USS Jenkins (DD-42)

The first USS "Jenkins" (DD-42) was a modified "Paulding"-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War I. She was named for Rear Admiral Thortan A. Jenkins.

"Jenkins" was laid down 24 March 1911 by Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine; launched 29 April 1912; sponsored by Miss Alice Jenkins, daughter of Rear Admiral Jenkins; and commissioned 15 June 1912, Lieutenant Commander E. H. Delany in command.

In the years that preceded World War I "Jenkins", based at Newport, Rhode Island, trained with the Atlantic Fleet, sailing to the Caribbean for winter maneuvers operating along the East Coast in summer. In addition, she sailed to Tampico, Mexico, in mid-April 1914 to support the American occupation of Vera Cruz.

As the war raged in Europe, "Jenkins" continued patrol operations along the North American coast in search of possible German U-boats. The patrols and maneuvers sharpened her war-readiness, so that she was ready for any eventuality when she sailed for Europe 26 May 1917.

Based at Queenstown, Ireland, "Jenkins" and her sister destroyers patrolled the eastern Atlantic, escorting convoys and rescuing survivors of sunken merchantmen. She continued escort and patrol duty for the duration of the War. Though she made several submarine contacts no results were determined. Following the signing of the Armistice 11 November 1918, "Jenkins" sailed for home, arriving Boston, Massachusetts 3 January 1919.

The destroyer operated along the Atlantic coast until arriving at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 20 July. She remained there until decommissioning 31 October 1919. "Jenkins" was scrapped in 1935 in accordance with the Treaty of London.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/j2/jenkins-i.htm