Over five years of war the Flotilla employed many vessels, averaging between fifteen and twenty-five vessels. May 16 1861: James Harmon Ward set out from the New York Navy Yard with three vessels, the USS Thomas Freeborn, USS Reliance and USS Resolute to form the first active force of the “Flying Flotilla” or Potomac Flotilla. May 1 1861: The first vessels were acquired for the new “Flying Flotilla” or Potomac Flotilla to patrol Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Ward’s flotilla acted independently under the direct orders of the Navy Department, although there was frequent transfer of vessels with the commands Atlantic Blockading Squadron and its successors. His superior officer, Samuel Livingston Breese, commandant of the New York Navy Yard, endorsed his plan and it was submitted to Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles.Īpril 27 1861: Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles authorised Samuel Livingston Breese and James Harmon Ward to form a “flying flotilla” of light draft vessels to patrol Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.Īpril 27 1861: The Potomac Flotilla, or “Flying Flotilla” as originally termed, was established to operate in the Chesapeake and its tributaries.Īpril 27 1861: James Harmon Ward assumed command of the “Flying Flotilla” or Potomac Flotilla. Ward suggested a “Flying Flotilla” of light draft vessels be formed to operate in the Chesapeake and its tributaries. George Frederick Pearson, Octo– 1866 “Flying Flotilla” or Potomac FlotillaĪpril 22 1861: James Harmon Ward, commanding the receiving ship USS North Carolina at the New York Navy Yard, proposed a plan for the protection of the Chesapeake Bay and capital areas. John Berrien Montgomery 1859 – January 2 1862 Squadrons of the US Navy 1861-1865 The Pacific Squadron
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