USS Aulick (DD-569)

John H. Aulick, born in 1787 at Winchester, Va., was appointed a midshipman on 15 November 1809. During the War of 1812, he served in Enterprise and took part in her battle with HMS Boxer on 4 September 1813. After that engagement ended in a glorious American victory, Aulick served as prize master of the prize. Following the war, he served in Saranac, Ontario, Brandywine, Constitution, and Vincennes.

From 1851 to 1853, Aulick commanded the East India Squadron but was forced by ill health to give up command of the projected Japanese expedition to Commodore Matthew C. Perry. Aulick retired in 1861 and died at Washington, D.C., on 27 April 1873.

The second Aulick (DD-569) was laid down on 14 May 1941 at Orange, Tex., by the Consolidated Steel Co.; launched on 2 March 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Thaddeus A. Thomson, the wife of Capt Thomson who was then the acting commandant of the 8th Naval District; and commissioned on 27 October 1942, Lt. Comdr. O. P. Thomas, Jr., in command.

Continue to the full service history →About 1,454 words

From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Aulick II (DD-569)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.