USS Dale (DD-290)

The third USS "Dale" (DD-290) was a "Clemson"-class destroyer in the United States Navy. She was named for Richard Dale.

History

"Dale" was launched November 19, 1919 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, Squantum, Massachusetts; sponsored by Mrs. A. J. Peters; and commissioned February 16, 1920, Commander F. H. Roberts in command.

From March 3 to April 3, 1920 "Dale" cruised New England waters aiding in the recalibration of radio compass stations in the 1st Naval District. Assigned to Destroyer Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, she operated with destroyer squadrons along the Atlantic coast, in the Gulf of Mexico, and in the Caribbean. Her activities included tactical exercises and battle practice; fleet maneuvers, war exercises, and fleet search problems; training naval reservists; and service from Norfolk in the calibration of radio compass stations in the 5th Naval District.

On June 17, 1924 "Dale" sailed from Newport under the command of future Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr. to make courtesy visits to ports in Germany, Denmark, Norway, Scotland, England, France, Spain, and Portugal. Arriving at Gibraltar 21 September, she cruised in the Mediterranean until June, engaging in battle practice, intelligence work, and international goodwill calls. She departed Gibraltar July 2, 1925 for New York, arriving July 16.

Fate

"Dale" operated with Destroyer Squadrons, Scouting Fleet, on the Atlantic coast, in the Caribbean, and in the Panama Canal Zone until arrival at Philadelphia September 21, 1929. She was decommissioned there May 1, 1930 and sold January 17, 1931. Converted to a fruit carrier MV "Masaya" and acted as an Army freighter during World War II. Sunk following bombing, March 28 1943 of the east coast of New Guinea. [ [http://www.pacificwrecks.com/ships/usn/SS_masaya/index.html The Saga of S.S. Masaya] . Don Fetterly.]

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/d1/dale-iii.htm

External links

*http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/290.htm
* [http://www.pacificwrecks.com/ships/usn/SS_masaya/index.html The Saga of S.S. Masaya] . Don Fetterly.