USS Rizal (DD-174)

USS "Rizal" (DD–174) was a "Wickes" class destroyer in the United States Navy following World War I. She was named for José Rizal, a Philippine patriot.

History

"Rizal", donated to the United States by resolution of the Philippine legislature, was laid down on 26 June 1918 by Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California; launched on 21 September 1918, sponsored by Mrs. Sofia R. de Veyra; and commissioned on 28 May 1919, with Commander Edmund S. Root in command.

Joining the Pacific Fleet upon commissioning, "Rizal" cruised along the United States west coast into 1920 on exercises and training duty. Subsequently modified for service as a light minelayer, she was classified DM-14 on 17 July 1920. "Rizal" departed San Diego 25 March 1920 for the Far East. Calling at Honolulu, Midway, and Guam, "Rizal" arrived Cavite, Philippine Islands, on 1 May 1920 to assume the duties of flagship of the Mine Detachment Division of the Asiatic Fleet. With Filipinos constituting the majority of her crew, "Rizal" remained on the Asiatic Station for 10 years. She spent long months anchored in Chinese ports during the spring, summer, and autumn months. Her most frequent ports of call were Shanghai, Chefoo, Chinwangtao, and Hong Kong. "Rizal" cruised eastward to Apra Harbor, Guam, during November 1928, and visited Yokohama, Japan, from 11 to 20 April 1929.

"Rizal" spent each winter generally from November through March, anchored in Manila Bay. She was docked annually at Olongapo and upon resuming active service each spring operated in Philippine waters. Ordered home late in 1930, "Rizal" departed Manila on 11 December 1930 for Guam, Honolulu, and San Diego. She decommissioned on 20 August 1931 at San Diego and was towed northward to Mare Island on 31 August 1931 by the minesweeper "Tern" (AM-31) to be placed in reserve. Struck from the Navy list on 11 November 1931, "Rizal" was dismantled and her materials were sold 25 February 1932 for scrapping in accordance with the provisions of the London Naval Treaty for the reduction and limitation of naval armament.

As of 2004, no other ship in the United States Navy has borne this name.

ee also

*List of United States Navy destroyers

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/r7/rizal.htm

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/174.htm NavSource Photos]