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USS Spence
USS Spence
USS Spence
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USS Spence
History
United States
NamesakeDaniel Spence
BuilderBath Iron Works
Laid down18 May 1942
Launched27 October 1942
Commissioned8 January 1943
Stricken19 January 1945
FateFoundered in Typhoon Cobra, 18 December 1944
General characteristics
Class & typeFletcher-class destroyer
Displacement2,050 tons
Length376 ft 6 in (114.7 m)
Beam39 ft 8 in (12.1 m)
Draft17 ft 9 in (5.4 m)
Propulsion60,000 shp (45 MW); 2 propellers
Speed35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph)
Range6500 nmi. (12,000 km) at 15 kt
Complement336
Armament

USS Spence (DD-512), a Fletcher-class destroyer, was laid down on 18 May 1942 by the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine; launched on 27 October 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Eben Learned; and commissioned on 8 January 1943. The ship was named for Robert T. Spence, superintendent of the construction of USS Ontario (1813), and captain of USS Cyane (1815).

Spence conducted her shakedown cruise out of Guantanamo Bay from 8 to 28 February. She then served as an escort in the Atlantic and Caribbean and had convoy duty in the Casablanca area in April. She was routed to the west coast and, on 25 July, got underway from San Francisco for Pearl Harbor, to serve in the Pacific against the Japanese in World War II.

History

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Spence sailed on 25 August as a unit of Task Group (TG) 1.2 consisting of the light carriers USS Princeton and USS Belleau Wood to support troops who took possession of Baker Island on 1 September. On 13 September, she proceeded to Efate and arrived at Havannah Harbor on 18 September.

Spence was attached to Destroyer Division (DesDiv) 46 of Destroyer Squadron (DesRon) 23. The squadron sailed on 22 September for Tulagi, Solomon Islands. On the 28th, she set a surface craft on fire with her main batteries near Kolombangara and then patrolled between that island and Vella Lavella. On the night of 1 and 2 October, Spence was with a force off Vella Lavella to interdict Japanese shipping and helped to destroy 20 Japanese barges. The DD then made two escort runs from Tulagi to Purvis Bay during the first part of the month and ended October supporting landings on the Treasury Islands.

Capt. Arleigh A. Burke assumed command of DesRon 23 on 23 October, and the squadron became known as the "Little Beavers." On 1 November, Spence participated in the bombardment of Buka and Bonis airfields and of Japanese positions in the Shortland Islands to support the Landings at Cape Torokina, Bougainville.

Battle of Empress Augusta Bay

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In the early hours of 2 November, Task Force 39 intercepted an enemy force consisting of two heavy cruisers (Haguro and Myōkō), two light cruisers (Agano and Sendai) with six destroyers steaming towards Empress Augusta Bay. At 02:31, Spence made radar contact at 16 miles (26 km). While closing the range from her target, Spence was hit by a 6-inch (152 mm) shell which hit below the water line. This had to have been fired from Agano, as she was the only Japanese warship present armed with 6-inch (152 mm) guns. However, the shell did not explode and only caused minor flooding. Spence charged on despite the damage.[1]

The destroyer fired a spread of torpedoes at a ship 3,000 yards (3,000 m) away and was rewarded with black smoke pouring from the target. As Spence retired to rendezvous with DesDiv 45, she spotted another Japanese force 4,000 yards (4,000 m) away. She opened fire, was "on target," and watched one ship stop dead in the water and burn fiercely. Since Spence was low on ammunition, she called upon DesDiv 45 to pour shells into the ill-fated destroyer Hatsukaze which sank stern first. Sendai was also sunk in the engagement by combined US cruiser gunfire.

When daybreak came, so did between 70 and 80 enemy aircraft. Effective anti-aircraft fire resulted in the Japanese losing over 20 planes while scoring only two hits on USS Montpelier.

Spence retired to Purvis Bay on 3 November. The next day, she called at Tulagi and sailed with USS Nashville for Kula Gulf. On the afternoon of the 5th, she was operating northwest of the Treasury Islands when she was attacked by enemy aircraft. One plane dropped three bombs, but the closest fell 75 yards (69 m) off Spence's starboard beam.

Battle of Cape St. George

[edit]

For the next three weeks, Spence performed patrol and escort duty in the Port Purvis-Kula Gulf area. On 24 November, the squadron was refueling in Hathorn Sound when ordered northwest of Buka Island to intercept Japanese shipping which American intelligence had learned would attempt to evacuate aviation personnel from the Buka-Bonis airfields. Early the next morning, the "Little Beavers" were patrolling the Buka-Rabaul route. At 01:42, in St. George Channel, Spence made surface radar contacts at 22,000 yards (20,000 m). The range closed rapidly, and, at 01:56, DesDiv 45 fired torpedoes at two Japanese ships and scored several hits. Several minutes later, American radar picked up a second group of three enemy ships. Spence and USS Converse were ordered to finish off the first group while DesDiv 45 bombarded the second group.

In the first group, Onami exploded and sank immediately while Makinami was badly damaged. Spence and Converse opened on her with their main batteries and she sank at 02:53. In the second group, DesDiv 45 sank Yugiri. Three of five Japanese destroyers were sunk with no damage to DesRon 23. The squadron returned to Purvis Bay on 31 October.

1944

[edit]

Spence operated out of Purvis Bay until late January 1944 when she patrolled near Green Island and Bougainville Strait. On 5 February, she participated in the bombardment of supply and bivouac areas at Hahela Plantation on the southeast coast of Buka Island. The next day, she sank an enemy barge with shellfire near Green Island. On the night of 9 and 10 February, Spence helped to shell Tiaraka and Teopasino, Bougainville, Kavieng and Cape St. George, New Ireland. On the 18th, she made a sweep of shipping lanes between Kavieng and Truk. The American warships encountered no ships so they returned to Kavieng and shelled it again on the 22nd. On that day, Spence and DesDiv 45 sank a Japanese merchantman of about 5,000 tons with shellfire.

Spence operated with TF 39 from 1 to 24 March to support the landings on Emirau Island. On the 27th she sortied from Purvis Bay with TF 58 for strikes against Palau, Yap, Ulithi and Woleai, Caroline Islands. From 13 to 25 April, Spence screened the fast carriers as they struck targets on New Guinea in support of the Landing at Aitape, Tanahmerah Bay, and at Humboldt Bay, New Guinea. On the 29th and 30th, the carriers struck enemy shipping and installations at Truk, the powerful Japanese naval base in the Caroline Islands. The destroyer returned to Majuro for a period of upkeep from 4 May to 5 June.

Spence sortied with TG 58.4, the fast carriers, on 6 June, to attack the Mariana Islands. As aircraft struck the islands, the destroyer moved in and bombarded Japanese positions on Guam and Saipan. The planes attacked Iwo Jima on the 16th and then returned to shell the Marianas. Spence participated in the "Marianas Turkey Shoot" during the Battle of the Philippine Sea on 19 and 20 June. On 23 and 24 June, aircraft bombed targets on Guam, Saipan and Tinian. The destroyer conducted shore bombardment against Rota, Saipan and Guam from 26 June through the end of the month setting fuel tanks afire and sinking two sampans on the 27th. Spence replenished at Eniwetok in July and, on 4 August, sailed for the California coast via Pearl Harbor and arrived at San Francisco on 18 August. She was drydocked all of September and, on 5 October, sailed for Pearl Harbor and the Marshalls. She arrived at Eniwetok on 31 October and was ordered to Ulithi in early November, where she was assigned to TG 38.1, the Support Unit for the fast carriers of TF 38. She screened the carriers in Philippine waters as they launched attacks against Luzon during November and the first part of December.

Loss

[edit]

On 17 December, Spence prepared to refuel and pumped out all of the salt water ballast from her tanks; but rough seas caused the fueling operation to be cancelled. The next day, the weather worsened and the storm turned into a major typhoon. As the ships wallowed in canyon-like troughs of brine, Spence's electrical equipment got wet from great quantities of sea water taken on board. After a 72-degree roll to port, all of the lights went out and the pumps stopped. The rudder jammed; and, after a deep roll to port about 11:00, Spence capsized and sank. Only 24 of her crew survived. USS Hull and USS Monaghan were also sunk in the typhoon. Spence was struck from the Navy list on 19 January 1945.

Honors

[edit]

Spence received eight battle stars for World War II service.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

USS Spence

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
USS Spence (DD-512) was a ** in the United States that served during , primarily in the Pacific Theater as part of , known as the "Little Beavers." Named for Midshipman Robert Traill Spence (c. 1785–1826), a naval officer who distinguished himself in the , the ship was laid down on 18 May 1942 by in , launched on 27 October 1942, and commissioned on 8 January 1943. With a standard displacement of 2,050 long tons and a length of 376 feet 6 inches, Spence was armed with five 5-inch/38 caliber guns, ten 21-inch tubes in two quintuple mounts, four 40 mm anti-aircraft guns, five 20 mm anti-aircraft guns, and depth charges, enabling her to perform escort, screening, and surface combat roles. After completing shakedown training in the and escorting convoys to , , in April–May 1943, Spence transited the to join the Pacific Fleet in August 1943. Assigned to under Arleigh A. Burke, she supported Allied operations in the , including the invasion of the Treasury Islands, the destruction of Japanese barges off , the landings at Cape Torokina during the on 2 November 1943, and the night action off Cape St. George on 24–25 November 1943, where she contributed to the sinking of the Japanese destroyers Onami, Makinami, and Yugiri. Throughout , Spence participated in the Marianas campaign including the , and the recapture of , earning eight battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her squadron's aggressive actions. On 17–18 December 1944, while operating with Task Force 38 east of the , Spence was caught in (also known as Halsey's Typhoon), a severe storm with winds exceeding 140 miles per hour. Low on fuel and unable to maintain steerageway, the rolled heavily, flooded, and capsized approximately 300 miles east of , resulting in the loss of 314 crew members; only 24 survivors were rescued by the USS Tabberer (DE-416). Spence was declared a and struck from the on 19 January 1945.

Design and description

Specifications

The USS Spence (DD-512), a , featured standard design characteristics optimized for high-speed escort duties and multi-role operations during . These specifications provided a balance of maneuverability, endurance, and sensor capabilities typical of the class, enabling effective integration into task forces for surface, anti-air, and .
CharacteristicDetails
Displacement2,050 tons standard; 2,500 tons full load
DimensionsLength: 376 feet 6 inches; beam: 39 feet 4 inches; draft: 17 feet 9 inches (full load)
Propulsion60,000 shaft horsepower from 4 boilers, 2 geared steam turbines driving twin propellers
Speed35.5 knots maximum
Range5,500 nautical miles at 15 knots
Complement329 officers and enlisted (wartime approximately 336-338)
SensorsSG radar for surface search; SC radar for air search; QC sonar for anti-submarine detection; Mk 37 fire control system

Armament

The USS Spence, as a , featured a of five 5-inch/ guns in single mounts, arranged fore and aft to provide dual-purpose capability for surface engagements, anti-aircraft fire, and shore bombardment. Her anti-aircraft armament upon commissioning in January 1943 consisted of four 40 mm guns in two twin mounts and 7-11 20 mm Oerlikon guns in single mounts, positioned to defend against low-flying threats. These were enhanced shortly after, with additions including two twin 40 mm mounts amidships by March 1943, increasing the 40 mm total to six guns (three twin mounts) and 11 x 20 mm. Further refits in mid-1943 expanded the battery to ten 40 mm guns in five twin mounts and seven 20 mm Oerlikons by 1944, reflecting evolving priorities for air defense in the Pacific theater. For offensive operations against surface targets, Spence mounted ten 21-inch tubes in two quintuple pivoting mounts amidships, armed with torpedoes capable of ranges up to 15,000 yards at 26.5 knots. Anti-submarine capabilities included six K-gun projectors and two stern tracks, with a typical loadout of 35 to 52 s to prosecute submerged threats effectively.

Construction and commissioning

Construction

The USS Spence (DD-512) was laid down on 18 May 1942 at in , as hull number DD-512 under the U.S. Navy's urgent wartime program to produce Fletcher-class destroyers. , a key contractor in the effort, constructed dozens of these vessels to meet the escalating demands of . The destroyer was named in honor of Robert Traill Spence, a U.S. officer born around 1785 in , who participated in the and the , including service aboard ships like the Siren and . Spence was launched on 27 1942, with Mrs. Eben Learned—the great-granddaughter of the namesake—serving as sponsor during the ceremony. At , the basic hull was completed and initial systems such as propulsion components were installed following launch, prior to the ship's transfer to the for advanced outfitting. The vessel adhered to the standard Fletcher-class design, emphasizing speed, versatility, and anti-submarine capabilities.

Commissioning and early trials

The USS Spence (DD-512), a launched on 27 October 1942 by in , was formally commissioned on 8 January 1943 at the . Henry J. Armstrong assumed command as her first , overseeing the integration of the crew and final outfitting prior to sea trials. Following commissioning, Spence conducted a short period of trials out of the before getting underway on 25 January 1943 for , , where she engaged in antisubmarine and gunnery exercises until 11 February. She then departed for her , arriving at , , on 12 February to commence intensive crew training and systems testing. The cruise, lasting until 1 March, evaluated the destroyer's propulsion, armament, and navigation capabilities under operational conditions, ensuring readiness for wartime duties. This period also addressed initial crew proficiency in gunnery, damage control, and drills. Returning to on 5 March, Spence underwent post-shakedown maintenance and alterations from 5 to 26 March. Armstrong retained command throughout this phase, with no leadership changes until July 1944. As preparations for deployment advanced, Spence was assigned to (DesRon 23) on 11 May 1943, positioning her for transfer to the Pacific Fleet. This assignment marked the completion of her early trials, transitioning the ship from builder's trials to full combat readiness.

World War II service

Atlantic convoy escort and Pacific transit

Following her commissioning and shakedown, USS Spence (DD-512) joined Task Force 69 (TF 69) on 1 April 1943, alongside destroyers Ringgold, Foote, Stockton, Claxton, Schroeder, Charles Ausburne, and flagship Stevenson, to escort a convoy of merchant vessels across the Atlantic Ocean. The group departed New York and conducted anti-submarine patrols en route, with Spence detaching from the convoy on 18 April to search for enemy submarines before rejoining early on 19 April. Later that morning, the convoy arrived safely at Casablanca, French Morocco. On 21 April, Spence escorted the oiler Enoree to , arriving the following day, before rejoining TF 69 on 24 April for the return voyage. The reached New York on 8 May and proceeded to the next day, where she joined (DesRon 23) on 11 May. These escort duties marked Spence's initial wartime operations, focused on protecting vital supply lines in the Atlantic without encountering enemy action. With orders transferring her to the Pacific Fleet, Spence departed Trinidad independently on 14 June 1943, arriving at Cristóbal in the on 16 June and transiting the canal on 17 June. She then sailed with Task Group 52.1, reaching on 28 June. On 2 July, accompanied by and Thatcher, Spence proceeded to , arriving on 3 July for a three-week overhaul at Navy Yard. This refit included upgrades to her 40-millimeter anti-aircraft armament to better suit Pacific theater demands, such as increased air threats, though specific tropicalization modifications were not detailed in records. Spence departed on 25 July with Schroeder and Fullam, with Thatcher soon joining, and arrived at on 31 July. There, from 3 to 5 August, she conducted exercises and routine maintenance, followed by a dry-docking from 12 to 17 August. On 25 August, Spence sortied with for operations supporting the occupation of , providing screening duties. She then screened oiler Sabine before departing independently for Espíritu Santo in the , rerouted to and arriving on 18 September. Throughout September and early , Spence participated in patrols near , engaging enemy aircraft and investigating suspected submarines, while escorting cruisers and LSTs in the region. On 20 , she departed for Espíritu Santo, arriving on 23 with her convoy, the same day Captain Arleigh A. assumed command of DesRon 23. The , having transitioned from Atlantic convoy routines to Pacific escort and patrol missions, adapted to the demanding tropical environment, including heightened alertness to air raids and the physical strains of extended operations without yet facing major surface combat. As noted by her commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander , these early Pacific tasks "served excellently to season this ship in her first of what is hoped may be many more such missions."

Solomon Islands campaign

Following her transit to the Pacific and arrival at Efate in the New Hebrides on 18 September 1943, USS Spence (DD-512) commenced operations in support of the Solomon Islands campaign as part of Destroyer Squadron 23 (DesRon 23), known as the "Little Beavers." In late September, she participated in patrols off Kolombangara and Vella Lavella, where her guns destroyed several Japanese barges attempting to supply enemy positions, contributing to the isolation of Japanese forces in the northern Solomons. These actions helped secure Allied advances following the earlier landings on Vella Lavella, with Spence engaging in shore bombardments and anti-submarine sweeps to protect supply lines and neutralize submarine threats in the area. During the first half of October 1943, Spence continued her role in DesRon 23 by screening cruisers of Task Group 39.2, including USS Montpelier (CL-57), Cleveland (CL-55), Columbia (CL-56), and Denver (CL-58), during bombardments of Japanese airfields at Buka and Bonis on Bougainville. She also conducted anti-submarine patrols and night searches for Japanese surface forces attempting to reinforce or evacuate troops from the Solomons, enhancing the squadron's combat readiness without incurring any damage or casualties. On 1–2 October, while operating off Vella Lavella, Spence destroyed approximately 20 enemy barges, further disrupting Japanese logistics in the region. In late October 1943, Spence shifted to support amphibious operations, joining Task Group 39.3 on 26 October to provide naval gunfire and screening for landings on Mono Island in the Islands group. During this action, she came under air attack from at least one Japanese bomber but sustained no hits, while her presence helped suppress shore batteries and protect the assault force as and U.S. troops established a beachhead to support the upcoming Bougainville invasion. Throughout these early Pacific engagements, Spence experienced no personnel losses, allowing the crew to build proficiency in night operations and coordinated destroyer tactics central to DesRon 23's aggressive doctrine under Commander Arleigh A. .

Battle of Empress Augusta Bay

During the , USS Spence (DD-512) served as part of Task Force 39 (TF 39), screening the cruisers Montpelier (CL-57), (CL-55), Columbia (CL-56), and (CL-58) in support of Allied in Empress Augusta Bay on 1 November 1943. The destroyer's role involved protecting the invasion force from potential Japanese counterattacks while contributing to pre-landing strikes; on the night of 31 October–1 November, Spence participated in the bombardment of Japanese airfields at Buka and Bonis to neutralize enemy air threats. As part of (DesRon 23), known as the "Little Beavers" under Commander Arleigh A. , Spence operated within a tactical framework emphasizing radar-directed night actions and aggressive screening maneuvers. In the early hours of 2 November 1943, TF 39 intercepted a Japanese surface force consisting of four cruisers—including the light cruisers and Agano—and eight approaching Empress Augusta Bay to disrupt the landings. At 0231, Spence made contact with the enemy at approximately 16 miles and joined the engagement, screening the cruisers while maneuvering to evade incoming torpedoes launched by the Japanese van division. The fired torpedoes at 0330 and again at 0354 toward retreating Japanese vessels, contributing to the disabling of one and the sinking of another—identified as Hatsukaze—through subsequent gunfire from Spence and accompanying ships like Thatcher (DD-514) and Converse (DD-509). At 0445, Spence was mistakenly fired upon by friendly ships from Destroyer Division 45 amid the confusion of the night action, but sustained no additional damage from this incident. Spence received battle damage at 0319 when struck by a single 6-inch shell, which created a 4-foot gash about 1 foot below the , resulting in minor flooding of two compartments and contamination of fuel tanks that temporarily reduced the ship's speed. members conducted emergency repairs at sea to control the flooding, allowing Spence to remain operational throughout the engagement. Later that morning at 0806, the shot down an enemy attempting to attack the . Following the battle, Spence proceeded to Purvis Bay in the for full hull patching on 3 November 1943, after which it rejoined screening duties for TF 39 without further interruption. The ship's actions exemplified the radar-enhanced tactical of DesRon 23, helping to repel the Japanese sortie and secure the Bougainville beachhead.

Battle of Cape St. George

On 24–25 November 1943, USS Spence, as part of (DesRon 23) under Captain Arleigh A. , participated in the interception of a Japanese evacuation force attempting to withdraw troops from Buka and Bonis airfields on Bougainville to , operating approximately 50 miles off Cape St. George, New Ireland. The squadron, known as the "Little Beavers," consisted of USS Charles Ausburne, Claxton, Dyson, Converse, and Spence, and was tasked with disrupting the enemy convoy during a night surface action. Despite recent splinter damage sustained in the , Spence had undergone repairs at Purvis Bay and joined the pursuit with three boilers operational, limiting her maximum speed to 31 knots. At 0141, the squadron detected two surface contacts at 22,000 yards to the east via , initiating the engagement against the Japanese Ōnami and Makinami. Division 45 (Charles Ausburne, Claxton, and Dyson) launched a coordinated attack at 0155, striking and sinking Ōnami in a massive explosion that illuminated the area. Spence, leading Division 46 alongside USS Converse, then closed on the crippled Makinami at 0228, engaging her with gunfire from 5,200 yards and , repeatedly hitting the target and setting her ablaze before confirming her sinking by 0253. The squadron subsequently pursued a second enemy group, contributing and gunfire to the destruction of Yūgiri at 0328. Spence evaded all Japanese counterfire throughout the action, suffering no damage or casualties, with confirmations of the kills achieved through radar plotting and observed gunfire impacts. Burke's aggressive tactics, emphasizing high speed, precise coordination, and relentless pursuit, enabled the five U.S. destroyers to sink three Japanese vessels without loss. Following the battle, DesRon 23 returned to Purvis Bay by 2100 on 25 November, having expended limited ammunition relative to the decisive results, which significantly boosted morale across the force.

Bismarck Archipelago and Western Pacific operations

Following repairs for boiler trouble at Purvis Bay from 7 to 26 December 1943, USS Spence escorted oilers from to between 28 December 1943 and 10 . On 11 January 1944, she rejoined (TF) 39 at and participated in exercises in the until 28 January. In late January 1944, Spence patrolled near with Destroyer Squadron (DesRon) 23 as part of operations in the . From 30 January to 6 February, she screened forces during the Green Island invasion, contributing to the neutralization of Japanese barge traffic; on 6 February, Spence sank an enemy barge northwest of Green Island. On 5 February, she bombarded the Hahela Plantation on Bougainville, and from 9 to 10 February, she provided gunfire support against targets at Tiaraka and Teopasino. Spence then operated northeast of with TF 39 from 13 to 17 February, conducting antisubmarine patrols without enemy contact. Later in February, from 25 February to 1 March, she escorted landing ship tanks (LSTs) to Green Island to reinforce the garrison established during Operation Squarepeg. From 1 to 24 March 1944, Spence supported the unopposed landings on Emirau Island in the St. Matthias Group as part of , screening transports and conducting barge searches off New Hanover from 20 to 21 March. On 22 February, while on patrol, she sank a 5,000-ton Japanese merchant ship south of Truk. Departing Purvis Bay on 24 March with TF 58, Spence screened carriers during airstrikes on Palau and Woleai in the Western Carolines from 29 to 31 March, helping to soften Japanese defenses ahead of Allied advances. In April 1944, Spence continued operations with TF 58 in the Western Pacific, providing antisubmarine screening and rescuing downed aviators during strikes supporting landings in . From 13 to 22 April, she participated in air operations over Hollandia and Wadke, contributing to the disruption of Japanese airfields and supply lines. On 19 April, Spence refueled from oiler USS Lackawanna near before resuming screening duties in Tanahmerah Bay and from 22 to 24 April. These actions extended Allied control in the region while preparing for central Pacific offensives.

Marianas campaign

In June 1944, as part of Task Group 58.7 under Rear Admiral , USS Spence supported the initial air assaults on Saipan and Tinian, providing antisubmarine screening for the group's battleships and carriers while conducting pre-invasion operations ahead of the landings on 15 June. The also participated in the bombardment of Saipan, targeting Japanese defenses to soften resistance for the Marine invasion forces. During the on 19 , Spence contributed to the defense of Task Force 58 against a large-scale Japanese air attack amid the carrier raids that became known as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot." On 18 , while operating with TG 58.7, the ship rescued three crewmen from a U.S. that had been shot down, highlighting her role in duties alongside combat screening. Spence refueled at with Task Group 50.17 on 20 to sustain the fast-paced operations, maintaining her position in the screen without sustaining any damage. Shifting focus to in late June and early July, Spence conducted bombardment runs on 27 June, shelling Japanese barges and fuel tanks in , followed by heckling fire on 30 June to disrupt enemy coastal activities. As the of commenced on 21 July, the provided close for the forces, while continuing patrols; on 21 July, she dropped depth charges on a suspected contact south of the island. Throughout these actions, Spence emphasized protection of the task force, with no reported damage to the ship. On 8 July, at Eniwetok, Lt. Cmdr. James P. Andrea relieved Comdr. John A. Bell as commanding officer, ensuring continuity in leadership during the ongoing campaign.

Philippines campaign and overhaul

Following a period of intensive operations in the central Pacific, USS Spence (DD-512) departed Eniwetok on 4 August 1944, escorting the carrier and other units to , before continuing to for scheduled maintenance. Arriving on 18 August, the entered a six-week overhaul at Hunter's Point Naval Drydocks, which included a dry-docking period from 23 August to 14 September for comprehensive repairs, such as boiler overhauls and general refitting to address wear from prior campaigns. This downtime also allowed the crew extended leave and rotations, restoring the ship's readiness for forward deployment. Sea trials and calibration tests followed in early October, after which Spence sailed from on 5 October in company with destroyers USS Charles Ausburne (DD-529), USS Dyson (DD-572), and USS Converse (DD-509), arriving at on 10 October. There, the ship conducted gunnery and tactical exercises from 13 to 25 October before departing for Eniwetok on 25 October, screening escort carriers en route and reaching the atoll on 1 November. Spence then proceeded to Ulithi Atoll, arriving on 5 November, where it joined the Fast Carrier Task Force (TF 38) as part of Task Group (TG) 38.1, comprising carriers USS Wasp, USS Yorktown (CV-10), USS Cowpens (CVL-25), and USS Intrepid (CV-11). On 11 November, Spence departed for before rendezvousing with TG 38.1 east of the , where it assumed screening duties to protect the carrier group from submarine and air threats during the ongoing Leyte campaign. From 14 to 19 November, the patrolled anti-submarine screens while TF 38 aircraft conducted strikes on Japanese targets in and across , providing and air defense support without engaging in direct surface combat. These operations neutralized enemy airfields and shipping, supporting the consolidation of Allied gains on following the initial landings. On 1 December, Spence sortied from with TG 38.4 to screen for the planned Mindoro invasion but returned after the operation was postponed. Resuming duties on 10 December, Spence transferred to TG 38.2 and screened the light carrier USS Independence (CVL-22) during night flight operations and further airstrikes on Luzon, including anti-submarine patrols east of the island in preparation for the Lingayen Gulf landings. Throughout these actions, the destroyer maintained vigilant air cover and submarine screens, contributing to the task force's dominance in Philippine waters while avoiding enemy counterattacks. No significant engagements occurred, emphasizing Spence's role in routine escort and protective operations amid the broader campaign.

Typhoon Cobra

During refueling operations with Task Force 38 in the Philippine Sea from 7 to 18 December 1944, the USS Spence encountered Typhoon Cobra, a powerful tropical cyclone with sustained winds exceeding 100 knots and gusts estimated up to 140 knots. The destroyer, operating on the outer screen of the formation, was critically low on fuel at around 15 percent, complicating efforts to maintain stability amid deteriorating conditions. On 17 December, heavy seas caused refueling hoses to part repeatedly, preventing Spence from topping off its tanks despite multiple attempts alongside the battleship USS New Jersey. As the intensified on 18 , Spence's crew began counter-flooding empty fuel tanks with around 0900 to improve stability, but the process was incomplete when massive waves overwhelmed the ship. flooded ventilators and engine rooms, short-circuiting the electrical and causing a total power loss at approximately 1100, which resulted in the failure of the gear. Efforts to jury-rig emergency using manual lines and hand pumps proved futile against the relentless storm, as the jammed hard to starboard and the ship began rolling heavily—reaching 70 degrees before a final 75-degree list led to near 14°20′N, 128°00′E. Survivor accounts described the chaos, with one crewman recalling the deck becoming vertical as the "just rolled over like a log," trapping most below decks in flooding compartments while those topside clung to rails amid 50-foot seas. The Spence sank with the loss of 314 officers and enlisted men out of a complement of 338, including Lieutenant Commander James P. Andrea, who went down with the ship. Only 24 survivors emerged, many suffering from exposure after clinging to floater nets and for hours or days; they were rescued primarily by the USS Tabberer (DE-416), with the USS Swearer (DE-186) rescuing additional survivors. One survivor, Seaman Second Class Robert Wohlleb, endured four days adrift before rescue, later describing the cold waters and fears that claimed additional lives among the scattered group. Another, Alphonso S. Krauchunas, the ship's supply officer and the senior surviving officer, reported the sudden power failure leaving the crew helpless as the storm's force overwhelmed the vessel. A subsequent court of inquiry, convened at Ulithi Atoll, attributed the sinking primarily to design flaws in high-speed destroyers like the Fletcher-class Spence, which had low metacentric height and vulnerability to flooding when lightly loaded with minimal fuel, exacerbated by delayed ballasting and prolonged maneuvering to hold formation in hurricane-force winds. The Spence was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 19 January 1945. The disaster prompted U.S. Navy redesigns for improved storm stability, including enhanced freeboard, better topside drainage, modified ballast systems, and restrictions on light-ship operations in heavy weather.

Legacy

Honors and awards

During her service, the USS Spence (DD-512) earned eight battle stars on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal for participation in key operations, including the Treasury-Bougainville operation, consolidation of northern Solomons, operation, Asiatic-Pacific raids, Hollandia operation, Marianas operation, Tinian occupation, and operation. As a unit of (DesRon 23), known as the "Little Beavers," Spence received the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in actions off the from 1 November 1943 to 23 February 1944, during which the squadron conducted multiple engagements against superior Japanese forces. Spence shared credit with DesRon 23 for sinking four Japanese destroyers—Ōnami, Makinami, Yūgiri, and Hatsukaze—during the on 24–25 November 1943, a night surface action that inflicted significant losses on the without damage to U.S. forces. The destroyer did not receive the , though her contributions to fleet operations are documented in official naval histories.

Commemorations and wreck

The loss of USS Spence is commemorated through several memorials dedicated to her crew and service. A plaque honoring the ship and its personnel is installed on the Memorial Wall at the National Museum of the Pacific War in . Additionally, a scale model of Spence, presented by Bath Iron Works to Admiral Arleigh A. during the 1983 reunion of (DesRon 23), known as the "Little Beavers," is displayed at the Navy Museum in the ; this reunion specifically mourned the ship's sinking and highlighted its contributions to the squadron's legacy. held multiple post-war reunions that honored the losses from , including Spence, fostering ongoing tributes among survivors and veterans. Survivor accounts from the 24 men rescued after Spence's provide vivid oral histories and personal recollections of the ordeal, emphasizing the crew's discipline during abandonment and their endurance in heavy seas. These narratives, drawn from topside personnel who clung to debris for over 48 hours before rescue by USS Tabberer (DE-416), detail acts of heroism such as aiding injured shipmates amid 70-foot waves and shark threats. Key accounts appear in The USS Spence (DD-512) in : Documents, Recollections, and Photographs, edited by E. Andrew Wilde, which compiles firsthand testimonies and documents from survivors like Lt. (jg) Alphonso S. Krauchunas. The book Halsey's Typhoon by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin further incorporates survivor interviews, highlighting the ordered evacuation and resilience that saved the few who lived, while underscoring the tragedy of the 314 lost. The wreck of USS Spence lies in the , approximately 380 nautical miles east of , where she capsized on December 18, 1944, during ; it remains undiscovered and unlocated precisely due to the vast depth and remote conditions of the site. As a resting place for over 300 sailors, the site is regarded as a protected under U.S. policy, with no salvage or disturbance efforts planned to preserve its sanctity. The sinking contributed to post-war analyses of , including a Navy Court of Inquiry that examined ship stability issues, such as free surface effects from low fuel and ballast, leading to design modifications in destroyers to enhance seaworthiness in . In modern times, Spence receives recognition through WWII naval history exhibits, such as her plaque at the National Museum of the Pacific War and the model at the Navy Museum, which educate on DesRon 23's campaigns and the typhoon's impact. The ship's story is also featured in documentaries like "The Worst Weather Disaster in US Navy History | " and "The Deadly Storm that Ambushed the US Navy in WWII," which recount the event's heroism and lessons using archival footage and expert analysis.

References

  1. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/s/spence.html
  2. https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/OnlineLibrary/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-s/dd512.htm
  3. https://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/ussspence/
  4. https://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/index.asp?r=0&pid=200
  5. https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ships/DD/DD-512_Spence.html
  6. http://pwencycl.kgbudge.com/F/l/Fletcher_class.htm
  7. https://www.hullnumber.com/DD-512
  8. https://naval-encyclopedia.com/ww2/us/fletcher-class-destroyers.php
  9. https://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/ussspence/index.asp?r=51200&pid=51202
  10. https://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/arm_5/
  11. https://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/2019.html
  12. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-D221-PURL-gpo172671/pdf/GOVPUB-D221-PURL-gpo172671.pdf
  13. https://www.history.navy.mil/about-us/leadership/director/directors-corner/h-grams/h-gram-039/h-039-2.html
  14. https://todayinhistory.blog/2017/12/18/december-18-1944-typhoon-cobra/
  15. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/typhoon-cobra-halsey-versus-mother-nature
  16. https://tucson.com/news/local/sailor-survived-4-days-stranded-at-sea-after-ship-was-sunk/article_7b475b40-bf80-5028-88d9-3e9511f2553b.html
  17. https://navylog.navymemorial.org/krauchunas-alphonso
  18. http://www.ussdehaven.org/typhoon_cobra.htm
  19. https://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/ussspence/index.asp?r=51200&pid=51206
  20. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/desron23.htm
  21. https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmusn/explore/photography/wwii/wwii-pacific/south-southwestern-pacific/bougainville-campaign/battle-cape-st-george.html
  22. https://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/desron23/
  23. https://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/ussspence/index.asp?r=51200&pid=51208
  24. https://readerslibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Halseys-Typhoon.pdf
  25. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/p/pacific-typhoon-18-december-1944/extracts-relating-to-the-typhoon-from-commander-in-chief-pacific-fleet-report.html
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqTSiC0QAsU
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