USS Fuller (DD-297)
The USS Fuller (DD-297) was one of 156 Clemson-class destroyers to be constructed for the U.S. Navy after World War I. She was the first naval vessel to be named in honor of Marine Captain Edward Fuller, who was killed in action at the Battle of Belleau Wood after exposing himself during an artillery barrage in an effort to get his men in a safer position.
Construction
Fuller was launched by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in San Francisco, California on December 5, 1918. She was sponsored by Miss Gladys Sullivan. Lieutenant Commander R.E. Rogers took command of Fuller on February 28, 1920.
As was the case with all Clemson-class destroyers, Fuller was capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 knots. Unlike the Wickes class before it, Clemson-class destroyers featured wing tanks on either side of the ship. With the help of these tanks, the destroyers were capable of carrying more fuel than the previous classes of destroyer ships. Although this allowed the ships to travel further, the tanks were above the waterline, and the ships weremore vulnerable to attack than previous classes of destroyers. Clemson-class destroyers also featured a larger rudder than the previous class, which resulted in a smaller turning radius.
Naval History
Following commissioning, Fuller completed a short cruise to the Hawaiian Islands. She then arrived to her home port in San Diego, California on April 28, 1920. Upon her arrival, Fuller began a training schedule that involved sailing from California to Oregon.
In February and March of 1923, Fuller sailed to the Panama Canal Zone and participated in Battle Fleet maneuvers. She then returned to San Diego, where she participated in experimental torpedo firing and antiaircraft firing practice. In July, she sailed north with her division to participate in maneuvers. She also obtained repairs at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard at this time.
While sailing back to San Diego from San Francisco, California on September 8, Fuller was involved in an incident that led to significant damage. Due to heavy fog, her lead ship led the division to go aground on the rocks at Honda Point. While all of her crew was able to reach safety, Fuller was abandoned. She ultimately broke in two and sank. Fuller was decommissioned on October 26, 1923.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Fuller (DD-297)
In ships built before the 1930s, the asbestos risk was mainly in engineering spaces. Sailors operating and maintaining Fuller’s engines and boilers were the most likely to be exposed to the mineral during their service. Because some pumps and machinery on board may have also used asbestos, and because asbestos dust can easily be swept from compartment to compartment, most other crewmen on this ship also had some risk. Inhaling asbestos fibers is known to cause mesothelioma.
Sources
Fuller. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Department of the Navy – Naval Historical Center.
http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/f5/fuller-i.htm
