USS John Francis Burnes (DD-299)
The USS John Francis Burnes (DD-299) was one of 156 Clemson-class destroyers to be constructed for the U.S. Navy after World War I. She was named in honor of John Francis Burnes, who was an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War I.
Construction
John Francis Burns was laid down by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in San Francisco, California on July 4, 1918, though she was originally named Swasey. Launched on November 10, 1918, John Francis Burns was sponsored by Mrs. Julius Kahn. Commander Frank N. Eklund took command of John Francis Burns on May 1, 1920.
Naval History
Following commissioning and exercises during the summer, John Francis Burnes participated in fleet maneuvers in October 1920. She then engaged in tactical exercise along the California coast over the next two years. During this time, she operated out of her home port of San Diego, California.
On February 6, 1923, John Francis Burnes participated in exercises off of the Panama Canal Zone and Mexico. Upon her return to the states in April, she operated primarily out of California for the next two years. The only exception was a trip she took to the Caribbean in 1924, at which time she participated in fleet maneuvers. The following year, John Francis Burnes participated in joint Army-Navy maneuvers, which took place out of San Francisco, California.
On April 27, 1925, John Francis Burnes joined fleet operations in Hawaii. She then cruised in the Pacific with a large force, during which time she visited Samoa, New Zealand and Australia. John Francis Burnes returned to San Diego in September. For the next three years, she participated in fleet maneuvers and training operations along the west coast. During this time, John Francis Burnes played an important role in developing naval warfare techniques.
John Francis Burnes participated in reserve training cruises in the summers of 1928 and 1929. Following her 1929 cruise, she sailed to San Diego. She remained there until February 25, 1930, at which time she was decommissioned. John Francis Burnes was removed from the Naval Vessel Register on July 22, 1930. She was sold for scrap on June 10, 1931 in accordance with the London Treaty, which called for the limitation of naval armaments.
Asbestos Risk on the USS John Francis Burnes (DD-299)
The principal asbestos hazard aboard John Francis Burnes was found below decks in engineering spaces. The boilers and engines featured asbestos insulation and fireproofing. Other areas of increased risk included galleys and rooms containing pumps or heavy machinery. Because airborne asbestos fibers were the most dangerous to sailors, it is probable that no area on John Francis Burnes was completely safe. If your loved one suffered from mesothelioma after serving in the U.S. Navy, maritime asbestos exposure may be at least partly responsible.
Sources
John Francis Burnes. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Department of the Navy – Naval Historical Center.
http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/j3/john_francis_burnes.htm
