Special Service Squadron


The Special Service Squadron was a component of the United States Navy that operated from 1920 to 1940, primarily patrolling the Caribbean Sea to safeguard American interests, including the Panama Canal, amid political instability in Central America and the Caribbean. Established as an independent command, it conducted gunboat diplomacy, supported U.S. interventions, and maintained a presence along Central and South American coasts. It was headquartered in Balboa, Panama Canal Zone.
Records of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet have correspondence from the Special Service Squadron in 1907. The Special Service Squadron was stood up as a separate command from the fleet on September 25, 1920. Its purpose was to protect the Canal and American interests both in the Caribbean and on the Pacific coast of Central America. The squadron comprised small, older vessels like gunboats, USS Asheville ) and destroyers, serving as flagships for operations including training exercises and protection during regional conflicts. It was abolished in 1940 as part of broader U.S. naval reorganizations ahead of World War II.

Commanders

Commanders of the Divisions, Atlantic Fleet
Commanders of the Special Service Squadron