USS Maury (DD-401)
USS Maury (DD-401) was a Gridley-class destroyer in service with the U.S. Navy. She was named in the honor of Matthew Maury, who was an American astronomer, oceanographer, historian, cartographer, meteorologist, geologist, author and educator with the U.S. Navy.
Construction
Maury was laid down by Union Plant, Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in San Francisco, California on March 24, 1936. Launched on February 14, 1938, she was sponsored by Miss Virginia Lee Maury Werth, who was the namesake’s granddaughter. Lieutenant Commander Edward M. Thompson took command of Maury on August 5, 1938.
Naval History
Following commissioning, Maury was assigned to the Pacific Fleet. At the time of the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor, Maury was en route to Hawaii. After receiving word of the attacks, Maury unsuccessfully searched for the Japanese fleet. For the remainder of 1941, Maury served as a screen for USS Enterprise (CV-6).
On February 1, 1942, Maury assisted with the raids on Japanese installations on Taroa Island, Maleolap Atoll and Reuters Island. On the 24th, she assisted with the surprise attack on Wake Island, followed by the surprise attack on Marcus Island on March 4.
On June 4, Maury participated in the Battle of Midway. That August, Maury served as a plane guard during the operations in Guadalcanal as well as during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. After spending 10 months in the Solomons, Maury provided support to the invasions of Tarawa and Makin on November 20, 1943.
On June 19, 1944, Maury participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. She then assisted with the raid of Iwo Jima the following month. Over the next nine weeks, Maury served as a screen as her force struck Iwo Jima once again. That November, Maury spent most of her time providing support to operations in Samar and Leyte. The following month, she headed to the Lingayen Gulf to support the Luzon invasion.
In April 1945, Maury returned to Pearl Harbor, where she spent 6 weeks conducting training exercises before heading to New York. After arriving in New York on June 14, an inspection team recommended that she be disposed of. Maury traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she was decommissioned on October 19, 1945. Maury was struck from the Navy list on November 1, 1945 before being sold to Hugo Neu of New York on June 13, 1946. She was resold to the Northern Metal Co. in Philadelphia shortly after and was scrapped by the end of the year. Maury received 16 battle stars for her service during World War II.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Maury (DD-401)
The engine and power plant rooms aboard Maury used asbestos containing materials (ACMs) in large amounts to insulate conduits, to line boilers, and to fireproof parts of the ship's engines and steam turbines. Steam pipes running throughout the ship were often covered with asbestos insulation. The quantity of asbestos products employed by the Maury created a significant health hazard to her crew. Exposure to asbestos products has been conclusively linked to mesothelioma cancer later in life.
Navy veterans injured by asbestos during their service can often obtain some compensation for their injury. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can analyze your case and explain your legal options. Filing your case can be time sensitive, as there are statutes of limitations governing when and where you can file.
Sources
Maury. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Department of the Navy – Naval Historical Center.
http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m6/maury-ii.htm
