USS MacLeish DD-220

The USS MacLeish (DD-220) was a destroyer named for Lieutenant Kenneth MacLeish. She was laid down by William Cramp and Sons on 19 August 1919 and launched on 18 December. She was a ship of the Clemson class, which was the oldest class of destroyers to serve in World War II.

History of Service Before World War II

The MacLeish was commissioned on 2 August 1920 and later joined the Pacific Fleet. After a brief period, she left to join the United States Naval Forces that had already gathered in Turkish waters. She operated in the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean until 1924, assisting in the evacuation of refugees during the turmoil in that region. The MacLeish protected American interests against harm during the height of the crisis.

The MacLeish returned to Boston, but shipped out again for duty in the Pacific. Sailing from the west coast on 7 May 1925 and arriving at Shanghai on 21 June, the MacLeish joined the Asiatic Fleet and began operations between the Chinese mainland and the Philippines. The MacLeish served in the far western waters of the Pacific from this time until 11 March 1938 when she was decommissioned and entered the Pacific Reserve Fleet at San Diego.

Service in World War II

The MacLeish was recommissioned when it became apparent that the United States would require a stronger naval fleet for World War II. She was recommissioned on 25 September 1939 and after undergoing repairs, refurbishment, and training for the next five months, sailed for maneuvers in the Caribbean on 1 February 1940.

In the months that followed, the MacLeish was rearmed and additional fuel tanks were installed. By January 1941, she began coastal escort duties. In July of that year she was transferred to North Atlantic patrol and convoy operations. It was in this capacity that the MacLeish found herself when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the United States declared war.

In the spring of 1942, the destroyer was reassigned to coastal patrols. During one of these patrols she attacked a sonar contact that resulted in a probable hit on a German U-boat off the Florida coast. Allied operations in North Africa were increasingly in need of supplies and by February 1943, every asset available for the duty was assigned to transatlantic duty. The MacLeish joined this influx of assets and made two trips between New York and Casablanca.

In January, February and March of 1944, the MacLeish served as a target ship for torpedo planes in maneuvers off the coast of Key West. She was overhauled after this duty during April and May and returned to escort duties. She took on the duty of flagship of Task Force 63, traveling to ports in the Mediterranean.

Retirement of the MacLeish

After making one last trip across the Atlantic in 1944, the MacLeish served as a target ship for submarines during exercises. On 5 January 1945, her guns were removed and she was redesignated AG-87. After this extensive conversion she returned to Panama to resume her duties as a target ship for submarines.

After this duty, she left for Rhode Island where she began towing targets in naval exercises to train aircraft. She was decommissioned 8 March 1946 and struck from the naval register on 13 November. She was sold 18 December to Boston Metals Company and broken down for scrap.

Asbestos Risks

On board every American navy vessel until the 1960s, asbestos was widely utilized for insulation and as fire control. Though practically all compartments of the USS MacLeish offered a significant level of asbestos contamination, each ship's boiler room and mechanical spaces were generally the areas where a seaman or a civilian worker was apt to be endangered by airborne asbestos.

When dealing with asbestos, the greatest risk to human health occurs where strands deteriorate and become exposed, allowing the fibers to become airborne and inhaled. A history of asbestos proximity is conclusively linked to mesothelioma and other serious medical conditions. Since most asbestos-induced diseases can be difficult to detect, navy personnel with a history of contact with asbestos should immediately notify their health care provider about this history.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an illness related to asbestos, you may have legal options for compensation. Many have received financial assistance to help pay for treatment options and any lost income as a result of their illness. For more information, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a free informational packet.

Sources:

Destroyers Index