USS Chauncey DD-667

USS Chauncey (DD-667) was one of 175 Fletcher-class ships constructed for the U.S. Navy during World War II. A substantial number of these sturdy and versatile vessels continued to serve naval forces around the world for up to half a century after the war ended, and five are still in existence and maintained as floating museums.

Chauncey was built by a private company, the Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. Her keel was laid on 14 March 1942, and was completed in eighteen weeks. The USS Chauncey was ready to receive her commission two months after her launch, on 31 May 1943. Lieutenant Commander M. Van Metre served as the vessels commander.

Chauncey sailed from the Naval Operations Base in Norfolk, Virginia on 28 August 1943 and reported to Pearl Harbor on 19 September. Assigned to the Fast Carrier Force that spearheaded U.S. combat operations in the Pacific, she operated as a carrier screen, and was responsible for the safety of the carriers from enemy attacks from above and below. Over the next year and a half, she fought off aerial attacks and avoided any hits.

She returned to the United States for a major overhaul and refit after the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. The repairs were followed by training, and she returned to active duty at the end of February 1945. She escorted a carrier to Ulithi Atoll, where the two vessels rejoined the Fast Carrier Group. Chauncey had an excellent record for taking good care of the carriers in her charge over the next few months through some of the most intense actions of the war.

Chauncey remained with the occupation force after the war, and sailed for home on 11 November 1954. She was decommissioned and mothballed in San Diego a month later.

Chauncey was reactivated for the Korean conflict in July 1950, joining the Atlantic Fleet and operating from Norfolk. In February 1953, she again screened carriers, this time off the Korean coast during the final months of the war, then continued westward to circumnavigate the globe before reporting to her home port on 6 August.

She was decommissioned on 14 May 1954, and sold for scrap 20 years later.

Asbestos Risks

Whether serving during peace or war, soldiers and sailors have long understood that working in the military brings with it expected dangers. What many did not know until the end of the 20th century, however, was that a danger unrelated to enemy actions, the danger of asbestos exposure, was a very real hazard aboard many ships and vessels.

Vessels utilized by the United States Navy throughout World War I and World War II were commonly constructed using the mineral asbestos in insulation and in fireproofing capacities. The engines and mechanical sections of a ship like the USS Chauncey generally were the areas where a crewman or dockworker was most at risk of asbestos exposure on a daily basis. However, nearly all areas of the destroyers such as the USS Chauncey presented at least some risk of asbestos exposure. An increased risk of exposure occurred when a ship was damaged during battle or daily operations. This may cause asbestos fibers to break off and become airborne where they could be inhaled or ingested by anyone aboard.

Exposure to asbestos may cause the development of a serious illness such as mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer, lung cancer and asbestosis. Naval veterans who served aboard the USS Chauncey or other ships and vessels may have been exposed to asbestos regularly. Veterans may wish to notify their doctor of their potential exposure so routine check-ups and proper examinations may be conducted. Alerting your doctor of past exposure may aid in early detection of an asbestos-related disease which can lead to more treatment options.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or served aboard the USS Chauncey and wish to learn more about symptoms, treatment and legal options available to Navy veterans, please click here and Asbestos.com will send you a complimentary comprehensive packet in the mail.

Sources:

Destroyers Index