USS Blue (DD-387)

USS "Blue" (DD-387), a "Bagley"-class destroyer, was the first United States Navy ship of that name, in honor of Rear Admiral Victor Blue (1865–1928). "Blue" served during World War II. She was launched 27 May 1937 by Norfolk Naval Shipyard; sponsored by Miss Kate Lilly Blue, sister of Rear Adm. Blue; and commissioned 14 August 1937, Lieutenant Commander J. Wright in command.

Pre-war

After spending her first year in shakedown and training cruises along the east coast and in the Caribbean, "Blue" sailed for the Pacific in August 1938 to become flagship of Destroyer Division 7, Battle Force. She exercised with the Battle Fleet in west coast waters until April 1940 when she accompanied her division to Pearl Harbor. Except for an overhaul at Puget Sound Navy Yard (February-March 1941) and exercises out of San Diego during April, she remained based at Pearl Harbor until war broke out.

Pearl Harbor

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941 caught "Blue", flagship of Destroyer Division Seven of Destroyer Squadron Four, in port but she safely made her way to sea with only four ensigns on board. She served with the offshore patrol in the approaches to Pearl Harbor during December 1941-January 1942.

1942

"Blue" joined "Enterprise" (CV-6) for air attacks on Wotje, Maloelap, Kwajalein Atolls, Marshall Islands on 1 February 1942, and the Wake Island attack on 24 February. During March-June 1942 "Blue" escorted convoys between Pearl Harbor and San Francisco and then proceeded to Wellington, New Zealand, where she arrived 18 July.

"Blue" joined Task Group 62.2 (TG 62.2) for the Battle of Guadalcanal on 7 August, providing fire-support and screening. Although present, she took no active part in the Battle of Savo Island on 9 August. After patrolling off Nouméa, New Caledonia, from 13 August to 17 August, "Blue" returned to Guadalcanal, arriving 21 August. At 03:59, 22 August, while patrolling in Ironbottom Sound she was torpedoed by the Japanese destroyer "Kawakaze". The explosion wrecked "Blue's" main engines, shafts, and steering gear, as well as killing nine men and wounding 21. Throughout the 22nd and 23rd unsuccessful attempts were made to tow "Blue" to Tulagi. She was scuttled at 22:21 on 23 August 1942 after all attempts to save her failed. "Blue" received five battle stars for her nine months service in World War II.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/b7/blue-i.htm

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/387.htm navsource.org: USS "Blue"]
* [http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/destroy/dd387txt.htm hazegray.org: USS "Blue"]