USS Conyngham (DD-58)

The first USS "Conyngham" (DD-58), named for Gustavus Conyngham, was a "Tucker"-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War I. She later served in the United States Coast Guard as CG-2.

"Conyngham" was launched 8 July 1915 by William Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; sponsored by Miss A. C. Stevens, great-great-granddaughter of Captain Conyngham; and commissioned 21 January 1916, Lieutenant Commander A. W. Johnson in command.

"Conyngham" joined in tactics and war maneuvers off the coast in 1916 and in the beginning of 1917 sailed to the Caribbean for war games and fleet maneuvers. Returning to Norfolk, Virginia 23 March she joined 5th Naval District Patrol Force and with "Wadsworth" (DD-60) and "Sampson" (DD-63) patrolled the approaches to Chesapeake Bay.

On 24 April 1917 "Conyngham" sailed from Boston, Massachusetts with her division for Queenstown, Ireland, the first destroyers to join English forces for duty after the entry of the United States into World War I. This force patrolled off the Irish coast and escorted convoys through the danger zone where German submarines attacked in force, also providing rescue services. When the British ship "Karina" was torpedoed and sunk 17 August 1917, "Conyngham" sped to her assistance and rescued 39 survivors. A similar distress call from the British ship "Hartland" 22 November resulted in the rescue of her 30-man crew by "Conyngham".

On 19 October 1917, when the British ship "Orama" was torpedoed, "Conyngham" made a depth charge attack which brought debris to the surface. Her commanding officer was commended for his prompt and effective action.

"Conyngham" sailed from Queenstown 14 December 1918 for Boston and overhaul. Except for fleet exercises and division maneuvers in the Caribbean during February-April 1919, she remained at Boston in reserve until 1921. In June of that year she convoyed a Cuban man-of-war from Key West to carry the body of ex-President Jose Miguel Gómez to Havana. She returned to Newport, Rhode Island for summer exercises with her squadron, and after wintering at Charleston, South Carolina, reported to Philadelphia Navy Yard in March 1922 for inactivation.

She was decommissioned there 23 June 1922.

Transferred to the Treasury Department 7 June 1924 for use by the Coast Guard, designated CG-2, "Conyngham" served as part of the Rum Patrol. She was homeported in Boston, Massachusetts.

"Conyngham" was returned to the Navy 30 June 1933 but remained in noncommissioned status until sold for scrap 22 August 1934 in accordance with the London Naval Treaty.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c13/conyngham-i.htm