Warship Wednesday 13 May 2026: Unexpected Blockade Enforcer

Here at LSOZI, we take a break every Wednesday to explore the old steam/diesel navies from 1833 to 1954, profiling a different ship each week. These ships have a life, a tale all their own, which sometimes takes them to the strangest places.- Christopher Eger If you enjoy my always ad-free Warship Wednesday content, you can support it by buying me a cup of joe at https://buymeacoffee.com/lsozi As Henk says: “Warship Coffee – no sugar, just a pinch of salt!” Warship Wednesday 13 May 2026: Unexpected Blockade Enforcer Photo from the collection of Rosalie and Bascom Grooms, Sr., courtesy of Florida Keys Public Libraries Above, we see the U.S. Lighthouse Service Tender Mangrove around 1897, when she entered service. Though not built with military service in mind, Mangrove would serve in three wars under Navy orders, including one where she fired the last shot and captured one of the largest enemy prizes. Background on the Lighthouse Service’s steel tenders The foundations of the…