USS Chevalier DD-451

The USS Chevalier (DD-451) was the Navy's tribute to Lieutenant Commander Godfrey Chevalier, the first man to land an aircraft on the first U.S. aircraft carrier in 1922. A Fletcher-class destroyer, she was built by the Bath Iron Works between April 1941 and 1942. She was commissioned on 20 July of that year with Lieutenant Commander E. R. MacLean Jr. serving as the ship's captain.

After a shakedown period of two months, Chevalier commenced her active service as a convoy escort in the Atlantic, sailing out of Norfolk, Virginia. On 17 December, she was ordered to the Pacific, reaching the New Hebrides (now Vanatu) a little over a month later. She was assigned to Task Force 18 to provide cover fire for troops landing on various islands. May and June 1943 found her escorting and covering minelaying operations.

Chevalier was operating in the Solomon Islands on 1 July, conducting bombardment of enemy shore positions, when her group was attacked by a trio of Japanese destroyers. Her sister ship, USS Strong, was hit and Captain MacLean ordered the Chevalier to ram the stricken vessel at low speed so as to allow her survivors to crawl aboard. Despite heavy enemy fire, the Chevalier managed to rescue all 241 survivors. Covered by another Fletcher-class destroyer, the USS O'Banion, she was able to withdraw safely to Espiritu Santo for repairs.

Repairs on the Chevalier's damaged bow were carried out between 8 and 22 July, after which she went on routine patrol and escort duty for three weeks. On 15 August, she returned to the combat zone for cover duty, engaging enemy ships on one occasion.

On 6 October, the Chevalier, along with the O'Banion and an older Porter-class destroyer called the Selfridge, crossed paths with a squadron of Japanese destroyers. Outnumbered three-to-one, the three U.S. destroyers nonetheless engaged their Japanese counterparts, sending one to the bottom. In the melee, a torpedo took off Chevalier's bow, leaving her unable to steer. Unable to stop when the Chevalier strayed into her path, the O'Banion ran into her stern, breaking open the aft engine room. At around 11:30 p.m., Captain MacLean gave the order to abandon ship. The O'Banion picked up her survivors, and the severely damaged Chevalier was scuttled the next day.

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 Chevalier 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 Chevalier 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 Chevalier 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 Chevalier 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.

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Destroyers Index