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Clemson-class destroyer
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Clemson-class destroyer
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USS Barker in 1928
Class overview
NameClemson class
Builders
Operators
Preceded byWickes class
Succeeded byFarragut class
SubclassesTown class
Built1918–1922
In service1919–1948
Planned162
Completed156
Canceled6 (DD-200 to DD-205)
Lost20
General characteristics
TypeDestroyer
Displacement
  • 1,215 tons (normal)
  • 1,308 tons (full load)
Length314 ft 4.5 in (95.822 m)
Beam30 ft 11.5 in (9.436 m)
Draft9 ft 4 in (2.84 m)
Propulsion
Speed35.5 knots (65.7 km/h; 40.9 mph)
Range
  • 4,900 nmi (9,100 km)
  •   @ 15 kn (28 km/h)
Crew
  • 8 officers
  • 8 chief petty officers
  • 106 enlisted
Armament

The Clemson class was a series of 156 destroyers (six more were cancelled and never begun) built at the end of World War I, the majority of which served with the United States Navy from after World War I and through World War II.

The Clemson-class ships were commissioned by the United States Navy from 1919 to 1922, built by Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, New York Shipbuilding Corporation, William Cramp & Sons, Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Bath Iron Works, some quite rapidly. The Clemson class was a minor redesign of the Wickes class for greater fuel capacity and was the last pre-World War II class of flush-deck destroyers to be built for the United States. Until the Fletcher-class destroyer, the Clemsons were the most numerous class of destroyers commissioned in the United States Navy and were known colloquially as "flush-deckers", "four-stackers" or "four-pipers".

Design evolution

[edit]

As finally built, the Clemson class would be a fairly straightforward expansion of the Wickes-class destroyers. While the Wickes class had given good service there was a desire to build a class more tailored towards the anti-submarine role, and as such several design studies were completed, mainly about increasing the ships' range. These designs included a reduction in speed to between 26–28 knots (48–52 km/h; 30–32 mph) by eliminating two boilers, freeing up displacement for depth charges and more fuel. This proposal foreshadowed the destroyer escorts of World War II.[2]

Upgrading the gun armament from 4-inch (102 mm) to 5-inch (127 mm) guns was also considered, but only five ships (DD-231 to DD-235) were armed with 5-inch guns. In addition, the tapered stern of the Wickes-class destroyers resulted in a large turning radius and a correction to this defect was also sought, although this was not corrected in the final design. In the end the General Board decided the 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph) speed be retained so as to allow the Clemson class to be used as a fleet escort. The pressing need for destroyers overruled any change that would slow production compared to the proceeding Wickes class. Wing tanks for fuel oil were installed on either side of the ships to increase the operational range.[3] This design choice meant the fuel oil would be stored above the waterline and create additional vulnerability, but the Navy felt a 4,900-nautical-mile (9,100 km; 5,600 mi) range was worth the risk.[3] Additional improvements included provisions for 5-inch guns to be installed at a later date, an enlarged rudder to help reduce the turn radius, and an additional 3-inch (76 mm) anti-aircraft gun on the after deck-house.[4]

The class resulted from a General Board recommendation for further destroyers to combat the submarine threat, culminating in a total of 267 Wickes- and Clemson-class destroyers completed. However, the design of the ships remained optimized for operation with the battleship fleet.[5]

Armament

[edit]
Overhead view of USS Lamson

The main armament was the same as the Wickes class: four 4-inch (102 mm)/50 caliber guns and twelve 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes. The Mark 8 torpedo was initially equipped, and probably remained the standard torpedo for this class, as 600 Mark 8 torpedoes were issued to the British in 1940 as part of the Destroyers for Bases Agreement.[6]

Although the design provided for two anti-aircraft (AA) guns, most ships carried a single 3-inch (76 mm)/23 caliber AA gun, typically on the aft deckhouse. A frequent modification was replacing the aft 4-inch gun with the 3-inch gun to make more room for the depth charge tracks.[3] Anti-submarine (ASW) armament was added during or after construction. Typically, two depth charge tracks were provided aft, along with a Y-gun depth charge projector forward of the aft deckhouse.[7]

Despite the provision for 5-inch guns, only seven ships were built with an increased gun armament. USS Hovey and USS Long had twin 4-inch/50 mounts for a total of eight guns, while DD 231–235 had four 5-inch (127 mm)/51 caliber guns in place of the 4-inch guns.

In operation

[edit]

As with the preceding Wickes class, the fleet found that the tapered cruiser stern, which made for a nice depth charge deployment feature, dug into the water and increased the turning radius, thus hampering anti-submarine work.[8][9] While an increased rudder size helped, the answer would be in a redesigned stern, but this was not implemented. They were reported to be prone to heavy rolling in light load conditions.[7] The flush deck gave the hull great strength but this also made the deck very wet.[8][9]

Ships in class

[edit]
Main article: List of Clemson-class destroyers

156 Clemson-class destroyers were built (with hull numbers DD 186 to 199 and DD 206 to 347), with an additional six (DD 200 to 205) cancelled.[10]

History

[edit]
The Honda Point Disaster 1923.
Seventy-seven "four-stackers" laid up at San Diego in 1924.

Only 64 of this class had been begun by Armistice Day, 11 November 1918, and none had yet been commissioned.

USS Graham collided with SS Panama off the New Jersey coast on 16 December 1921 and had to return to New York, where she was decommissioned on 31 March 1922, and was sold for scrapping on 19 September 1922.

Fourteen ships of the class were involved in the Honda Point Disaster (a.k.a. Point Pedernales) in September 1923, of which seven were lost in the worst peacetime loss in US Naval history.

Many never saw wartime service, as a significant number were decommissioned in 1930 and scrapped as part of the London Naval Treaty. About 40 Clemson-class destroyers with Yarrow boilers were scrapped or otherwise disposed of in 1930–31, as these boilers wore out quickly in service. Flush-deckers in reserve were commissioned as replacements.[11] In 1936 only some 169 of the flush deck destroyers would be left, four Caldwell class and the rest Wickes and Clemson class.[12] In 1937 four Clemson class were converted to destroyer minelayers (hull classification symbol DM), joining several Wickes-class ships in this role.

Nineteen were transferred to the Royal Navy in 1940 as part of the Destroyers for Bases Agreement, where they became part of the Town class. Others were upgraded or converted to high-speed transports (APD), high-speed minesweepers (DMS), destroyer minelayers (DM), or seaplane tenders (AVD) and served through World War II. Four Wickes-class DM conversions and the four Clemson-class DM conversions survived to serve in World War II.

Clemson-class destroyer (possibly USS Pope) sinking, c. 1942

Most ships remaining in service during World War II were rearmed with dual-purpose 3-inch/50 caliber guns to provide better anti-aircraft protection.[13] The AVD seaplane tender conversions received two guns; the APD high-speed transport, DM minelayer, and DMS minesweeper conversions received three guns, and those retaining destroyer classification received six.[14] Their original low-angle 4-inch/50 caliber guns (Mark 9) were transferred to Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships for anti-submarine protection.[15] For the ships converted to minesweepers, the twelve 21-inch torpedo tubes were replaced by minesweeping gear.[16]

USS Stewart was scuttled at Soerabaja on 2 March 1942, following the surrender of the Dutch East Indies to the Japanese. She was raised, repaired and recommissioned as Japanese patrol boat PB-102 by the Imperial Japanese Navy. She was surrendered to the US Navy following the end of World War II and was used as a target for aircraft. In addition, 17 Clemson-class destroyers were lost during the war.

The wrecks of three Clemson-class destroyers remain in the San Francisco Bay area, USS Corry a few miles north of Mare Island Navy Yard on the Napa River, USS Thompson in the southern part of the Bay where it was used as a bombing target in World War II,[17] and the aforementioned USS Stewart in what is now the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.[18]

A number of ships in the class were christened by the initial batch of women who enlisted in the Navy as Yeoman (F) in World War I. USS Hatfield was sponsored by Mrs. J. Edmond Haugh (Helen Brooks) who had been a Yeoman during World War I.

See also

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Notes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Clemson-class destroyer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Clemson-class destroyers were a group of 156 flush-deck destroyers constructed for the between 1918 and 1922, forming the largest class of destroyers built by the U.S. up to that time. Evolving from the earlier Wickes class, they featured enhanced fuel capacity—increased by 35% to about 425 tons of oil—for greater operational range of up to 4,900 nautical miles at 15 knots, along with larger rudders for improved handling in rough seas. These vessels displaced 1,190 tons standard and 1,308 tons at full load, measured 314 feet 5 inches (95.8 m) in length with a beam of 30 feet 10 inches (9.4 m), and were propelled by four Thornycroft or Yarrow boilers feeding two or Parsons geared steam turbines that delivered 27,000 shaft horsepower, enabling a maximum speed of 35 knots. Armament consisted of four single 4-inch (102 mm)/50-caliber guns in open mounts, twelve 21-inch (533 mm) tubes arranged in four triple above-water mounts, one or two 3-inch (76 mm)/23-caliber anti-aircraft guns, and provisions for depth charges to support . Most Clemson-class ships entered service after the Armistice of in November 1918, limiting their involvement in that conflict to a handful of late commissions that participated in post-war occupations and patrols in European waters. During the interwar years, they formed the backbone of the U.S. Pacific Fleet's force, conducting training exercises, fleet maneuvers, and occasional diplomatic missions, though many suffered from issues and were placed in reserve or reduced commission by . A tragic peacetime event occurred on September 8, 1923, when seven ships of 11 ran aground at Honda Point, California, due to navigational errors amid heavy fog and strong currents, resulting in 23 deaths and marking the U.S. Navy's worst such disaster. In World War II, approximately 100 surviving Clemson ships were reactivated, modernized with updated radar, sonar, and anti-aircraft batteries, and repurposed for convoy escort duties, anti-submarine patrols, and minesweeping in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Many underwent conversions to high-speed transports (APD) capable of carrying 144 troops and landing craft, supporting amphibious operations such as those in the Solomon Islands and Normandy. Under the Lend-Lease program, 50 were transferred to the Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy for Atlantic convoy protection against U-boats, where they helped sink several German submarines. The class saw 20 losses during the war, including sinkings in major battles like the Java Sea and USS Reuben James, the first U.S. Navy ship sunk in World War II in the Atlantic on 31 October 1941, with the ships collectively earning more than 150 battle stars for combat service. One unique case was USS Stewart (DD-224), scuttled during the Battle of the Java Sea in February 1942 but later salvaged and commissioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy as Patrol Boat No. 102 until it was recaptured by U.S. forces in 1945. By war's end, most remaining Clemson vessels were decommissioned and scrapped, though a few served into the early Cold War era with Allied navies.

Development

Origins and requirements

The Naval Act of 1916, often referred to as the "big navy" legislation, initiated a major expansion of the United States Navy, authorizing the construction of numerous warships, including a proportionate number of destroyers to support a balanced fleet capable of projecting power across both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This program, driven by pre-war strategic concerns over naval parity with European powers, gained urgency with America's entry into World War I in April 1917, prompting an emergency reorientation toward anti-submarine warfare (ASW) to counter German U-boat threats to Allied shipping. Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, recognizing the submarine menace, issued orders on 21 July 1917 to suspend capital ship construction and prioritize destroyers and other ASW vessels, leading to a construction boom that saw over 270 flush-deck destroyers laid down between 1917 and 1919. The Clemson class, consisting of 156 flush-deck destroyers authorized under wartime emergency programs as an extension of the Wickes-class design, were primarily laid down after the , specifically to bolster convoy escort capabilities with enhanced provisions for depth charges and other ASW equipment. These vessels were intended to provide massed screening for merchant convoys and fleet operations, addressing the ongoing need for rapid-response escorts even after the war's end, with requirements emphasizing speed, endurance, and anti-submarine armament to protect transatlantic supply lines. The General Board of the played a pivotal role in defining these specifications, advocating for standardized designs that could be produced quickly by multiple shipyards while maintaining tactical flexibility for escort duties. Despite post-war demobilization and severe budget cuts in 1919–1921, construction of the Clemson class proceeded to completion by 1922, influenced by the signed in February 1922, which, while limiting tonnage, permitted the finishing of existing programs to maintain naval balance without exceeding overall fleet ratios. The treaty's emphasis on arms limitation amid economic pressures ultimately halted further expansions but ensured the Clemson ships entered service, forming the backbone of the U.S. Navy's surface force during the .

Design evolution

The Clemson-class destroyers evolved from the preceding class as a response to operational shortcomings identified during , particularly in fuel endurance for extended patrols. Essentially a repeat of the Wickes design, the Clemson variant incorporated minor hull modifications, such as the addition of wing tanks on either side to increase capacity by approximately 35 percent to 375 tons, enhancing range to 2,500 nautical miles at 20 knots compared to the Wickes' 2,000 nautical miles at the same speed. Engineering decisions focused on machinery tweaks to improve efficiency without major redesigns, allowing for continued . The class adopted four Yarrow or White-Forster boilers operating at 300 psi with saturated steam, paired with geared steam turbines (, Parsons, or Westinghouse) delivering 27,000 shaft horsepower, similar to the Wickes class, enabling a top speed of around 35 knots while prioritizing reliability for fleet escort duties. The design standardized the flush-deck configuration with four smokestacks, known as "four-pipers," to facilitate rapid construction across multiple shipyards and meet urgent wartime demands. This evolution resulted in 156 Clemson-class ships completed, building on the 111 Wickes-class vessels; production authorization under wartime programs, resulting in 156 Clemson-class ships completed, reflecting the U.S. Navy's push for numerical superiority in destroyer forces.

Characteristics

Dimensions and propulsion

The Clemson-class destroyers measured 314 feet 5 inches (95.8 m) in , with a beam of 30 feet 10 inches (9.4 m) and a draft of 9 feet 10 inches (3.0 m). These dimensions provided a slender hull form optimized for high speed, evolving from the similar Wickes-class design with slight refinements for improved fuel storage. Standard displacement was 1,190 tons, increasing to 1,308 tons at full load, reflecting the class's compact yet capable structure for escort and duties. Propulsion was powered by four oil-fired boilers—typically Yarrow, though Normand or White-Forster types were used depending on the shipyard—supplying steam to two geared turbines (, Parsons, or Westinghouse variants) connected to twin shafts. This arrangement delivered 27,000 shaft horsepower, achieving a designed maximum speed of 35 knots under optimal conditions. The class's design emphasized stability as a platform for armament in rough seas, with hull proportions and yielding a positive to resist rolling; however, the narrow beam and elevated fuel tanks occasionally posed challenges in heavy weather.

Armament and sensors

The Clemson-class destroyers were equipped with a consisting of four single 4-inch (102 mm)/50 caliber guns, positioned fore and aft to provide balanced offensive capability against surface targets. These low-angle guns were the standard for U.S. flush-deck destroyers of the era, emphasizing destruction in line with their design for fleet screening and anti-submarine roles. A single 3-inch (76 mm)/23 caliber Mark 12 anti-aircraft gun was also fitted amidships to offer limited defense against early aerial threats. Torpedo armament comprised twelve 21-inch (533 mm) tubes arranged in four triple above-water launchers, allowing for salvo fire against enemy warships; a total of twelve torpedoes were carried, with no reloads. This configuration reflected the class's origins in convoy protection requirements, where torpedo attacks were anticipated against submarines and surface raiders. Ammunition stowage supported sustained operations, with approximately 4,610 rounds available for the 4-inch guns. For anti-submarine warfare, the original fitout included two stern depth charge racks capable of holding 12 depth charges, supplemented by one Y-gun for projection; this modest loadout was intended for initial engagements pending fleet support. The class's emphasis on anti-submarine duties is evident in these provisions, though early depth charge technology limited effectiveness against submerged threats. Sensors and fire control were rudimentary by later standards, relying on the Mark I stereoscopic rangefinder and basic optical directors for gunnery without radar integration. Target acquisition depended on visual spotting and manual plotting, with no electronic aids until World War II modifications.

Construction

Shipbuilding contracts

The Clemson-class destroyers were produced under contracts distributed across 14 U.S. yards and private firms to accelerate wartime output, drawing on the of the preceding Wickes-class for efficient assembly. A total of 156 vessels were completed by major contractors such as Steel's Fore River and Squantum yards, , , William Cramp & Sons, , and , alongside naval facilities including Mare Island Navy Yard and Norfolk Navy Yard. Keels for the class were laid down between April 1918 and September 1920, with launches spanning September 1919 to 1922 and commissions from December 1919 to August 1922, ensuring none saw combat in World War I despite the program's origins in 1917 emergency funding. The average cost per ship was approximately $900,000 in 1919 dollars for hull and machinery, reflecting economies of scale in mass production; for instance, USS Broome (DD-210) was contracted at $892,802. Following the Armistice, only six contracts (for DD-200 through DD-205) were canceled due to economic constraints, while the remaining hulls were finished to preserve shipyard employment and naval readiness. Postwar production encountered challenges from rapid demobilization, including labor shortages as skilled workers returned to life and material allocations shifted away from military priorities toward peacetime reconstruction. was distributed as follows: (26 ships), William Cramp & Sons (36), Bethlehem Fore River (36), Bethlehem Squantum (18), (15), New York Shipbuilding (27), (12), Norfolk Navy Yard (9), Mare Island Navy Yard (7), and others for the remainder.

Ships in class

The Clemson-class destroyers were named primarily after distinguished American naval officers, heroes, and significant places or battles in U.S. history, following the Navy's tradition for destroyer during the era. The lead ship, USS Clemson (DD-186), honored Henry A. Clemson, who died in 1846 during the Mexican–American War. Hull numbers for the class ranged from DD-186 to DD-341, encompassing a total of 156 vessels commissioned between 1919 and 1922. Of these, 50 ships incorporated long-hull modifications, which extended the slightly to accommodate additional fuel bunkers, providing minor improvements in operational range over the standard short-hull design—approximately 35% greater endurance compared to the preceding class. was distributed across multiple U.S. shipyards to meet wartime production demands, with major builders including , William Cramp & Sons, (Fore River and Squantum yards), , and the . Launch and commissioning dates varied by builder, generally spanning 1918–1921 for launches and 1919–1922 for commissions, while final dispositions included scrapping under naval treaties in the 1930s, transfers to foreign navies or the U.S. , conversions to auxiliary roles, or striking from the post-World War II. The following table summarizes key details for selected ships, representing the diversity of builders and fates across the class (full enumeration available in naval records):
Hull No.NameBuilderLaid DownLaunchedCommissionedFate
DD-186Clemson11 May 19185 Sep 191829 Dec 1919Converted to (AVP-17); stricken 1946, scrapped 1947.
DD-187Dahlgren8 Jun 191820 Nov 19186 Jan 1920Converted to (AM-26); stricken 1944, scrapped 1946.
DD-188Goldsborough8 Jun 191820 Nov 191826 Jan 1920Transferred to (CG-20); returned and scrapped 1936.
DD-189Semmes10 Jun 191821 Dec 191821 Feb 1920Converted to experimental ship (AG-24); stricken 1946, scrapped 1947.
DD-206ChandlerWilliam Cramp & Sons19 Aug 191819 Mar 19199 Oct 1919Converted to DMS-9, then AG-108; scrapped 1947.
DD-223McCormickWilliam Cramp & Sons11 Aug 191914 Feb 192030 Aug 1920Transferred to Britain (HMS Heartsease); scrapped 1947.
DD-258Aulick (Squantum)3 Dec 191811 Apr 191926 Jul 1919Transferred to Britain (HMS Burnham); sunk 1942.
DD-341Decatur Navy Yard15 Sep 192029 Oct 19219 Aug 1922Decommissioned 1946; scrapped 1947.

Service history

World War I and postwar

The Clemson-class destroyers, conceived as an evolution of the class with enhanced fuel capacity for extended anti-submarine patrols against German U-boats, entered service too late for meaningful participation in combat operations. None were commissioned during ; the lead ship USS Clemson (DD-186) entered service on 29 December 1919, with most following in 1920 and 1921, and these initial vessels were assigned to routine Atlantic patrols without engaging enemy forces. In the immediate postwar period, the class shifted to supporting the effort, performing escort duties for troop transports repatriating over two million American soldiers from . Operating primarily from established naval bases such as Queenstown (now ), Ireland, these destroyers screened convoys across the Atlantic, ensuring safe passage amid lingering threats from mines and weather hazards. Examples include ships like USS Parrott (DD-218), which, after commissioning in May 1920, joined escort operations from European ports back to U.S. waters. As more vessels entered service throughout 1919 and into 1920, they undertook shakedown cruises to test systems and crew proficiency, often in the waters off the U.S. East Coast and extending to the for tactical exercises. The lead ship, USS Clemson (DD-186), exemplifies this phase, conducting post-commissioning operations in early 1920 along the Atlantic seaboard and Cuban waters before entering reserve status in June. These activities focused on building operational readiness without combat involvement. No Clemson-class destroyers were lost to enemy action during or the immediate postwar years up to 1920, reflecting the period's transition to peacetime routines.

Interwar period

During the , Clemson-class destroyers played a key role in the U.S. Navy's fleet exercises, particularly as part of the Scouting Force maneuvers that tested screening tactics in the . Ships like USS Zane (DD-337) participated in these large-scale operations, ranging from the coast to the and to simulate protection and scenarios. Their original design specifications, including enhanced fuel capacity for extended endurance, facilitated these long-range patrols across the Pacific. Several Clemson-class vessels also supported U.S. diplomatic efforts through neutrality patrols in , notably during the 1920s interventions in . For instance, USS Kane (DD-235) patrolled Nicaraguan and Honduran waters in spring 1927 to monitor political instability and protect American interests amid bandit activities. Similarly, USS Reuben James (DD-245) conducted coastal patrols off in 1926 to enforce neutrality and deter unrest. In addition to operational roles, Clemson-class destroyers fulfilled essential duties, including midshipmen cruises and support for specialized instruction. USS Fox (DD-234), for example, carried Naval Academy midshipmen on summer voyages to the Atlantic and in 1934 and 1935, providing hands-on seamanship experience. Other ships, such as USS Williamson (DD-244), conducted reserve cruises along the U.S. coasts into 1930, honing skills in navigation and gunnery for naval reservists. These vessels also aided school operations by serving as mobile platforms for exercises at facilities like the Newport Station. By the early 1930s, obsolescence and international agreements led to significant early retirements among the class. Approximately 50 Clemson-class destroyers were decommissioned by 1930 to comply with the London Naval Treaty of 1930, which limited naval tonnage and prompted the scrapping of older vessels like USS Case (DD-285), USS William Jones (DD-308), and USS Doyen (DD-280). This reduction reflected the Navy's shift toward modern designs while retaining some ships for peacetime duties until .

World War II

As escalated, numerous Clemson-class destroyers, many of which had been laid up in reserve during the interwar years, were rapidly recommissioned to bolster the U.S. Navy's escort forces. By 1941, 72 ships had returned to , primarily tasked with convoy protection against German U-boats in the Atlantic and Japanese threats in the Pacific. These aging vessels, despite their World War I-era design, proved vital in the early phases of the conflict, screening merchant shipping and troop transports while conducting anti-submarine patrols. Their reactivation drew on interwar training experiences to quickly integrate crews into wartime operations. In the Atlantic theater, Clemson-class ships played a critical role in , escorting convoys and supporting major Allied offensives. For instance, during in November 1942, several units such as USS Dallas provided close protection for the invasion forces landing in , helping to counter Axis submarine and air attacks. The class suffered its first major loss when USS Reuben James (DD-245) became the first U.S. warship sunk by enemy action on 31 October 1941, torpedoed by the off with the loss of 100 crew members. In the Pacific, surviving ships contributed to the by escorting reinforcement convoys and performing screening duties amid intense naval battles, while others patrolled the remote to secure Allied supply lines against Japanese incursions. Collectively, the Clemson-class destroyers earned more than 150 battle stars for their service across both oceans, underscoring their enduring utility in diverse support roles despite vulnerabilities to modern threats. Prior to full U.S. involvement, nineteen Clemson-class ships were transferred to the Royal Navy in 1940 under the Destroyers for Bases Agreement, where they served as the and continued anti-submarine duties in Allied convoys.

Modifications and conversions

Pre-war changes

During the , the Clemson-class destroyers, originally designed with four 4-inch/50 caliber guns, twelve 21-inch torpedo tubes in four triple mounts, and a single 3-inch/23 caliber anti-aircraft gun, underwent limited refits to address emerging needs in fleet defense and endurance while maintaining their roles in , patrols, and secondary duties. These changes were incremental, focused on maintenance and modest enhancements rather than comprehensive overhauls, reflecting the U.S. Navy's budget constraints under naval treaties. In the 1920s, several ships received armament updates to bolster anti-aircraft capabilities amid growing concerns over aerial threats. A second 3-inch/23 caliber anti-aircraft gun was added to the after deckhouse on select vessels, such as those in the Atlantic Fleet, to provide better protection for the battle line during exercises; this gun was subsequently relocated to the on some units for improved firing arcs and stability. Additionally, five early Clemson ships (USS Kane through USS Hull, DD-231 to DD-235) were refitted with more powerful 5-inch/51 caliber guns in place of the original 4-inch/50 caliber mounts, necessitating reinforced deck foundations to handle the increased recoil and weight. The experimental USS Semmes (DD-189) tested a twin 4-inch/50 caliber mount forward in , though it was later reverted to a single mount due to structural concerns. These modifications emphasized dual-purpose firepower without altering the class's core torpedo-centric design. Fuel system adjustments were another key area of pre-war refinement, aimed at extending operational range for long-duration patrols and escort duties. While the Clemson class was built with wing tanks alongside the boiler rooms for greater oil capacity than the preceding class, some individual ships underwent further tweaks in the and by converting portions of boiler spaces into additional oil storage, often by removing or idling one of the four Yarrow boilers and replacing it with auxiliary tanks. This could increase capacity beyond the standard ~375 tons, boosting endurance to 4,900 nautical miles at 15 knots, though at the cost of reduced maximum speed to around 28 knots on affected vessels. Such conversions were applied selectively to ships assigned to distant stations, like the Asiatic Fleet, to support neutrality enforcement without full redesign. To prioritize anti-submarine roles in response to interwar developments, approximately 20-30 Clemson-class ships had their armament reduced from twelve to six (two triple mounts) during routine overhauls in the late and , freeing deck space for additional throwers and racks. This shift reflected evolving doctrine toward protection and mine warfare training, with the removed often stored ashore or repurposed. Examples include units in 14, where the emphasis on s improved ASW readiness without compromising surface speed. In the 1930s, maintenance refits increasingly addressed crew welfare and safety amid prolonged reserve status and reactivation cycles. Habitability improvements included expanded berthing arrangements, better ventilation systems, and upgraded facilities to mitigate the class's inherent "wet" flush-deck design, which often led to damp quarters during heavy weather. These changes enhanced livability for the 150-man complement, supporting the Navy's push to retain veteran crews.

Wartime adaptations

During , the Clemson-class destroyers underwent extensive adaptations to meet the demands of convoy escort, (ASW), and amphibious support roles, reflecting the U.S. Navy's need to modernize its aging flush-deck fleet. Many of the 156 surviving ships from the class were refitted with enhanced anti-aircraft (AA) and ASW armament, including the replacement of the original four 4-inch/50-caliber guns with three 3-inch/50-caliber dual-purpose guns, supplemented by one twin 40 mm mount and up to five single 20 mm Oerlikon guns. Torpedo tubes were often removed to accommodate throwers and racks, with typical configurations including four throwers and two racks holding 14-28 charges. These changes improved versatility against both submarines and aircraft, though the ships' limited stability and speed—around 25-28 knots after modifications—restricted their effectiveness in fleet actions. Sensors were a key focus of wartime upgrades, with the addition of early systems such as the SA surface-search and SE air-search , alongside QCJ or QCL for ASW detection. These installations, often completed between 1941 and 1943, enabled better coordination in operations and night engagements, as seen in the Atlantic theater where Clemson-class ships like used to ram and damage U-405 in October 1943 before being scuttled due to battle damage. However, the cramped hulls and outdated engineering limited further sensor integrations, prioritizing reliability over advanced electronics. The most significant adaptations involved conversions to specialized roles, with approximately 90 Clemson-class vessels repurposed to extend their utility. Thirteen to fourteen ships were transformed into high-speed transports (APD) starting in 1942, such as USS Brooks (APD-10) and USS Clemson (APD-31), which involved removing two forward boilers to create space for 144 troops, four LCP(L) , and additional AA guns while retaining a top speed of about 25 knots for amphibious assaults in the Pacific. These APDs supported operations like the and island-hopping, though losses were high—e.g., USS Colhoun (APD-2) was sunk by Japanese aircraft off in 1942. Fourteen ships became seaplane tenders (AVD) between 1939 and 1940, exemplified by USS Childs (AVD-1) and USS Williamson (AVD-2), where forward boilers and torpedo tubes were sacrificed for 30,000 gallons of storage, catapults, and hangars accommodating up to 12 PBY bombers; was added to some by mid-1942 for scouting duties in the Solomons and Aleutians, though many reverted to roles by late 1943 as needs shifted. Nineteen vessels were converted to fast minesweepers (DMS) in 1940, like USS Chandler (DMS-9) and USS Southard (DMS-10), fitted with paravanes and sweep gear while retaining four 3-inch guns for self-defense in clearing invasion routes, such as at in 1944. Additionally, four were adapted as minelayers (DM), including USS Tracy (DM-19), with capacity for 80 mines but no torpedoes, supporting offensive mining in the Pacific. A few were transferred to the Royal Navy under as the Town-class, receiving British AA guns and ASDIC for Atlantic convoy escorts. These adaptations allowed the class to earn over 150 battle stars collectively, despite 50 losses to enemy action.

References

  1. https://www.history.navy.mil/about-us/leadership/director/directors-corner/h-grams/h-gram-067/h-067-1.html
  2. http://www.navypedia.org/ships/usa/us_dd_clemson.htm
  3. https://destroyerhistory.org/flushdeck/wickesclass/
  4. https://naval-encyclopedia.com/ww1/us/clemson-class-destroyers.php
  5. https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/clemson-class-ships-powerful-u-s-navy-destroyers/
  6. https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2020/october/disaster-honda-point
  7. https://uboat.net/allies/warships/class/96.html
  8. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/r/reuben-james-i.html
  9. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/s/stewart-ii.html
  10. https://www.history.navy.mil/about-us/leadership/director/directors-corner/h-grams/h-gram-023/h-023-1.html
  11. http://www.worldwar1.com/tgws/usnwwone.htm
  12. https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2016/august/how-promise-turned-disappointment
  13. https://destroyerhistory.org/flushdeck/
  14. https://dreadnoughtproject.org/tfs/index.php/Clemson_Class_Destroyer_%281918%29
  15. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/2011/a547481.pdf
  16. https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmusn/explore/photography/wwi/wwi-armistice/washington-naval-treaty.html
  17. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/dd-186.htm
  18. http://pwencycl.kgbudge.com/C/l/Clemson_class.htm
  19. https://www.navypedia.org/ships/usa/us_dd_clemson.htm
  20. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA431364.pdf
  21. https://www.navweaps.com/index_tech/tech-056.php
  22. https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/nh-53754-launch-of-uss-goff--dd-247-.html
  23. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1978/april/ls-there-future-naval-shipyards
  24. https://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_clemson_class_destroyers.html
  25. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/c/clemson.html
  26. https://www.navsource.org/archives/05/186.htm
  27. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/d/dahlgren.html
  28. https://www.navsource.org/archives/05/187.htm
  29. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/g/goldsborough-ii.html
  30. https://www.navsource.org/archives/05/188.htm
  31. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/s/semmes-i.html
  32. https://www.navsource.org/archives/05/189.htm
  33. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/c/chandler.html
  34. https://www.navsource.org/archives/05/206.htm
  35. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/m/mccormick.html
  36. https://www.navsource.org/archives/05/223.htm
  37. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/a/aulick-i.html
  38. https://www.navsource.org/archives/05/258.htm
  39. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/d/decatur-iii.html
  40. https://www.navsource.org/archives/05/341.htm
  41. https://dreadnoughtproject.org/tfs/index.php/Clemson_Class_Destroyer_(1918)
  42. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/z/zane.html
  43. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/f/fox-iv.html
  44. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/w/williamson.html
  45. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/c/case-i.html
  46. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/w/william-jones.html
  47. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/d/doyen-i.html
  48. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/c/corry-i.html
  49. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/d/destroyers-transferred-to-britain-under-destroyers-for-bases-agreement.html
  50. https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/us-flushdeck-destroyers-191645-9781472819970/
  51. https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/u-s-navy-destroyers-evolving-and-engaged/
  52. https://navyhistory.org/2018/11/us-flush-deck-destroyers-1916-1945/
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