HMCS St. Croix (I81)

Comdr. Roderick S. McCook, USN, born 10 March 1839 at New Lisbon, Ohio, was appointed midshipman 21 September 1854. From 1859 to 1861 he cruised off the coast of Africa, searching for and capturing slavers. During the Civil War, he served in Minnesota (1861), Stars and Stripes (1862), and Canonicus (1863‑65). As executive officer of latter ship, he participated in operations along the James River and in attacks on and the surrender of Fort Fisher. He was also present at the surrender of Charleston, S.C. (February 1865). From 1866 to 1878 he was in command of vessels of war on the West India and Asiatic stations. His last duty, 1880‑82, was as lighthouse inspector, Ohio River. Promoted to commander 25 September 1873, McCook died at Vineland, N.J., 13 February 1886.

McCook (Destroyer No. 252) was laid down 10 September 1918 at the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp., Quincy, Mass.; launched 31 January 1919; sponsored by Mrs. Henry C. Dinger; and commissioned 30 April 1919, Lt. Comdr. G. B. Ashe in command.

Following shakedown, McCook was assigned to Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet. She operated along the east coast until decommissioning at Philadelphia 30 June 1922. She remained in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet until recommissioned 18 December 1939. The next year McCook was designated for exchange under the destroyers for bases agreement with Great Britain. Steaming to Halifax, she arrived 20 September 1940. Decommissioned on the 24th, she was transferred to Great Britain on the same date, but due to manpower shortages in the Royal Navy, she was retransferred immediately to the Canadian Navy and commissioned as HMCS St. Croix (1‑81).

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (McCook I (Destroyer No. 252)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.