From Wikipedia. From blog entries of Dec. 20, 2012 and Jan. 17-19, 2013.
Fletcher-Class destroyer named for Commodore William D. Porter (1808-1864). Porter was the son of Commodore David Porter of War of 1812 fame, brother of Civil War hero Rear Admiral David D. Porter and foster brother of Admiral David G. Farragut. His uncle was captain of the USS Franklin, ship-of-the-line. He served in the Western Waters during the Civil War. Quite the naval family.
Laid down 7 May 1942 and commissioned 6 July 1943.376 feet long, 39.8 foot beam, five 5-inch guns.
It had a minor mishap leaving Norfolk to join the battleship Iowa and other ships escorting President Roosevelt to Europe, when its anchor caused damage to a sister destroyer. The next day, a depth charge from the Porter broke loose in rough seas, causing the Iowa and others to take evasive maneuvers, fearing a U-boat attack.
On November 14th, at FDR's request, the Iowa and other ships conducted and anti-aircraft and torpedo drill, but the Porter's #3 torpedo tube accidentally discharged toward the Iowa (with FDR onboard. The destroyer attempted to warn the Iowa by radio, but with radio silence the torpedo detonated 3000 yards in the wake of the Iowa which was taking evasive maneuvers.
The Porter's captain and crew were placed under arrest and ordered to Bermuda for an inquiry. But, Roosevelt said it was an accident and charges were dropped.
After that, it was transferred to the Pacific Ocean for the rest of the war. IUt was sunk by a kamikaze in 1945.
Unlucky Ship. --GreGen
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.
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