USS Spence (DD-512)
The USS Spence (DD-512) was a Fletcher-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy named in honor of Robert T. Spence (1785-1826).
Construction
Built in Bath, Maine, by Bath Iron Works in 1942, Spence was launched in October and commissioned in January 1943, under the command of Lieutenant Commander H. J. Armstrong.
Naval History
In September 1943, after her shakedown and preliminary escort service in the Atlantic, Spence sailed to the Pacific where she operated in the Solomon Islands. She destroyed several Japanese barges as she patrolled the waters off Kolombangara and Vella Lavella. Spence participated in the assault on the Treasury Islands. During November, Spence provided gunfire support in the bombardment of Bouganville and the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay. Although low on ammunition, she helped sink the Hatsukaze, a Japanese destroyer.
During February 1944, Spence supported the shelling of Tiaraka and Teopasino, Bougainville. Spence bombarded Kavieng and Cape St. George, New Ireland before making a sweep of the shipping lanes connecting Kavieng and Truk. She played a vital role in the fierce Battle of Cape St. George, in which several Japanese destroyers were sunk. Spence remained in the Solomon Islands until March 1944, during which time she engaged enemy aircraft while serving escort and patrol duties. She bombarded enemy targets on land and sea throughout the conflict. In late March, she sailed to the Caroline Islands where she escorted fast carriers as they invaded the Caroline Islands and Hollandia, New Guinea.
During the Marianas Campaign, in June 1944, Spence shelled Saipan, Guam, Rota, and Tinian. After screening the carriers during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, she sailed to San Francisco, California, for an overhaul. Spence was in dry-dock for over a month before embarking to Pearl Harbor and the Marshalls. By early November, Spence returned to the Philippines where she escorted the carriers of Task Force 38 and assisted with the air attacks on the islands. Spence encountered a major typhoon, became disabled, foundered, rolled heavily to port, capsized and sank at approximately 1100 on 18 December 1944. Only 24 of her entire compliment survived. Spence was struck from the Navy list in January 1945.
Spence received eight battle stars for World War II service.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Spence (DD-512)
Asbestos-containing material was present in most areas of Spence, both inside ship's equipment like valves, pumps, and turbines as well as wrapped around steam pipes and in the thermal insulation of most compartments. Boilers, generators, and engines also featured asbestos insulation and fireproofing. Nearly every sailor that served aboard Spence encountered asbestos fibers during the course of his service.
Inhalation of individual asbestos fibers is strongly linked to a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Because damaged asbestos material creates a fine dust that is easily inhaled, working on repairs, refits, and maintenance meant much greater risk. While much of Spence’s crew was lost when she foundered and sank, the few survivors were put at greater-than-normal risk for asbestos disease as a result of their naval service. There are legal solutions for Navy veterans with mesothelioma.
Sources
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-s/dd512.htm) Retrieved 19 February 2011
