USS Smith (DD-17)

The USS Smith (DD-17) served in the US Navy for a little more than a decade in the early 20th century. She was named in honor of Joseph B. Smith, who lost his life while serving as Executive Officer of the frigate Congress during a battle with the CSS Virginia in March 1862. Smith was the name ship of the first class of destroyers built to protect the battle line from attacks by enemy torpedo boats.

Construction

Smith was laid down in March 1908 by William Cramp and Sons in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was commissioned in November 1909 with Lieutenant Commander D.F. Boyd in command. Smith was the last class of coal-fired ships and could travel at a speed of 28 knots. She was 293 feet, 10 inches long and carried a crew of 89.

Naval History

Smith was assigned to the Atlantic Torpedo Fleet in 1909 and then was placed in reserve in October 1912. In December 1915, she was reactivated and assigned to neutrality patrol duty near Boston. She was used by the Naval Auxiliary Reserve for recruiting in New Orleans beginning in December 1916, and continued this service in New York during February and March 1917.

When the United States entered World War I, Smith conducted anti-submarine patrols off the Atlantic Coast. She was overhauled at Charleston Navy Yard from May to July 1917, and then patrolled against German U-boats in the Azores starting in July 1918.

In October 1918, Smith arrived in Brest, France to serve as a convoy escort, during which time she rescued survivors of the torpedoed USS President Lincoln and USS Covington. She returned to the United States in May 1919 and in September was decommissioned in Philadelphia. Sold in February 1920, Smith was withdrawn from sale in June to satisfy the Bureau of Construction and Repair’s need for a ship to use in bombing experiments.

From September through November 1920, Smith was anchored in Chesapeake Bay and used in bombing experiments, and was then moved to Philadelphia to be used as a bombing target in July 1921. In December 1921, she was sold for scrap to James G. Hitner in Philadelphia.

Asbestos Risk on the USS Smith (DD-17)

The USS Smith used asbestos-based insulation and fireproofing throughout the vessel. The risk for exposure to this dangerous mineral was most severe in and around the engines and boilers, but steam pipes covered with asbestos ran through many parts of the ship. When asbestos products are damaged or worn, they can release tiny fibers into the air, where they are easily inhaled. The particles can then lodge themselves in the thin lining that surrounds and protects many internal organs known as the mesothelium. Once there, they can cause scarring or worse, mesothelioma.

Sailors and shipwrights that worked on the USS Smith and later developed mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases are likely entitled to compensation for their injury. If you or a loved one was aboard the Smith, complete the form on this page for our free information kit that explains more about mesothelioma, treatment options, and your legal rights.

Sources

Haze Gray & Underway, The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/destroy/dd17txt.htm Retrieved 15 December 2010

Department of The Navy - Naval Historical Center.
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-s/dd17.htm Retrieved 15 December 2010

NavSource Naval History, USS Smith (DD-17)
http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/017.htm Retrieved 15 December 2010