USS Chauncey (DD-667)

Isaac Chauncey, born in Black Rock, Conn., on 20 February 1779, was appointed a Lieutenant in the Navy from 17 September 1798. He fought with gallantry in the West Indies during the Quasi-War with France; in the Mediterranean during the War with the Barbary Powers; and commanded John Adams (1804–1805), Hornet (1805–1806), Washington and the Mediterranean Squadron (1815–1820). Perhaps his most outstanding service was during the War of 1812 when he commanded the naval forces on Lake Ontario, conducting amphibious operations in cooperation with the Army, and containing the large British squadron stationed there. His last service was as member, and, for four years, President, of the Board of Navy Commissioners. Commodore Chauncey died in Washington on 27 January 1840.

The third Chauncey (DD-667) was launched on 28 March 1943 by Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Kearny, N.J.; sponsored by Mrs. R. K. Anderson; and commissioned on 31 May 1943, Lieutenant Commander M. Van Metre in command.

Clearing Norfolk, Va., on 28 August 1943, Chauncey reached Pearl Harbor, T.H., on 19 September. She was assigned to the screen of a fast carrier task force for a punishing series of air strikes on Wake Island on 5 and 6 October 1943. While screening the carriers, Chauncey rescued three downed aviators from the water. After a brief return to Pearl Harbor, Chauncey sailed with another carrier task force for Espiritu Santo, arriving on 6 November 1943.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Chauncey III (DD-667)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.