USS O'Brien (DD-415)

USS "O'Brien" (DD-415) was a World War II-era "Sims"-class destroyer in the service of the United States Navy, named after Captain Jeremiah O'Brien and his five brothers who captured HMS "Margaretta" on 12 June 1775 during the American revolution.

Early career

"O’Brien" was laid down at Boston Navy Yard, Boston, Mass., 31 May 1938; launched 20 October 1939; sponsored by Miss Josephine O’Brien Campbell, great-great-great granddaughter of Gideon O’Brien; and commissioned 2 March 1940, Lt. Comdr. Carl F. Espe, in command. Since the ship was built in drydock with "Walke" (DD-416), "Lansdale" (DD-426), and "Madison" (DD-425), the christening ceremonies were combined.

Throughout 1940 and 1941, the ship operated along the eastern seaboard.

World War II

Pacific convoy duty

After drydocking and repairs in the fall of 1941, the ship left Norfolk 15 January 1942 with "Idaho" (BB-42) and "Mustin (DD-413) and steamed for the Pacific. Transiting the Panama Canal on 20 January, the trio arrived in San Francisco, 31 January 1942.

"O’Brien" sailed with a convoy for the western Pacific 4 February, but was forced to return when a collision with destroyer "Case" (DD-370) damaged her port side. Following repairs at Mare Island, the ship sailed 20 February via San Diego, to Pearl Harbor. There Commander Destroyer Division 4 shifted his flag to "O’Brien" 5 March.

After operating out of Pearl Harbor and patrolling French Frigate Shoals, the ship called at Midway in the latter part of March, escorting "Curtiss" (AV-4) to evacuate civilian personnel. The two returned to Pearl on 3 April 1942. After increase and improvement of her antiaircraft batteries, the ship embarked passengers for the Naval Air Station at Palmyra and sailed 18 April with "Flusser" (DD-368) and "Mugford" (DD-389). The DD then joined convoys from San Diego and San Francisco escorting them to Samoa, arriving Pago Pago, 28 April.

"O’Brien" was retained at Pago Pago for local escort work. On 26 May she supported the occupation of Wallis Island, previously taken over by the Free French and joined "Procyon" (AK–19) 19 June for the return voyage to Pearl Harbor. Operating out of Pearl Harbor, the ship performed escort duty and acted as patrol and plane guard. She got underway 17 August 1942 with TF 17 to reinforce the South Pacific Force, screening the oiler "Guadalupe" (AO-32).

inking of "O’Brien"

While escorting a convoy of transports en route to Guadalcanal, joint TFs 17 and 18 were attacked by the Japanese submarines I-15 and I-19 on 15 September 1942. "Wasp" (CV-7) was sunk; "North Carolina" (BB-55) and "O’Brien" were damaged by torpedo attacks.

At 14:52 that afternoon "O’Brien" sighted smoke coming from "Wasp". As a member of "Hornet"’s (CV-8) ASW screen she made an emergency turn to the right. At about 14:54, while accelerating and swinging right, her lookouts spotted a torpedo two points forward of the port beam 1000 yards (915 m) away. This torpedo missed close astern, but while attention was concentrated on it another “fish” hit the port bow.

The explosion did little local damage, but set up severe structural stresses through the ship. Able to proceed under her own power, the destroyer on 16 September reached Espiritu Santo, where "Curtiss" made temporary repairs. "O’Brien" sailed on 21 September for Noumea, New Caledonia, for further repairs by "Argonne" (AG-31) before proceeding 10 October to San Francisco.

She made Suva on 13 October and sailed once more on 16 October. The rate of leaking continued to increase, and on 18 October it was necessary for "O’Brien" to proceed to the nearest anchorage. Topside weight was jettisoned and preparations were made for abandoning ship, but it was still thought that the ship could be brought intact to Pago Pago. However at 06:00 on 19 October the bottom suddenly opened up considerably and the forward and after portions of the hull began to work independently. At 06:30 all hands except a salvage crew went over the side; and half an hour later the ship was abandoned entirely. Just before 08:00 she went under, after steaming almost 3,000 miles (5,500 km) since torpedoed. All the crew were saved.

"O'Brien" earned 1 battle star during World War II.

ee also

*List of United States Navy destroyers

References