USS Breck (DD-283)
USS Breck (DD-283) was a Clemson-class destroyer constructed for the US Navy after World War I. She is the only naval vessel to have been named for Joseph Berry Breck, an officer in the US Navy during the American Civil War.
Construction
Breck was launched by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in Squantam, Massachusetts on September 5, 1919. She was sponsored by Mrs. Forest MacNee, who was the granddaughter of Lieutenant Commander Breck. Lieutenant Commander C.E. Van Hook took command of Breck on December 1, 1919.
Naval History
Following commissioning, Breck served with the Atlantic along with Destroyer Squadron 1. She then served out of the Caribbean area for six months before she was placed in reserve commission at Newport, Rhode Island from July 15, 1920 through June 1921. During this time, Breck engaged in limited duty training of Naval Reserves along the Atlantic Coast.
Breck rejoined the Destroyer Force in June 1921, at which time she participated in scheduled exercises and other drills along the Atlantic coast. During this time, she also assisted with the calibration of coastal Radio Compass Stations before joining Squadrons Escorting fleet the following June. After joining her new fleet, Breck began participating in squadron and fleet operations on an annual basis.
In August 1925, Breck's home yard was changed to Norfolk Navy Yard, at which time she was attached to Destroyer Division 25. As part of her new division, Breck served with US Naval Forces Europe. She served in this capacity from June 1926 through June of the following year, during which time she sailed along the European and North African coasts. In addition to showing the flag, Breck also engaged in engineering and target competitions during this time.
Following her European travels, Breck returned to the United States and spent some time in the New York Navy Yard before sailing on to Newport. Here, Breck provided training cruises to the Naval Reserves Scouting Fleet. Over the next several years, Breck spent most of her time engaged in war games, gunnery practice and maneuvers. In September 1929, Breck arrived at Philadelphia Navy Yard along with other units from Destroyer Squadron 9. At this time, her active service came to an end. Breck was decommissioned on May 1, 1930 and was sold on January 17, 1931.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Breck (DD-283)
The installation of asbestos-containing materials in the design of marine vessels was mandated by law in the US in the 1930s, after a fire at sea on the SS Morro Castle killed more than 100 people. Breck deployed asbestos insulation in large quantities, particularly in ship's boilers and engine compartments, as well as to insulate pipes in the other sections of the vessel.
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Sources
Breck. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Department of the Navy – Naval Historical Center.
http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/b9/breck-i.htmRetrieved 27 December 2010.
