USS Murray (DD-97)

The USS Murray (DD-97) was a Wickes-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy during World War I and the second ship to bear this name. She was named in honor of Commodore Alexander Murray (1755-1821), a naval officer in the American Revolution, and his grandson, Alexander Murray.

Construction

In December 1917, Murray was laid down at Quincy, Massachusetts, by the Fore River Shipbuilding Company. Completed in under five months, Murray was launched in early June and commissioned at Boston the following August, under command of Lieutenant R. G. Walling.

Naval History

Murray spent four years of service with the Atlantic Fleet operating at locations in the Caribbean and the east coast. In July 1920, she was reclassified as light minelayer DM-2. Murray provided support in the postwar development of antisubmarine and mine warfare methods which were employed in later events.

In July 1922, Murray was decommissioned in Philadelphia where she remained until stricken from the Navy List in January 1936. The following September she was sold for scrap to the Schiavone-Bonomo Corporation, New York City.

Asbestos Risk on the USS Murray (DD-97)

Murray used asbestos insulation and fireproofing in most of her engineering systems. The U.S. Navy favored the mineral for providing excellent heat and flame resistance at a relatively low cost. Asbestos was likely used elsewhere on board as well, as it was easily mixed into paints, cements, and adhesives. Sailors aboard Murray were likely exposed to the mineral almost daily. Breathing air contaminated with asbestos fibers has been linked to mesothelioma later in life.

Sources

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m16/murray-ii.htm