The United States Ram Fleet was a Union Army unit of steam powered ram ships during the American Civil War. The unit was independent of the Union Army and Navy and reported directly to the Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton. The ram fleet operated in coordination with the Mississippi River Squadron during the Union brown-water navy battle against the Confederate River Defense Fleet for control of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
United States Ram Fleet Approaching the City of Memphis, Tennessee to Demand Its Surrender
Charles Ellet Jr. created and led the U.S. Ram Fleet until his death due to a wound received at the First Battle of Memphis
The ram fleet played a critical role in the Union Navy victory at the First Battle of Memphis
Brigadier General Alfred W. Ellet took over command of the United States Ram Fleet after the death of his brother, Charles Ellet Jr.
A naval ram is a weapon fitted to varied types of ships, dating back to antiquity. The weapon comprised an underwater prolongation of the bow of the ship to form an armoured beak, usually between 2 and 4 meters (6–12 ft) in length. This would be driven into the hull of an enemy ship to puncture, sink or disable it.
A ram on the bow of Olympias, a modern reconstruction of an ancient Athenian trireme
Lateral view
Frontal view
Front view
