U.S. Naval Warships: Clemson Class Destroyers

May 13, 2024, 1:45 PM

I am sure some of you are more knowledgeable about U.S. history than I am. I recently discovered something about this country’s history that I had never heard before. I would love any insights you all can add.

During both World Wars and beyond the U.S. Navy had a class of destroyers named Clemson. Clemson Class Destroyer ships actually played a vital role in winning each of the 2 World Wars. As part of the Clemson Class Destroyers, the lead ship was specifically named the “USS Clemson.”

Although the Clemson name does not appear to be linked to the University, I still now have a favorite U.S. Naval warship!

Information on the Clemson Class Destroyers as a whole:

Introduction

In the annals of naval history, the Clemson-class destroyers hold a significant place as they represent the evolution of American naval design and firepower during the post-World War I era. Derived from its predecessors, the Clemson-class ships were part of an ambitious program to bolster the United States Navy's capabilities in the wake of global warfare.

Development and Design

Evolution from the Wickes-class
The Clemson-class destroyers, including the Clemson itself, were an extension of the earlier Wickes-class. These vessels were commonly referred to as "flush-deckers" or "four-stackers," due to their continuous deck and the distinctive configuration of their four funnels. The design was a product of the need for fast, capable ships that could keep pace with the emerging naval trends of the early 20th century.

Hull Design and Armament Adaptability
Characterized by its long and narrow hull, the Clemson-class design allowed for greater speed and maneuverability. One of the key features of ships like the Clemson was the adaptability of their main battery. Initially equipped with single mounts for their primary armaments, the design included provisions that enabled the substitution of these single mounts with twin mounts. This forward-thinking approach significantly enhanced Clemson's firepower potential, allowing the destruction of destroyers' main batteries to essentially double.

Operational History

Service Across the Globe
Clemson-class destroyers saw a wide range of service in the interwar period and during World War II. These ships were omnipresent in the U.S. Navy's operations, serving on both the Atlantic and Pacific fronts. They were involved in a variety of roles, from convoy escorting to patrolling and anti-submarine warfare.

Adaptability in Wartime
Throughout their service, Clemson-class destroyers often underwent further modifications to improve their combat effectiveness. In addition to possible upgrades to their gun mounts, many received enhanced anti-aircraft capabilities and advanced radar systems as technology progressed. Such modifications ensured that these warships remained relevant and could respond to the emerging threats of increasingly capable adversaries.

Legacy

Numerical Superiority and Impact
The Clemson-class represented not only an incremental advance in destroyer design but also a mass-production success. One of the most numerous classes of destroyers ever built, they contributed significantly to the United States Navy's numerical superiority during the first half of the 20th century. Today, they are remembered for their versatility and the role they played in shaping naval warfare in an era of rapid technological changes.

In summary, the Clemson-class destroyers, including the Clemson, were a testament to the ingenuity and foresight of naval architects at the time. With their innovative hull design and armament flexibility, they stood as formidable warships that could adeptly adapt to the evolving demands of naval warfare.

https://www.wowsbuilds.com/ships/clemson

Information on the lead ship:

USS Clemson (DD-186/AVP-17/AVD-4/DD-186/APD-31) was the lead ship of her class of destroyers which served in the United States Navy during World War II. She was named for Midshipman Henry A. Clemson (1820–1846), lost at sea when the brig USS Somers capsized in a sudden squall off Vera Cruz on 8 December 1846 while chasing a blockade runner. Entering service in 1919, the ship had a brief active life before placed in reserve in 1922. Converted to an aircraft tender in 1939, the ship reactivated in 1940. In 1943, Clemson reconverted to a destroyer and served in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II. In 1944, the ship was converted into a high speed transport and transferred to the Pacific taking part in several invasions. Following the end of the war, the ship was taken out of service again and sold for scrapping in 1946.

She is the only ship in the United States Navy to have received the name Clemson.

https://navysealmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/photo/845E39D8-9FD4-4E37-8C8A-341777489837

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Clemson: Academic Excellence! Athletic Excellence!

Thanks for the share CBProf®! Interesting little historical nugget and read.

Two things ‘jump out’ at me. First, naming a ship and the entire class after a midshipman seems pretty unusual. Second, that his surname was Clemson, yet he had no connection to our school’s namesake is also interesting. To my knowledge, Thomas Greene Clemson is one of the few people I have ever heard of with that name.

However, upon further thought, when I was stationed in Boston, I lived on base. As the yard of my base housing was pretty small, I bought a used reel mower at the base thrift store (we lieutenants didn’t make a lot of $). I think I paid $5 for it. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised when I noted on the manufacturers plate that it was made by a company named ‘Clemson’. I have often regretted not keeping it!

Again, thanks for sharing the military history!

Found this: https://youtu.be/mrljcrYr39E?si=tittisQlhlwL9Lml

Now I REALLY REGRET not keeping it. Evidently, they may be rare!

Message was edited by: Uncle Bill®

U.S. Naval Warships: Clemson Class Destroyers

Good stuff CB Prof & you schooled this ole Salt & History grad!

Re: U.S. Naval Warships: Clemson Class Destroyers

ah something i can get on board with

Re: ah something i can get on board with

Any Service on a WWI or WWII Era Destroyer or Destroyer Escort Was Heroic

Re: U.S. Naval Warships: Clemson Class Destroyers

Re: U.S. Naval Warships: Clemson Class Destroyers

Named for Midshipman Henry A. Clemson...

Thanks to Each of My Fellow TNetters for the Additional Insights

Re: U.S. Naval Warships: Clemson Class Destroyers

Re: U.S. Naval Warships: Clemson Class Destroyers

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