USS Delphy (DD-261)

The USS Delphy (DD-261) was in the U.S. Navy after World War I and was a Clemson-class destroyer. She was the flagship of the destroyer group that was involved in the Honda Point Disaster, and was named for Richard Delphy, who was an officer in the Navy during the War of 1812.

Construction

Launched in July of 1918 by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, and based out of Squantum, Massachusetts, the Delphy was sponsored by Mrs. W. S. Sims, who was the wife of Rear Admiral William Sims. Delphy was commissioned in November of that same year, with Commander R. A. Dawes in charge.

Naval History

In December of 1918, Delphy was used to test submarine detection devices in the waters off of Connecticut. She also aided survivors from the Northern Pacific, which was stranded off of Fire Island, New York on New Year's Day. In January 1919, Delphy went to the Caribbean for torpedo practice and winter maneuvers. She returned to New York in April of that year, and then sailed for Boston, Massachusetts, in preparations for the first transatlantic seaplane flight.

Delphy reached the west coast in December of 1919 and joined Destroyer Squadrons until placed in reserve in June of 1920. She was sent to Bremerton, Washington, in December 1920, and was overhauled at Puget Sound Navy Yard in January 1921. The overhauls were extensive, keeping her in Washington State for some time. In July of that year, Delphy went back to San Diego and operated there with 50 of her complement, before heading to Balboa in April 1923. She then returned to San Diego once again.

On 8 September 1923, Delphy was part of the Honda Point Disaster, where seven Destroyers became stranded on the rocks of the California coast in dense fog. Lt. Cdr. Donald T. Hunter was in charge of her at that time. Delphy broke in half after crashing broadside. Her stern sunk below the surface. There were three sailors killed and 15 injured. Because the damage to Delphy was so extensive she was not repaired. In October 1923 Delphy was decommissioned, and was sold as a wreck in October 1925. No other ships since have shared her name.

Asbestos Risk on the USS Delphy (DD-261)

Asbestos was ideally suited for use in maritime vessels, as it was essentially fireproof and was highly corrosion-resistant. The Delphy contained asbestos insulation and fireproofing in her engineering sections and likely in many other compartments on board. Boilermen, engineers, machinists, and firemen were the sailors most likely to encounter asbestos. If your loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma and once served aboard this ship, his naval service may have contributed to his disease.

Sources

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/d3/delphy.htm