USS Hogan (DD-178)
The USS Hogan (DD-178) was one of 111 Wickes-class destroyers constructed for the US Navy during World War II. She was the first naval vessel to be named in honor of Seaman Daniel Hogan, who was severely wounded in action between USS Constitution and HMS Java on January 3, 1813.
Construction
Hogan was launched on April 12, 1919 by Union Iron Works in San Francisco, California. She was sponsored by Mrs. Magnus A. Anderson, who was the sister of the Secretary of the Interior, Franklin K. Lane. Lieutenant Commander E.M. Williams took command of Hogan on October 1, 1919.
Naval History
Following shakedown, Hogan arrived in San Diego on November 21, at which time she joined the Pacific Destroyer Force. She sailed in company with her division for the next three months, during which time she engaged in fleet maneuvers, target practice, torpedo exercises and patrol duty along the California coast. After spending a month in Hawaii, Hogan rejoined her squadron in San Diego, where she engaged in gunnery exercises, trial runs and experimental torpedo practice. Hogan then assisted US battleships with torpedo firing exercises in the Pacific until she was decommissioned on May 27, 1922 in San Diego.
More than 18 years after being decommissioned, Hogan was recommissioned and was converted into a high speed minesweeper. She was then reclassified as DMS-6 and took up minesweeper training and patrol duty along the Eastern Coast and in the Caribbean. During the early months of World War II, Hogan served primarily as a convoy escort as she protected ships from U-boat attacks.
Hogan’s first major operation involved the invasion of North Africa in late 1942. While engaged in this operation, she attempted to turn back a French steamer and its escort, Victoria. When the ships refused to change course, Hogan opened fire. Although Victoria returned fire and attempted to ram Hogan, she avoided the attack and ultimately forced Victoria to surrender. Hogan then engaged in antisubmarine patrol off Fedhala and continued to provide escort, minesweeping and antisubmarine duties throughout the war, visiting ports such as Pearl Harbor, Milne Bay and Saipan.
Hogan underwent major repairs on June 5, 1945. At this time, she was reclassified as AG-105 and was assigned as a target ship for bombing tests. She was sunk off San Diego on November 8, 1945, having received six battle stars for her service during World War II.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Hogan (DD-178)
The installation of asbestos-containing materials in the design of marine vessels was ordered by Congress in the 1930s, after a deadly fire aboard the SS Morro Castle killed more than 100 people. Hogan, like most Navy ships of the time, made use of asbestos-containing materials in large amounts, particularly in boilers and engine compartments, and to insulate compartments in the other sections of the ship. If asbestos becomes worn it can become friable, which means that fibers can be broken off and enter the atmosphere, and then are breathed in by sailors or dockworkers, possibly causing mesothelioma.
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Hogan. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Department of the Navy – Naval Historical Center. (http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/h7/hogan.htm) Retrieved 20 December 2010.
