USS Porter (DD-59)

USS Porter (DD-59) was the third Tucker-class destroyer built for the US Navy prior to the United States’ entry into World War I. She was the second US Navy vessel to be named in the honor of Commodore David Porter and his son, Admiral David Dixon Porter.

Construction

Porter was laid down in August 1914 by William Cramp and Sons in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was sponsored by Miss Georgina Porter Cusachs, who was a descendent of the Porter men, and was launched one year after being laid down. Porter was commissioned on April 17, 1916, at which time she was placed under the command of Lieutenant Commander Ward K. Wortman.

Porter measured slightly more than 315 feet in length and just over 30 feet abeam. Armed with eight 21-inch torpedo tubes and four 4-inch guns, she had a standard displacement of 1,090 long tons. Porter was powered by two steam turbines, which were capable of propelling her at up to 29.5 knots.

Naval History

As her first duty, Porter participated in a shakedown cruise in the Caribbean. Shortly afterwards, she was part of the first US destroyer squadron to be sent overseas after the United States entered World War I. Here, she served out of Queenstown, Ireland as she patrolled the Irish and Celtic Sea.

On October 16, 1917, the USS Cassin was torpedoed by German submarine U-61 approximately 20 nautical miles south of Mind Head, Ireland. As a result, the ship’s stern was nearly blown off and her rudder was removed, rendering her unable to steer. Porter assisted in her rescue by staying with her until two British sloops, Tamarisk and Jessamine arrived to take over. Cassin was towed to safety and was later able to return to patrol duty.

On April 28, 1918, Porter severely damaged German submarine U-108 as it attempted to intercept a convoy. Nearly two months later, she was transferred to Brest, France. At the end of World War I, Porter returned to the United States and continued operations off the east coast. She was decommissioned on June 23, 1922. Two years later, she was transferred to the US Coast Guard. There, she served under the name USCGC Porter (CG-7), where she assisted with the enforcement of Prohibition as part of the Rum Patrol. In 1933, she returned to the US Navy and was ultimately renamed to DD-59 in order to free up the name Porter to be used with another destroyer. She was sold for scrap in August the following year.

Asbestos Risk on the USS Porter (DD-59)

The USS Porter made use of asbestos materials in its boilers and engine rooms, and as insulation all over the vessel. It was also used to fireproof mess halls and in pumps, pipefittings, and gaskets. When such products become worn or damaged, they pose a significant health risk to the sailors, shipbuilders, pipefitters and mechanics that work with or near them. Asbestos fibers are shown to be the main cause of serious illnesses like asbestosis and mesothelioma.

To help mesothelioma sufferers find the right treatment and care options, we created a mesothelioma information packet with complete information concerning medical options and open clinical trials in the United States. We also discuss the legal avenues you can pursue for compensation if you or a loved one was injured by asbestos while serving aboard the USS Porter. Simply complete the form on this page and we will mail you your packet, at no charge.

Sources

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/p10/porter-ii.htm Retrieved 14 December 2010.