USS Mervine (DD-489)

(DD‑489; dp. 1,630; l. 348'4"; b. 36'; dr. 17'5"; s. 35 k.; cpl. 276; a. 4 5", 4 40mm., 2 20mm., 5 21" tt., 6 dcp., 2 dct.; cl. Weaves )

Rear Adm. William Mervine, born 14 March 1791 at Philadelphia, Pa., was appointed midshipman in January 1809. Serving on Lake Ontario during the war of 1812, he later cruised off Africa and South America, in the West Indies and in the Pacific. While in command of Savannah during the war with Mexico, 1846‑47, he led a detachment of sailors and marines against Monterey, 7 July 1947, took possession and hoisted the American flag over the city. Serving also during the Civil War, he commanded the Gulf Squadron from 6 May 1861, until obliged by ill health to give up the command 22 September 1861. He died at Utica, N.Y., 15 September 1868.

The second Mervine (DD‑489) was laid down 3 November 1941 by the Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Kearny, N.J.; launched 3 May 1942; sponsored by Miss Mildred Mervine, great‑granddaughter of Rear Adm. Wm. Mervine; and commissioned 17 June 1942, Lt. Comdr. S. D. Willingham in command.

Continue to the full service history →About 630 words

From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Mervine II (DD-489)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.