From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

Ferdinand De Lesseps (1805-94) was a French diplomat and engineer who formulated plans for the Suez Canal and carried them to a successful conclusion. He also directed the French company which failed in the attempt to construct the Panama Canal.

De Lesseps was a tug owned by the Panama Canal Company who loaned her in 1918 to the Navy for temporary use by the Commandant, 15th Naval District.

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT