USS Meyer (DD-279)
USS Meyer (DD-279) was one of more than 150 Clemson-class destroyers to be constructed for the US Navy after World War II. She was named in honor of George von Lengerke Meyer, a Massachusetts businessman and politician. Meyer also served as the US Postmaster General from 1907 to 1909 and as the US Secretary of the Navy while both President Theodore Roosevelt and President William Howard Taft were in office.
Construction
Meyer was laid down at the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in Squantum, Massachusetts on February 6, 1919. Launched on July 18, 1919, she was sponsored by Mrs. C.R.P. Rodgers, who was the daughter of Meyer. Commander W.E. Clarke took command of Meyer on December 17, 1919.
As was the case with all Clemson-class destroyers, Meyer was capable of reaching up to 35 knots. Unlike the Wickes-class before it, Clemson-class destroyers featured two wing tanks, which were located on either side of the ship. With these tanks, Clemson-class vessels were able to carry more fuel than their predecessors, making it possible for them to travel greater distances. Since the tanks were located above the waterline, however, the ships were more vulnerable to attack. Clemson-class destroyers also had a larger rudder than the previous class, which decreased the turning radius. Another significant difference between the Clemson-class destroyer and its predecessors was the addition of another set of 3-inch 23 caliber anti-aircraft guns.
Naval History
Following shakedown on the east coast, Meyer departed for the west coast. She arrived in San Diego, California on February 9, 1920, but left shortly after for San Francisco, California as well as for a variety of ports in Alaska.
After returning to San Diego on August 18, Meyer resumed operations along the west coast, traveling all the way from Alaska to Panama. She continued to operate in this capacity for the next eight and a half years, though she did take an occasional trip to Hawaii. In August 1927, Meyer also had the honor of assisting those pilots who participated in the Dole Race, which runs from the mainland to Hawaii.
Meyer began an inactivation overhaul in early 1929 and was ultimately decommissioned on May 15, 1929. Meyer was towed to Mare Island on June 17 for scrap, though her name was not removed from the Navy list until November 25, 1930 and her materials were not sold until February 25, 1932.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Meyer (DD-279)
The use of asbestos in the design of oceangoing vessels was ordered by Congress in the 1930s, after a deadly fire on the SS Morro Castle resulted in great loss of life. Ships like Meyer installed asbestos-containing materials frequently in boilers and engineering spaces, as well as to insulate steam pipes in all parts of the vessel.
Presently medical science has not developed a cure for mesothelioma disease; however, skilled oncologists such as Dr. David Sugarbaker are always developing new treatment methods. People who have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma may need information about mesothelioma and their legal rights. A well-established mesothelioma lawyer can be a reliable source for that information.
We have also compiled a mesothelioma information kit with complete information for mesothelioma victims including legal and medical options, and a list of clinical trials all over the U.S. All you have to do is submit the form on this page and we will mail you the packet, at no charge.
Sources
Meyer. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Department of the Navy – Naval Historical Center.
http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m10/meyer.htm Retrieved 27 December 2010.
