Lotus

The USAMP Col. Albert Todd, built in 1919-20 by the U.S. Army Quartermaster Department at Fabricated Ship Building in Milwaukee, WI, has a rich history. Launched in 1920, it was named in honor of Colonel Albert Todd, a distinguished artilleryman who commanded the Eastern Artillery District from 1910 to 1911. Initially assigned to the North Pacific Coast Artillery District on May 4, 1920, the vessel was accepted for service by the Quartermaster Corps on September 20, 1920. Commissioned as the USAMP Col. Albert Todd, Captain Edward E. Murphy, USA, took command. Its role was within the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps, specifically as part of the Mine Planter Service. Departing Milwaukee in October 1920, the ship arrived at the Army Supply Base in Brooklyn, New York, in November 1920. It typically docked at Pier #6 in Hoboken, New Jersey. Although further assigned to the Coast Defenses of Puget Sound on November 9, 1920, it never actually served in that location. In April 1921, the vessel was transferred to Fort Totten, New York, and later, in September 1921, to Fort Wood, New York. However, by October 6, 1924, it was decommissioned at Fort Wood and transferred to the U.S. Lighthouse Service under the Department of Commerce. Fast forward to July 1, 1939, when the USAMP Col. Albert Todd was absorbed into the U.S. Coast Guard and commissioned as the USCGC Lotus (WAGL-229). The Lotus operated out of Boston until 1941, when it transferred to Chelsea, Massachusetts. During World War II, it played a crucial role by laying buoys and anti-submarine nets to assist convoys rallying at Newfoundland. Later, it conducted standard work in the Caribbean. After its service with private owners, the Lotus met an unexpected fate. Abandoned on the Miami River, it became one of the derelict vessels targeted for removal. On February 12, 1971, Miami-Dade County loaded the rusting Lotus with explosives and had it blown up at sea approximately two miles offshore. Name History: USAMP Col. Albert Todd (1920) Lotus (1924)