USS Champion (1777)
| Career (USA) |  |
|---|---|
| Name: | Champion |
| Launched: | 1777 |
| Out of service: | 21 November 1777 |
| Fate: | Burned |
| General characteristics | |
| Propulsion: | Sail |
| Armament: | 8 Guns |
For other ships of the same name, see USS Champion.
The Continental Navy xebec, Champion, commanded by Captain James Josiah, served in the Delaware River in a force composed of ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State Navy during the American Revolution. It was this force that contested British efforts to establish sea communications with their forces in Philadelphia in the fall of 1777.
After several months of fighting against heavy odds, the American ships attempted to run past Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania State galleys succeeded but the Continental fleet, including Champion, was burned by its own officers on 21 November 1777, when tide and winds turned against them.
References
- This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.