USS Swasey (DD-273)

The first USS Swasey (DD-273) was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy and transferred to the Royal Navy as HMS Rockingham (G58).

For other ships with the same name, see USS Swasey.

USS Swasey
HMS Rockingham
History
United States
NameUSS Swasey
NamesakeCharles Swasey
BuilderBethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, Squantum Victory Yard
Laid down27 August 1918
Launched7 May 1919
Sponsored byMs. Mary L. Swasey
Commissioned8 August 1919
Decommissioned10 June 1922
Stricken8 January 1941
FateTransferred to the United Kingdom, 26 November 1940
United Kingdom
NameHMS Rockingham
Acquired26 November 1940
FateSank while under tow after striking a mine on 27 September 1944
General characteristics
Class and typeClemson-class destroyer
Displacement1,215 long tons (1,234 t)
Length314 ft 4 in (95.81 m)
Beam31 ft 8 in (9.65 m)
Draft9 ft 10 in (3.00 m)
Installed power26,500 hp (19,800 kW)
Propulsion
  • 2 × geared turbines
  • 2 × shafts
Speed35 kn (40 mph; 65 km/h)
Range4,900 nmi (5,600 mi; 9,100 km) at 15 kn (17 mph; 28 km/h)
Complement130 officers and enlisted
Armament

Service history

USS Swasey

Named for Charles Swasey, Swasey was laid down on 27 August 1918 by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, Squantum, Massachusetts; launched on 7 May 1919; sponsored by Ms. Mary L. Swasey; and commissioned on 8 August 1919.

Swasey was assigned to the Pacific Fleet and, after completing fitting out and sailing to the west coast, arrived at Pearl Harbor in the fall of 1919. She served there until the summer of 1922, when she returned to San Diego, California.

Swasey was decommissioned at San Diego on 10 June 1922 and assigned to the reserve fleet for the next 17 years. Swasey was reactivated on 18 December 1939 and – after an overhaul and sea trials – transferred to Britain on 26 November 1940 under the Destroyers for Bases Agreement.

Swasey was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 8 January 1941.

HMS Rockingham

Rockingham was modified for trade convoy escort service by removal of three of the original 4 in (102 mm)/50 cals and three of the triple torpedo tube mounts to reduce topside weight for additional depth charge stowage and installation of hedgehog.[1] Rockingham was assigned to Escort Group B-1 of the Mid-Ocean Escort Force for convoys ON 96, SC 105, SC 119, ON 171, HX 230 and HX 236 during the winter of 1942–43.[2]

Rockingham sank on 27 September 1944 while under tow after striking a mine.

Notes
  1. Lenton&Colledge (1968) pp.92-94
  2. Rohwer&Hummelchen (1992) pp.124,135,139,170,185,194,199,202&209

References
  • Lenton, H.T. & Colledge J.J. (1968). British and Dominion Warships of World War II. Doubleday and Company.
  • Rohwer, J. & Hummelchen, G. (1992). Chronology of the War at Sea 1939–1945. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-105-X.
  • This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.

56°29′N 0°57′W

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