USS Stevens (DD-479)
The second destroyer so named, the USS Stevens (DD-479) honored Captain Thomas Holdup Stevens, who served in the early U.S. Navy, and his son, Rear Admiral Thomas Holdup Stevens, Jr.
Construction
Stevens was laid down in December 1941 at the Charleston Navy Yard in Charleston, South Carolina. She was commissioned in February 1943 under the command of Commander Frank H. Ball.
Naval History
Stevens spent her career in the Pacific theater, earning nine battle stars for her service during World War II. When she started in 1943, she performed a variety of escort, screening, and bombardment duties. In March, she joined with two escort carriers, 14 destroyers and four battleships in bombarding the Kavieng area of New Ireland.
After multiple stops, including New Guinea, Stevens went on duty in the Solomon Islands, escorting convoys and combat training. In July 1944, she helped American forces land on Guam, firing on the enemy so that troops could land safely.
Following this engagement, Stevens patrolled at Morotai and Leyte Gulf. From December 1944 through June 1945, she was primarily based in the Philippines, again performing escort and patrol duties. In January 1945, while waiting to escort a supply convoy to Lingayen Gulf, Stevens shot down four Japanese planes and caused two others to flee.
Stevens spent the next few months providing support for various operations, and in June, she helped clear the way for the invasion of Borneo. From June 15 to 17, she supported minesweepers; immediately afterward, she bombarded Klandasan and fought off enemy attacks. American troops landed on July 1, and she again provided cover by engaging the enemy.
For the remainder of the war, she conducted exercises in the Manila Bay-Subic Bay area. After cessation of hostilities, she conducted internments of Japanese ships in China and supported amphibious landings at Taku Bar.
Stevens’ final mission consisted of bringing United States-bound passengers from Jinsen, with stops in Guam and Hawaii. She reached San Diego, California, on November 7, 1945, and subsequently reported to the 19th Reserve Fleet for inactivation. She was decommissioned in July of 1946, remaining with the Pacific Reserve Fleet until December of 1972. In November of 1973, her hull was sold to Zidell Explorations, Inc., of Portland, Oregon.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Stevens (DD-479)
Naval vessels constructed in the 1940s used asbestos materials in nearly every compartment. Stevens’ boilers, engines, and pumps were all insulated with asbestos. Her steam pipes were covered with asbestos blankets, and her mess hall employed asbestos fireproofing. Veterans from the Stevens have an increased chance of developing mesothelioma as a result of their service exposure to asbestos.
Sources
“Stevens.” Dictionary of American Fighting Ships.
http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/s18/stevens-ii.htm
