On occasion the U.S. Navy brought some of their ships into Pensacola Bay and would anchor them just offshore from downtown Pensacola. They would then run their small launches to and from the shore bringing tourists and visitors out for short tours. It was great excitement for the local citizens and of course was excellent public relations for the military.
The USS Langley put in to the port of Pensacola on June 12, 1931 and had the distinction of being the world’s first aircraft carrier. She was originally the collier USS Jupiter and was converted into an aircraft carrier and commissioned in March 1922. In 1936, she was again converted to a seaplane tender, but on February 27, 1942 she was attacked by Japanese aircraft and disabled in the Netherlands East Indies. Her escorting destroyers scuttled her rather than have her fall into the hands of the enemy.
On another occasion the Navy sailed the old wooden warship, the USS Constitution better known as “Old Ironsides,” into the bay for everyone to see. On January 6, 1932, the old naval vessel appeared off the mouth of Pensacola Bay and was taken in tow by the minesweeper USS Grebe and pulled to the west side of the Commendencia Wharf where it was safely secured. The children from the elementary school class at Eliza Jane Wilson took up collections to donate to the Navy for repairs for the Constitution. In the meantime, the captain of the ship was invited to a formal dinner at the San Carlos Hotel along with his officers while the public was welcomed aboard his ship to visit on Sunday January 10, 1932.
USS Constitution and her escort USS Grebe at Commendencia Wharf 1932
USS Constitution at Commendencia Wharf Pensacola 1932
Pensacola News Journal Article 1-7-1932
Pensacola News Journal Article 6-12-1931