallahassee.
The mid-day ceremony took place at the historic bell from the ship in front of City Hall.
Tim Parsons, State Historic Preservation Officer, shared the history of the USS Tallahassee. Captain Theron Davis, Commanding Officer, USS Florida, also discussed the importance of the bell on Navy vessels. Ten sailors from the USS Florida submarine attended as honor guard for the ceremony.
Veterans from all service branches, along with members of the community, also were in attendance.
The USS Tallahassee was launched on Nov. 30, 1901 and commissioned as the USS Florida on June 18, 1903. The Florida was renamed Tallahassee (IX-16) on July 1, 1908, to free the State name for assignment to a new ship. She had a crew of 220 officers and enlisted personnel.
At various times between 1906 and 1917, the USS Tallahassee served as the Naval Academy’s midshipman training ship, trained Naval Reservists and conducted ordnance experiments. She was the ship chosen to prove that stacked turrets would be safe and effective. In 1915, she was converted to a submarine tender. During World War I, the USS Tallahassee served in the Canal Zone, the Virgin Islands and the Bermuda areas, earning the World War I Victory Medal. She was decommissioned on March 24, 1922.
A model of the ship is on display at the Museum of Florida History.
The 320-pound bronze bell of the USS Tallahassee has resided in front of City Hall since Nov. 9, 2010. Prior to that, it was under the stewardship of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce for 38 years (1972-2010).
“Eleven years ago, it was my privilege to lead efforts that resulted in the prominent display of the historic bell to honor our veterans from all branches of the service,” said David Ramsay, community supporter and activist. “We can never say thank you often enough to those who have protected our freedom.”
