Destroyer Squadron Nine

From the USS DeHaven Sailors Association.

In keeping with the USS Somers and the Neutrality Patrol operations in the mid-Atlantic.

The squadron was formed in 1920 and homeported in Charleston, SC, and consisted of 18 World War I "Four Pipers" (four funnels). In July 1921, the unit moved to Newport, Rhode Island, until May 1930 when it was broken up.

It was regrouped in 1937 as war approached, only this time based in the Pacific Ocean until November 1942 when it was homeported in Recife, Brazil. It's mission was submarine hunting, patrol and escort duty with occasional flurries of action against U-boats.

They continued operations until August of 1944 when it was dissolved. Shortly after World War II ended, it was reestablished, this time based out of San Diego.

---GreGen