USS Metcalf DD-595

The USS Metcalf (DD-595) was a destroyer in the Fletcher class. She was laid down on 10 August 1943 by the Puget Sound Navy Yard of Bremerton, Washington and launched on 25 September 1944. She was named for Boatswain's Mate James Metcalf, a sailor serving aboard the Enterprise during the First Barbary War.

Service in World War II

The Metcalf undertook her shakedown cruise off the California coast and was subsequently assigned to the Pacific Fleet for duty in the Pacific Theater. Departing Bremerton on 19 February 1945, she sailed for the Carolines by way of Pearl Harbor. She arrived at Ulithi on 16 March.

The Metcalf was part of Escort Carrier Group 3 during the Okinawa campaign, where she served by providing air support and raids. She was at the Kerama Retto landings of 26 March and the Okinawa landings on 1 April. She assisted in rescuing downed pilots, screened for carriers and performed radar picket duty.

On 30 April, the Metcalf then joined the 7th Fleet at Leyte after having spent time in the Philippines. The next two months were spent on convoy duty preparing for the invasion of Borneo. The Metcalf arrived near Borneo to patrol the South China Sea, then proceeded to assist Allied forces through shore bombardment. After action at Brunei Bay and Miri-Lutong, she joined Task Force 74. The group performed various operations that preceded the Australian troop landing of 1 July.

On 4 August, the Metcalf had escort duty between Okinawa and the Philippines and was on such duty when the Japanese surrendered to the Allied forces. On 4 September, she joined the North China Force and was part of the Korean landings of occupation forces. She led Task Unit 78.1.15 through the Yellow Sea and acted in a support capacity. On 12 September, the Metcalf supported various operations related to the occupation of China.

Post-war Service and Retirement

The Metcalf sailed through the Yellow Sea on 12 September and then in early 1946 left the Far East for the California coast. She arrived at San Diego in March and was decommissioned. She entered the Pacific Reserve Fleet and remained in that capacity at Long Beach from 1 July 1951 to 1960. She was moved to Stockton, California and was stricken from the naval register on 2 January 1971. She was sold on 6 June 1972 and broken up for scrap.

Asbestos Risks

The mineral asbestos was widely installed for insulation and as fire control in each U.S. Navy destroyer through both world wars. While nearly every part of a ship like the USS Metcalf offered at least some asbestos exposure, the vessel's boilers and engineering compartments were the workspaces where sailors and shipyard workers were apt to be in danger of inhaling asbestos fibers.

When dealing with asbestos, the highest level of danger to human health happens in situations where items containing the mineral become damaged and breakable, because if the asbestos filaments escape into the air, the particles can be inhaled by those near the hazard. Numerous studies have shown that dangerous medical conditions such as mesothelioma are caused by even modest levels of asbestos exposure. Naval veterans with a history of exposure to this mineral should immediately tell their primary physician as related conditions can often be misdiagnosed.

If you have already been diagnosed with an illness related to asbestos exposure, you may have legal options for compensation. Many have received financial assistance to help pay for medical expenses and lost income. If you would like to learn more about this and treatment options, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a complimentary packet.

Sources:

Destroyers Index