Battleships

United States combat involvement in World War I began on April 7, 1917; the day after the United States officially declared war on Germany when the USS Supply captured the German cruiser SMS Cormoran in the Pacific Ocean.

Although the United States Navy was not fully prepared for war, the Navy ships on the water at the time of the declaration immediately joined the Allies’ war effort. Additionally, the Navy commissioned yachts and fishing vessels owned by individuals and corporations to help transport supplies and troops to Europe.