USS Macdonough (DD-331)
The USS Macdonough (DD-331) served in the US Navy for a decade during the early part of the 20th century. She was named for Commodore Thomas Macdonough who served in the First Barbary War, the War of 1812, and the Battle of Lake Champlain, and as Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard. Macdonough was designed as a Clemson-class ship.
Construction
Macdonough was laid down at San Francisco, California by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in May 1920, launched in December, and commissioned in April 1921 with Lieutenant Commander H.J. Ray in command. Carrying a crew of 114, Macdonough was 314 feet, five inches long, with a beam of 31 feet, eight inches and draught of nine feet, 10 inches. Driven by geared turbines supporting a cruising speed of 35 knots, Macdonough was armed with four 4-inch rapid-fire guns, one three-inch anti-aircraft gun, and twelve 21-inch torpedo tubes.
Naval History
Macdonough began her duty out of San Diego, California, where she performed most of her naval service. Operating along the west coast of the United States, Macdonough was occasionally deployed with the Battle Fleet to the Pacific coast of Central America, and to the Hawaiian Islands. Macdonough also served on special assignments in the Caribbean, and operated with the fleet during a cruise to Samoa, Australia, and New Zealand from June to September 1925.
Initially commanded by Lieutenant Commander H.J Ray, Macdonough was later commanded by Lieutenant Commander George Maus Lowry. Macdonough participated in fleet exercises near Balboa, in the Panama Canal Zone, and then returned to San Diego in March 1929. She served off the southern California coast until being decommissioned in January 1930 at San Diego, and was then sold for scrap in December 1930.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Macdonough (DD-331)
Using asbestos in the design of all vessels was required by law in the United States in the 1930s, after a fire at sea aboard a cruise ship killed more than 100 people. Vessels like Macdonough deployed asbestos-containing materials extensively in engines and engineering rooms, and to insulate compartments in other parts of the ship. If asbestos is worn or damaged it becomes "friable", meaning that individual fibers can break off and enter the atmosphere, and then can be inhaled or ingested by naval personnel or shipfitters, potentially leading to the development of mesothelioma. After asbestos is inhaled or ingested, tiny fibers become lodged in the mesothelial layer, a narrow layer of cells which surrounds and buffers the interior organs, and over time this foreign material may cause malignant mesothelioma.
Since mesothelioma disease develops aggressively and is often diagnosed late, most often the prognosis for mesothelioma cases is poor. Additionally, not many hospitals or clinicians specialize in the treatment of mesothelioma because the disease is considered to be fairly rare.
If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, you may be eligible for financial compensation. A good mesothelioma lawyer can assess your situation and advise you accordingly. We have also written a mesothelioma information kit with complete information concerning your legal and treatment options, along with a list of clinical trials nationwide. Just fill in the form on this page and we'll send you the kit free of charge.
Sources
Haze Gray & Underway. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. DD-331.
http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/destroy/dd331txt.htm Retrieved 6 January 2011.
NavSource Naval History, USS Macdonough (DD-331).
http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/331.htm Retrieved 6 January 2011.
