The destroyer USS Terry makes the first airplane rescue at sea saving the life of Douglas McCurdy ten miles from Havana, Cuba.
The Historic USS Terry (DD-25): A Destroyer's Legacy from World War I to the Coast Guard
The USS Terry (DD-25), a distinguished modified Paulding-class destroyer, holds a unique and significant place in American naval history. This versatile vessel served initially with the United States Navy during the tumultuous period of World War I and later transitioned into a crucial role with the United States Coast Guard, where she was designated CG-19. Her journey reflects key developments in naval technology and operations during the early 20th century, making her a notable subject in maritime chronicles.
Distinguished Connections and Naming Legacy
The USS Terry holds several significant "firsts" that underscore her historical importance:
- First Ship Named for a Naval Hero: She was the inaugural U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Terry, honoring Rear Admiral Edward A. Terry. Admiral Terry (1839–1882) was a highly regarded officer whose career spanned critical periods in American history, serving with distinction during both the American Civil War and the Spanish-American War. His legacy of dedicated service to the nation's naval forces is perpetuated through this destroyer.
- Initial Command of a Future Fleet Admiral: Perhaps one of the most remarkable connections of the USS Terry is that she marked the very first command assignment for a young Ernest J. King. King would later ascend to the highest echelons of naval leadership, becoming a revered Fleet Admiral and the Chief of Naval Operations during World War II. His strategic brilliance and leadership were instrumental in guiding the Allied naval forces to victory, making his early command of the Terry a poignant footnote in his legendary career.
Construction and Commissioning: Bringing a Destroyer to Life
The genesis of the USS Terry unfolded at one of America's most prominent shipbuilding facilities:
- Laying Down and Construction: Her keel was meticulously laid down on 8 February 1909 at the Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Newport News, Virginia. This shipyard was, and remains, a cornerstone of American naval construction, renowned for its capacity to build formidable warships. The construction process involved advanced engineering for its time, designed to create a fast and agile warship.
- Launch and Sponsorship: Following a period of dedicated craftsmanship, the vessel was triumphantly launched on 21 August 1909. This traditional maritime ceremony saw Mrs. George Henry Rock serve as the ship's sponsor. As per naval custom, a ship's sponsor bestows good fortune and acts as a symbolic guiding spirit for the vessel throughout its service life.
- Commissioning into Service: The USS Terry was officially commissioned on 18 October 1910. This pivotal event marked her readiness to join the active fleet of the United States Navy. Lieutenant Commander Martin E. Trench was appointed as her first commanding officer, taking the helm of the newly operational destroyer and initiating her operational duties.
The Paulding-Class: A New Era for Destroyers
As a modified Paulding-class destroyer, the USS Terry belonged to a class of vessels that represented a significant evolution in naval design. Often referred to as "flivver" destroyers due to their relatively smaller size and emphasis on speed, these ships were crucial for the U.S. Navy's expanding global reach. A defining feature of the Paulding-class was their transition to predominantly oil-fired propulsion systems, moving away from the coal-fired designs of earlier destroyers. This shift offered substantial operational advantages, including increased speed, greater endurance, and reduced logistical challenges, which proved invaluable during the intense convoy escort and anti-submarine warfare operations of World War I.
From Naval Warship to Coast Guard Enforcer: The "Rum Patrol" Era
The USS Terry's service extended beyond the Great War. Her transfer to the United States Coast Guard as CG-19 highlighted her versatility. During the era of Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), many former naval destroyers, including the Terry, were repurposed for the Coast Guard's critical "Rum Patrol." These fast and capable vessels were instrumental in interdicting liquor smugglers and enforcing maritime law along the U.S. coasts, adapting their combat capabilities to the demands of domestic law enforcement and showcasing their enduring utility in protecting national interests.
Frequently Asked Questions about the USS Terry (DD-25)
- What was the USS Terry (DD-25)?
- The USS Terry (DD-25) was a modified Paulding-class destroyer that served in the United States Navy during World War I and subsequently with the United States Coast Guard as CG-19. She was notable for being the first ship named for Rear Admiral Edward A. Terry and the first command of future Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King.
- Who was Edward A. Terry, for whom the ship was named?
- Edward A. Terry (1839–1882) was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. He was a distinguished officer who served with valor during both the American Civil War and the Spanish-American War, embodying a legacy of dedication and service that the USS Terry carried forward.
- What was Ernest J. King's connection to the USS Terry?
- The USS Terry (DD-25) was the very first ship commanded by Ernest J. King. He later rose to become a highly influential Fleet Admiral and Chief of Naval Operations during World War II, playing a crucial role in Allied naval strategy and operations.
- What distinguished the Paulding-class destroyers like the USS Terry?
- The Paulding-class destroyers were among the first U.S. Navy destroyers to largely utilize oil-fired propulsion instead of coal, offering improved speed, endurance, and operational efficiency. They were known for their agility and formed a vital part of the U.S. Navy's destroyer fleet during World War I, particularly for convoy escort and anti-submarine warfare duties.
- What role did the USS Terry play in the United States Coast Guard?
- After her naval service, the USS Terry was transferred to the United States Coast Guard and designated CG-19. She served prominently during the Prohibition era as part of the "Rum Patrol," using her speed and capabilities to interdict liquor smugglers and enforce maritime law along the U.S. coastlines.