Geschichte
This yacht, power-cruiser was built in 1931 by Craig Shipbuilding Co. in Long Beach, CA.
Historische Notizen
In 1946 this vessel was reported to have been broken up. George Schneider (June 2026) writes: She had a much longer life, and remained an asset of the Saddam Hussein regime until the time of the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Since then it is believed her wreckage has been identified in the Shatt Al-Arab River in Basrah, southern Iraq. A new "Presidential Yacht" had been built in 1981, and it is reported this vessel then was used as a pilot station.
She was probably sunk during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and her apparent hulk remained awash along the Shatt-Al-Arab River in Basrah.
Eigentümer & Kapitäne
In 1931-1938 she was owned by Captain G.A. Hancock, Los Angeles CA USA.
In 1939-1941 she'd been donated to the University of Southern California, Los Angeles CA USA.
In 1941 she was owned by the University of Southern California.
In 1941-1946 she was owned by the United States Navy.
In 1948 she was owned by Nicholas A. Kessler, Los Angeles CA USA.
In 1949 she was owned by Independent Tankships Inc., Washington DC USA.
In 1950-59 she was owned by the Royal Family of Iraq.
In 1959 she was assumed by the revolutionary government of Iraq.
Namensbedeutung
Chalcedony is a semi-precious gemstone, a translucent variety of quartz. Melike Aliye is Iraqi for Queen Alia, wife of King Faisal II. After his assassination it was renamed Al Thawra, meaning The Revolution.
Remotisierung
Replaced in 1954 by two 900 bhp Crossley Brothers Diesel engines
Referenzen
- Merchant Vessels of the United States (1932-1950)
- www.history.navy.mil ↗ (website viewed 22/12/2021)
- www.navsource.net ↗ (accessed June 2026)
