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Kent Weekly (SS/DSV) (DBF), EMCS
to remember
Bates, Alexander Berry, RADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town New York, NY
Last Address Binghamton, NY
Date of Passing Feb 19, 1917
Location of Interment Spring Forest Cemetery - Binghamton, New York
Dictator Class Monitor: Displacement: 4,438 tons. Dimensions: 312 x 50 x 20.5 feet/95.1 x 15.24 x 6.25 meters. Propulsion: Ericsson VL engines, 6 boilers, 1 shaft, 3,500 ihp, 11 knots. Crew: 175. Armor: Iron: 1-6 inch sides, 2 inch deck, 15 inch turret. Armament: 1 dual turret with 2x15 inch Dahlgren smooth-bore.
Concept/Program: The first purpose-built US monitor intended to be truly seagoing; was designed as a "seagoing high speed monitor". Although her speed and seaworthiness were an improvement over previous ships, the design had problems, and she left much to be desired.
Design: A single-turret Ericsson design, generally increased in size over the coastal ships, with the lines of the raft improved, and with less overhang. There was a tall funnel and tall ventilation shaft; there probably was a light hurricane deck amidships. Design speed was 15 knots, but this was not reached. The design was overweight, reducing free-board to 16 inches. The main shaft bearings were too short, resulting in excessive wear.
Operational: Contracted to John Ericsson, construction subcontracted to Delameter Iron Works, New York. Laid down 16 June 1862, launched 2 December 1863, commissioned 11 November 1864. Was sent to participate in the assault on Fort Fisher, but had to return to port due to excessive wear on the shaft bearings. Decommissioned to reserve 5 September 1865, was recommissioned 20 July 1869. Dictator served with the North Atlantic Fleet until 28 June 1871 when she was again placed out of commission. She was in ordinary at New York Navy Yard until 12 January 1874 when she was commissioned for service on the North Atlantic Station.
Fate: Dictator was decommissioned at League Island 1 June 1877 and remained there until sold 27 September 1883.
