USS Conyngham (DD-58): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Tucker-class destroyer}} |
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{{other ships|USS Conyngham}} |
{{other ships|USS Conyngham}} |
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{|{{Infobox ship begin}} |
{|{{Infobox ship begin}} |
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|Ship name=''Conyngham'' |
|Ship name=''Conyngham'' |
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|Ship namesake=[[Gustavus Conyngham]] |
|Ship namesake=[[Gustavus Conyngham]] |
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|Ship builder=*[[William Cramp |
|Ship builder=*[[William Cramp & Sons]]<ref name=DANFS>{{cite DANFS | author = Naval History & Heritage Command | author-link = Naval History & Heritage Command | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c13/conyngham-i.htm | title = Conyngham | short = on | access-date = 23 April 2009 }}</ref> |
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*[[Philadelphia |
*[[Philadelphia]] |
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|Ship yard number=419<ref name=Miramar>{{csr|register=MSI|id=6105330|shipname=Conyngham | |
|Ship yard number=419<ref name=Miramar>{{csr|register=MSI|id=6105330|shipname=Conyngham |access-date=23 April 2009 }}</ref> |
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|Ship ordered=1913<ref name=Con-123 /> |
|Ship ordered=1913<ref name=Con-123 /> |
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|Ship laid down=27 July 1914<ref name=DANFS /> |
|Ship laid down=27 July 1914<ref name=DANFS /> |
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|Ship fate=transferred to U.S. Coast Guard, 7 June 1924<ref name=DANFS /> |
|Ship fate=transferred to U.S. Coast Guard, 7 June 1924<ref name=DANFS /> |
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|Ship struck=5 July 1934<ref name=DANFS /> |
|Ship struck=5 July 1934<ref name=DANFS /> |
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|Ship status= Sold on 22 August 1934 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Infobox ship |
{{Infobox ship career |
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|Ship image=[[File:USCGC Conyngham (CG-2), ex-USS Conyngham (DD-58) On Coast Guard service.jpg|300px|USCGC ''Conyngham'' (CG-2), ex-USS ''Conyngham'' (DD-58), on Coast Guard service during the Prohibition Era.]] |
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|Ship caption=USCGC ''Conyngham'' (CG-2), ex-USS ''Conyngham'' (DD-58), on Coast Guard service during the Prohibition Era. |
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}}{{Infobox ship career |
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|Hide header=title |
|Hide header=title |
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|Ship country=United States |
|Ship country=United States |
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|Ship commissioned=8 March 1925, [[Cape May, New Jersey]]<ref name=USCG /> |
|Ship commissioned=8 March 1925, [[Cape May, New Jersey]]<ref name=USCG /> |
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|Ship decommissioned=5 June 1933<ref name=USCG /> |
|Ship decommissioned=5 June 1933<ref name=USCG /> |
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|Ship identification=[[Hull classification symbol#United States Coast Guard |
|Ship identification=[[Hull classification symbol#United States Coast Guard vessels|Hull symbol]]:CG-2 |
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|Ship fate= |
|Ship fate=Returned to U.S. Navy, 30 June 1933,<ref name=USCG /> Sold on 22 August 1934 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Infobox ship characteristics |
{{Infobox ship characteristics |
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|Ship class={{sclass |
|Ship class={{sclass|Tucker|destroyer}} |
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|Ship displacement=*{{convert|1090|LT|MT}}<ref name=Con-123 /> |
|Ship displacement=*{{convert|1090|LT|MT|lk=on}}<ref name=Con-123 /> |
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*{{convert|1205|LT|MT}} fully loaded<ref name=DANFS /> |
*{{convert|1205|LT|MT}} fully loaded<ref name=DANFS /> |
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|Ship length={{convert|315|ft|3|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=DANFS /> |
|Ship length={{convert|315|ft|3|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=DANFS /> |
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|Ship beam={{convert|30|ft|7|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=Con-123>Gardiner, pp. 122–23.</ref> |
|Ship beam={{convert|30|ft|7|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=Con-123>Gardiner, pp. 122–23.</ref> |
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|Ship draft=*{{convert|9|ft|4+1/2|in|m|abbr=on}} (mean)<ref name="congress">{{cite journal |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=mZEqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA762 |
|Ship draft=*{{convert|9|ft|4+1/2|in|m|abbr=on}} (mean)<ref name="congress">{{cite journal |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=mZEqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA762 |title= Table 10 - Ships on Navy List June 30, 1919 |journal= Congressional Serial Set |publisher= U.S. Government Printing Office |year= 1921 |page= 714 }}</ref> |
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*{{convert|10|ft|5|in|m|abbr=on}} (max) |
*{{convert|10|ft|5|in|m|abbr=on}} (max) |
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|Ship power=*4 × [[Yarrow boiler]]s |
|Ship power=*4 × [[Yarrow boiler]]s |
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*{{convert|29.63|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}} (Speed on [[Sea trial|Trial]])<ref name="congress" /> |
*{{convert|29.63|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}} (Speed on [[Sea trial|Trial]])<ref name="congress" /> |
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|Ship range= |
|Ship range= |
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|Ship complement=5 officers 96 enlisted<ref name="comp and arms">{{cite journal |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=mZEqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA762 |
|Ship complement=5 officers 96 enlisted<ref name="comp and arms">{{cite journal |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=mZEqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA762 |title= Table 16 - Ships on Navy List June 30, 1919 |journal= Congressional Serial Set |publisher= U.S. Government Printing Office |year= 1921 |page= 749 }}</ref> |
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|Ship armament=*4 × [[4"/50 caliber gun|{{convert|4|in|mm|abbr=on}}/50]] [[caliber (artillery)|caliber]] guns |
|Ship armament=*4 × [[4"/50 caliber gun|{{convert|4|in|mm|abbr=on}}/50]] [[caliber (artillery)|caliber]] guns |
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*8 × |
*8 × [[American 21 inch torpedo|21 inch (533 mm)]] [[torpedo tube]]s (4 × 2) |
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|Ship motto= |
|Ship motto= |
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}} |
}} |
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'''USS ''Conyngham'' (Destroyer No. 58/DD-58)''' was a {{sclass |
'''USS ''Conyngham'' (Destroyer No. 58/DD-58)''' was a {{sclass|Tucker|destroyer}} built for the [[United States Navy]] prior to the [[American entry into World War I]]. The ship was the first U.S. Navy vessel named for [[Gustavus Conyngham]]. |
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''Conyngham'' was [[keel laying|laid down]] by the [[William Cramp |
''Conyngham'' was [[keel laying|laid down]] by the [[William Cramp & Sons]] of [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], in July 1914 and [[launch (ship)|launch]]ed in July of the following year. The ship was a little more than {{convert|315|ft|m}} in length, just over {{convert|30|ft|m}} [[beam (nautical)|abeam]], and had a standard [[displace (ship)|displacement]] of {{convert|1090|LT|MT}}. She was armed with four {{convert|4|in|cm|adj=on}} guns and had eight [[American 21 inch torpedo|21 inch (533 mm)]] [[torpedo tube]]s. ''Conyngham'' was powered by a pair of [[steam turbine]]s that propelled her at up to {{convert|29.5|knots|km/h}}. |
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After her January 1916 [[commission (ship)|commission]]ing, ''Conyngham'' sailed in the [[Atlantic]] and the [[Caribbean]]. After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, ''Conyngham'' was part of the first U.S. destroyer squadron sent overseas. Patrolling the [[Irish Sea]] out of [[Queenstown, Ireland]], ''Conyngham'' made several rescues of passengers and crew from ships sunk by U-boats. ''Conyngham''{{'}}s commander was commended for actions related to what was thought at the time to be a "probable" kill of a German submarine. |
After her January 1916 [[commission (ship)|commission]]ing, ''Conyngham'' sailed in the [[Atlantic]] and the [[Caribbean]]. After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, ''Conyngham'' was part of the first U.S. destroyer squadron sent overseas. Patrolling the [[Irish Sea]] out of [[Queenstown, Ireland]], ''Conyngham'' made several rescues of passengers and crew from ships sunk by U-boats. ''Conyngham''{{'}}s commander was commended for actions related to what was thought at the time to be a "probable" kill of a German submarine. |
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Upon returning to the United |
Upon returning to the United States in December 1918, ''Conyngham'' underwent repairs at the [[Boston Navy Yard]]. She remained there in reduced commission through 1921, with only brief episodes of activity. After returning to active service for about a year, she was [[decommission (ship)|decommission]]ed in June 1922. In June 1924, ''Conyngham'' was transferred to the [[United States Coast Guard]] to help enforce [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]] as a part of the "[[Rum Patrol]]". She operated under the name '''USCGC ''Conyngham'' (CG-2)''' until 1933, when she was returned to the Navy. Later that year, the ship was renamed '''''DD-58''''' to free the name ''Conyngham'' for [[USS Conyngham (DD-371)|another destroyer]]. She was sold for scrap in August 1934. |
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== Design and construction == |
== Design and construction == |
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''Conyngham'' was authorized in 1913 as the second ship of the {{sclass |
''Conyngham'' was authorized in 1913 as the second ship of the {{sclass|Tucker|destroyer|4}} which, like the related {{sclass|O'Brien|destroyer|4}}, was an improved version of the {{sclass|Cassin|destroyer|1}}s authorized in 1911. Construction of the vessel was awarded to [[William Cramp & Sons]] of [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], which [[keel laying|laid down her keel]] on 27 July 1914. Twelve months later, on 8 July 1915, ''Conyngham'' was [[launch (ship)|launch]]ed by sponsor Miss A. C. Stevens, a great-great-granddaughter of the ship's namesake, [[Gustavus Conyngham]] (1744–1819), a [[Continental Navy]] officer.<ref name=DANFS /> As built, ''Conyngham'' was {{convert|315|ft|3|in|m}} in length and {{convert|30|ft|6|in|m}} [[beam (nautical)|abeam]] and [[draft (ship)|drew]] {{convert|9|ft|4|in|m}}. The ship had a standard [[displace (ship)|displace]]ment of {{convert|1090|LT|MT}} and displaced {{convert|1205|LT|MT}} when fully loaded.<ref name=Con-123 /> |
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''Conyngham'' had two [[Curtis steam turbine]]s that drove her two [[screw propeller]]s, and an additional steam turbine geared to one of the [[propeller shaft (ship)|propeller shaft]]s for cruising purposes. The power plant could generate {{convert|18000|shp}} and move the ship at speeds up to {{convert|29.5|knots|km/h}}.<ref name=Con-123 /> |
''Conyngham'' had two [[Curtis steam turbine]]s that drove her two [[screw propeller]]s, and an additional steam turbine geared to one of the [[propeller shaft (ship)|propeller shaft]]s for cruising purposes. The power plant could generate {{convert|18000|shp}} and move the ship at speeds up to {{convert|29.5|knots|km/h}}.<ref name=Con-123 /> |
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''Conyngham''{{'}}s main [[artillery battery|battery]] consisted of four [[4"/50 caliber gun|{{convert|4|in|mm|0|adj=on}}/50 Mark 9 guns]],<!-- number, size --><ref name=DANFS /><ref name=NavWeaps-4in>{{cite web | last = DiGiulian | first = Tony | title = United States of America: 4"/50 (10.2 cm) Marks 7, 8, 9 and 10 | url = http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_4-50_mk9.htm | work = Naval Weapons of the World | publisher = Navweaps.com | date = 15 August 2008 | |
''Conyngham''{{'}}s main [[artillery battery|battery]] consisted of four [[4"/50 caliber gun|{{convert|4|in|mm|0|adj=on}}/50 Mark 9 guns]],<!-- number, size --><ref name=DANFS /><ref name=NavWeaps-4in>{{cite web | last = DiGiulian | first = Tony | title = United States of America: 4"/50 (10.2 cm) Marks 7, 8, 9 and 10 | url = http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_4-50_mk9.htm | work = Naval Weapons of the World | publisher = Navweaps.com | date = 15 August 2008 | access-date = 22 April 2009 }}</ref><!-- calibers --><ref group=Note>The ''50'' denotes the length of the gun barrels; in this case, the gun is 50 [[calibers#Caliber as measurement of length|calibers]], meaning that the gun is 50 times as long as it is in diameter, {{convert|200|in|m}} in this case. The Mark number is the version of the gun; in this case, the ninth U.S. Navy design of the 4-inch/50 gun.</ref> with each gun weighing in excess of {{convert|6100|lbs|kg}}.<ref name=NavWeaps-4in /> The guns fired {{convert|33|lbs|kg|adj=on}} [[armor-piercing shot and shell|armor-piercing]] [[projectile]]s at {{convert|2900|ft/s|m/s}}. At an [[elevation (ballistics)|elevation]] of 20°, the guns had a range of {{convert|15920|yards|m}}.<ref name=NavWeaps-4in /> |
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''Conyngham'' was also equipped with eight {{convert|21|in|mm|0|adj=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s. The [[General Board of the United States Navy]] had called for two [[anti-aircraft gun]]s for the ''Tucker''-class ships, as well as provisions for laying up to 36 floating [[mine (naval)|mine]]s.<ref name=Con-123 /> From sources, it is unclear if these recommendations were followed for ''Conyngham'' or any of the other ships of the class. |
''Conyngham'' was also equipped with eight {{convert|21|in|mm|0|adj=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s. The [[General Board of the United States Navy]] had called for two [[anti-aircraft gun]]s for the ''Tucker''-class ships, as well as provisions for laying up to 36 floating [[mine (naval)|mine]]s.<ref name=Con-123 /> From sources, it is unclear if these recommendations were followed for ''Conyngham'' or any of the other ships of the class. |
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== Early career == |
== Early career == |
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USS ''Conyngham'' was [[commission (ship)|commission]]ed into the United States Navy on 21 January 1916 |
USS ''Conyngham'' was [[commission (ship)|commission]]ed into the United States Navy on 21 January 1916. Following her commissioning, ''Conyngham'' joined in tactics and war maneuvers off the [[East Coast of the United States|east coast]] in 1916 and in the beginning of 1917 sailed to the [[Caribbean]] for war games and fleet maneuvers. Returning to [[Norfolk, Virginia]] on 23 March, she joined 5th Naval District Patrol Force and with {{USS|Wadsworth|DD-60|2}} and {{USS|Sampson|DD-63|2}} patrolled the approaches to [[Chesapeake Bay]].<ref name=DANFS /> |
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== World War I == |
== World War I == |
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On 24 April 1917 ''Conyngham'' sailed from [[Boston, Massachusetts]] with her division for [[Queenstown, Ireland]], the first destroyers to join English forces for duty after the entry of the United States into World War I earlier that month. This force patrolled off the [[Ireland|Irish]] coast and escorted convoys through the danger zone where German submarine operated.<ref name=DANFS /> |
On 24 April 1917 ''Conyngham'' sailed from [[Boston, Massachusetts]] with her division for [[Queenstown, Ireland]], the first destroyers to join English forces for duty after the entry of the United States into World War I earlier that month. This force patrolled off the [[Ireland|Irish]] coast and escorted convoys through the danger zone where German submarine operated.<ref name=DANFS /> |
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The destroyers also providing rescue services for stricken ships. When the British ship {{SS|Karina||2}} was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine {{SMU|UC-75||2}} on 17 August 1917,<ref>{{cite Uboat.net | name = Karina | id = 3258 | type = 1ship | |
The destroyers also providing rescue services for stricken ships. When the British ship {{SS|Karina||2}} was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine {{SMU|UC-75||2}} on 17 August 1917,<ref>{{cite Uboat.net | name = Karina | id = 3258 | type = 1ship | access-date = 22 April 2009 }}</ref> ''Conyngham'' sped to her assistance and rescued 39 survivors.<ref name=DANFS /> A similar distress call from the British ship {{SS|Hartland||2}} on 22 November—torpedoed by German submarine {{SMU|U-97||2}}<ref>{{cite Uboat.net | name = Hartland | id = 2738 | type = 1ship | access-date = 23 April 2009 }}</ref>—resulted in the rescue of her 30-man crew by ''Conyngham''.<ref name=DANFS /> |
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The British [[Armed merchant cruiser]] {{ |
The British [[Armed merchant cruiser]] {{RMS|Orama|1911|2}} and ten destroyers, including ''Conyngham'', were escorting an eastbound convoy of twenty steamers on 19 October, when German submarine {{SMU|U-62||2}} surfaced in the midst of the group. The submarine launched its only remaining torpedo at ''Orama'', sinking that vessel. Lookouts on ''Conyngham'' saw ''U-62''{{'}}s periscope and quickly launched a [[depth charge]] attack on the spot where the U-boat had submerged, bringing oil and debris to the surface.<ref name=GP-221>Gibson and Prendergast, p. 221.</ref> ''Conyngham''{{'}}s commanding officer was commended for his prompt and effective action,<ref name=DANFS /> and the [[British Admiralty]] awarded ''Conyngham'' a "probable" kill on the submarine. Unfortunately for ''Conyngham''{{'}}s record, though, ''U-62'' had survived the encounter.<ref name=GP-221 /> |
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== Post-war == |
== Post-war == |
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After the hostilities had ended on 11 November 1918 with Germany signing the [[Armistice with Germany|Armistice]], ''Conyngham'' sailed from Queenstown on 14 December 1918 for Boston to have an overhaul. From February to April 1919, the destroyer participated in fleet exercises and division maneuvers in the Caribbean. Returning to Boston, she was placed in reduced commission until 1921.<ref name=DANFS /> |
After the hostilities had ended on 11 November 1918 with Germany signing the [[Armistice with Germany|Armistice]], ''Conyngham'' sailed from Queenstown on 14 December 1918 for Boston to have an overhaul. From February to April 1919, the destroyer participated in fleet exercises and division maneuvers in the Caribbean. Returning to Boston, she was placed in reduced commission until 1921.<ref name=DANFS /> |
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In June 1921, ''Conyngham'' accompanied a Cuban warship that was repatriating the remains of former [[President of Cuba|Cuban President]] [[ |
In June 1921, ''Conyngham'' accompanied a Cuban warship that was repatriating the remains of former [[President of Cuba|Cuban President]] [[José Miguel Gómez]] to [[Havana]]. She returned to [[Newport, Rhode Island]], for summer exercises with her squadron and, after wintering at [[Charleston, South Carolina]], reported to [[Philadelphia Navy Yard]] in March 1922 for inactivation. She was [[decommission (ship)|decommission]]ed there on 23 June 1922.<ref name=DANFS /> |
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== United States Coast Guard career == |
== United States Coast Guard career == |
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On 17 January 1920, [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]] was instituted by law in the United States. Soon, the smuggling of alcoholic beverages along the coastlines of the United States became widespread and blatant. The [[United States Department of Treasury|Treasury Department]] eventually determined that the [[United States Coast Guard]] simply did not have the ships to constitute a successful patrol. To cope with the problem, President [[Calvin Coolidge]] in 1924 authorized the transfer from the Navy to the Coast Guard of twenty old destroyers that were in reserve and out of commission.<ref name=DANFS-Tucker>{{cite DANFS | author = Naval History & Heritage Command | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/t/tucker-i.html| title = Tucker | |
On 17 January 1920, [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]] was instituted by law in the United States. Soon, the smuggling of alcoholic beverages along the coastlines of the United States became widespread and blatant. The [[United States Department of Treasury|Treasury Department]] eventually determined that the [[United States Coast Guard]] simply did not have the ships to constitute a successful patrol. To cope with the problem, President [[Calvin Coolidge]] in 1924 authorized the transfer from the Navy to the Coast Guard of twenty old destroyers that were in reserve and out of commission.<ref name=DANFS-Tucker>{{cite DANFS | author = Naval History & Heritage Command | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/t/tucker-i.html| title = Tucker | access-date = 9 August 2015 |short = on | link = off }}</ref> ''Conyngham'' was reactivated and transferred to the [[United States Department of the Treasury|Treasury Department]] on 7 June 1924 for use by the Coast Guard. Designated ''CG-2'', ''Conyngham'' was commissioned on 8 March 1925,<ref name=USCG>{{cite web | title = Conyngham: CG-2 | url = http://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/Conyngham.pdf | publisher = Historian's Office, United States Coast Guard | access-date = 23 April 2009 }}</ref> and joined the "[[Rum Patrol]]" to aid in the attempt to enforce prohibition laws.<ref name=DANFS /> |
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After the [[United States Congress]] proposed the [[Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution|Twenty-first Amendment]] to end prohibition in February 1933, plans were made for ''Conyngham'' to be returned to the Navy.<ref name=DANFS /> On 27 May 1933, ''Conyngham'' arrived at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and was decommissioned nine days later, on 5 June.<ref name=USCG /> ''Conyngham'' was transferred back to the Navy on 30 June. Later in 1933, the ship was renamed ''DD-58'' in order to free the name ''Conyngham'' for [[USS Conyngham (DD-371)|a new destroyer of the same name]].<ref name=Miramar /> ''DD-58'' remained in noncommissioned status until struck from the [[Naval Vessel Register]] on 5 July 1934. She was sold for scrap on 22 August in accordance with the [[London Naval Treaty]].<ref name=DANFS /> |
After the [[United States Congress]] proposed the [[Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution|Twenty-first Amendment]] to end prohibition in February 1933, plans were made for ''Conyngham'' to be returned to the Navy.<ref name=DANFS /> On 27 May 1933, ''Conyngham'' arrived at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and was decommissioned nine days later, on 5 June.<ref name=USCG /> ''Conyngham'' was transferred back to the Navy on 30 June. Later in 1933, the ship was renamed ''DD-58'' in order to free the name ''Conyngham'' for [[USS Conyngham (DD-371)|a new destroyer of the same name]].<ref name=Miramar /> ''DD-58'' remained in noncommissioned status until struck from the [[Naval Vessel Register]] on 5 July 1934. She was sold for scrap on 22 August in accordance with the [[London Naval Treaty]].<ref name=DANFS /> |
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== Bibliography == |
== Bibliography == |
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* {{cite book | last |
* {{cite book | editor1-last=Gardiner | editor1-first=Robert | editor2-last=Gray | editor2-first=Randal | title = Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921 | location = [[Annapolis, Maryland]] | publisher = [[Naval Institute Press]] | year = 1985 | isbn = 978-0-87021-907-8 | oclc = 12119866 }} |
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* {{Gibson}} |
* {{Gibson}} |
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* {{cite DANFS | author = |
* {{cite DANFS | author = Naval History & Heritage Command | author-link = Naval History & Heritage Command | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/c/conyngham-i.html | title = Conyngham | access-date = 9 August 2015 }} |
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* {{cite DANFS | author = Naval History & Heritage Command | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/t/tucker-i.html| title = Tucker | |
* {{cite DANFS | author = Naval History & Heritage Command | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/t/tucker-i.html| title = Tucker | access-date = 9 August 2015| link = off }} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Conyngham (DD-58)}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Conyngham (DD-58)}} |
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[[Category:Tucker-class destroyers]] |
[[Category:Tucker-class destroyers]] |
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[[Category:Ships built |
[[Category:Ships built by William Cramp & Sons]] |
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[[Category:1915 ships]] |
[[Category:1915 ships]] |
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[[Category:World War I destroyers of the United States]] |
[[Category:World War I destroyers of the United States]] |
Latest revision as of 23:42, 24 April 2024
Conyngham in pattern camouflage
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History | |
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United States | |
Name | Conyngham |
Namesake | Gustavus Conyngham |
Ordered | 1913[3] |
Builder | |
Yard number | 419[2] |
Laid down | 27 July 1914[1] |
Launched | 8 July 1915[1] |
Sponsored by | Miss A. C. Stevens[1] |
Commissioned | 21 January 1916[1] |
Decommissioned | 23 June 1922[1] |
Stricken | 5 July 1934[1] |
Identification |
|
Fate | transferred to U.S. Coast Guard, 7 June 1924[1] |
United States | |
Name | Conyngham |
Acquired | 7 June 1924[4] |
Commissioned | 8 March 1925, Cape May, New Jersey[4] |
Decommissioned | 5 June 1933[4] |
Identification | Hull symbol:CG-2 |
Fate | Returned to U.S. Navy, 30 June 1933,[4] Sold on 22 August 1934 |
General characteristics | |
Class and type | Tucker-class destroyer |
Displacement | |
Length | 315 ft 3 in (96.09 m)[1] |
Beam | 30 ft 7 in (9.32 m)[3] |
Draft |
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Installed power |
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Propulsion | |
Speed | |
Complement | 5 officers 96 enlisted[5] |
Armament |
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USS Conyngham (Destroyer No. 58/DD-58) was a Tucker-class destroyer built for the United States Navy prior to the American entry into World War I. The ship was the first U.S. Navy vessel named for Gustavus Conyngham.
Conyngham was laid down by the William Cramp & Sons of Philadelphia, in July 1914 and launched in July of the following year. The ship was a little more than 315 feet (96 m) in length, just over 30 feet (9.1 m) abeam, and had a standard displacement of 1,090 long tons (1,110 t). She was armed with four 4-inch (10 cm) guns and had eight 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes. Conyngham was powered by a pair of steam turbines that propelled her at up to 29.5 knots (54.6 km/h).
After her January 1916 commissioning, Conyngham sailed in the Atlantic and the Caribbean. After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, Conyngham was part of the first U.S. destroyer squadron sent overseas. Patrolling the Irish Sea out of Queenstown, Ireland, Conyngham made several rescues of passengers and crew from ships sunk by U-boats. Conyngham's commander was commended for actions related to what was thought at the time to be a "probable" kill of a German submarine.
Upon returning to the United States in December 1918, Conyngham underwent repairs at the Boston Navy Yard. She remained there in reduced commission through 1921, with only brief episodes of activity. After returning to active service for about a year, she was decommissioned in June 1922. In June 1924, Conyngham was transferred to the United States Coast Guard to help enforce Prohibition as a part of the "Rum Patrol". She operated under the name USCGC Conyngham (CG-2) until 1933, when she was returned to the Navy. Later that year, the ship was renamed DD-58 to free the name Conyngham for another destroyer. She was sold for scrap in August 1934.
Design and construction[edit]
Conyngham was authorized in 1913 as the second ship of the Tucker class which, like the related O'Brien class, was an improved version of the Cassin-class destroyers authorized in 1911. Construction of the vessel was awarded to William Cramp & Sons of Philadelphia, which laid down her keel on 27 July 1914. Twelve months later, on 8 July 1915, Conyngham was launched by sponsor Miss A. C. Stevens, a great-great-granddaughter of the ship's namesake, Gustavus Conyngham (1744–1819), a Continental Navy officer.[1] As built, Conyngham was 315 feet 3 inches (96.09 m) in length and 30 feet 6 inches (9.30 m) abeam and drew 9 feet 4 inches (2.84 m). The ship had a standard displacement of 1,090 long tons (1,110 t) and displaced 1,205 long tons (1,224 t) when fully loaded.[3]
Conyngham had two Curtis steam turbines that drove her two screw propellers, and an additional steam turbine geared to one of the propeller shafts for cruising purposes. The power plant could generate 18,000 shaft horsepower (13,000 kW) and move the ship at speeds up to 29.5 knots (54.6 km/h).[3]
Conyngham's main battery consisted of four 4-inch (102 mm)/50 Mark 9 guns,[1][7][Note 1] with each gun weighing in excess of 6,100 pounds (2,800 kg).[7] The guns fired 33-pound (15 kg) armor-piercing projectiles at 2,900 feet per second (880 m/s). At an elevation of 20°, the guns had a range of 15,920 yards (14,560 m).[7]
Conyngham was also equipped with eight 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes. The General Board of the United States Navy had called for two anti-aircraft guns for the Tucker-class ships, as well as provisions for laying up to 36 floating mines.[3] From sources, it is unclear if these recommendations were followed for Conyngham or any of the other ships of the class.
Early career[edit]
USS Conyngham was commissioned into the United States Navy on 21 January 1916. Following her commissioning, Conyngham joined in tactics and war maneuvers off the east coast in 1916 and in the beginning of 1917 sailed to the Caribbean for war games and fleet maneuvers. Returning to Norfolk, Virginia on 23 March, she joined 5th Naval District Patrol Force and with Wadsworth and Sampson patrolled the approaches to Chesapeake Bay.[1]
World War I[edit]
On 24 April 1917 Conyngham sailed from Boston, Massachusetts with her division for Queenstown, Ireland, the first destroyers to join English forces for duty after the entry of the United States into World War I earlier that month. This force patrolled off the Irish coast and escorted convoys through the danger zone where German submarine operated.[1]
The destroyers also providing rescue services for stricken ships. When the British ship Karina was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine UC-75 on 17 August 1917,[8] Conyngham sped to her assistance and rescued 39 survivors.[1] A similar distress call from the British ship Hartland on 22 November—torpedoed by German submarine U-97[9]—resulted in the rescue of her 30-man crew by Conyngham.[1]
The British Armed merchant cruiser Orama and ten destroyers, including Conyngham, were escorting an eastbound convoy of twenty steamers on 19 October, when German submarine U-62 surfaced in the midst of the group. The submarine launched its only remaining torpedo at Orama, sinking that vessel. Lookouts on Conyngham saw U-62's periscope and quickly launched a depth charge attack on the spot where the U-boat had submerged, bringing oil and debris to the surface.[10] Conyngham's commanding officer was commended for his prompt and effective action,[1] and the British Admiralty awarded Conyngham a "probable" kill on the submarine. Unfortunately for Conyngham's record, though, U-62 had survived the encounter.[10]
Post-war[edit]
After the hostilities had ended on 11 November 1918 with Germany signing the Armistice, Conyngham sailed from Queenstown on 14 December 1918 for Boston to have an overhaul. From February to April 1919, the destroyer participated in fleet exercises and division maneuvers in the Caribbean. Returning to Boston, she was placed in reduced commission until 1921.[1]
In June 1921, Conyngham accompanied a Cuban warship that was repatriating the remains of former Cuban President José Miguel Gómez to Havana. She returned to Newport, Rhode Island, for summer exercises with her squadron and, after wintering at Charleston, South Carolina, reported to Philadelphia Navy Yard in March 1922 for inactivation. She was decommissioned there on 23 June 1922.[1]
United States Coast Guard career[edit]
On 17 January 1920, Prohibition was instituted by law in the United States. Soon, the smuggling of alcoholic beverages along the coastlines of the United States became widespread and blatant. The Treasury Department eventually determined that the United States Coast Guard simply did not have the ships to constitute a successful patrol. To cope with the problem, President Calvin Coolidge in 1924 authorized the transfer from the Navy to the Coast Guard of twenty old destroyers that were in reserve and out of commission.[11] Conyngham was reactivated and transferred to the Treasury Department on 7 June 1924 for use by the Coast Guard. Designated CG-2, Conyngham was commissioned on 8 March 1925,[4] and joined the "Rum Patrol" to aid in the attempt to enforce prohibition laws.[1]
After the United States Congress proposed the Twenty-first Amendment to end prohibition in February 1933, plans were made for Conyngham to be returned to the Navy.[1] On 27 May 1933, Conyngham arrived at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and was decommissioned nine days later, on 5 June.[4] Conyngham was transferred back to the Navy on 30 June. Later in 1933, the ship was renamed DD-58 in order to free the name Conyngham for a new destroyer of the same name.[2] DD-58 remained in noncommissioned status until struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 5 July 1934. She was sold for scrap on 22 August in accordance with the London Naval Treaty.[1]
Notes[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Naval History & Heritage Command. "Conyngham". DANFS. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
- ^ a b "Conyngham (6105330)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f Gardiner, pp. 122–23.
- ^ a b c d e f "Conyngham: CG-2" (PDF). Historian's Office, United States Coast Guard. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
- ^ "Table 16 - Ships on Navy List June 30, 1919". Congressional Serial Set. U.S. Government Printing Office: 749. 1921.
- ^ a b "Table 10 - Ships on Navy List June 30, 1919". Congressional Serial Set. U.S. Government Printing Office: 714. 1921.
- ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Karina". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
- ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Hartland". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
- ^ a b Gibson and Prendergast, p. 221.
- ^ Naval History & Heritage Command. "Tucker". DANFS. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.
Bibliography[edit]
- Gardiner, Robert; Gray, Randal, eds. (1985). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-0-87021-907-8. OCLC 12119866.
- Gibson, R. H.; Maurice Prendergast (2003) [1931]. The German Submarine War, 1914–1918. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 9781591143147. OCLC 52924732.
- Naval History & Heritage Command. "Conyngham". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
- Naval History & Heritage Command. "Tucker". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
External links[edit]
- Photo gallery of Conyngham at NavSource Naval History