USS Craven (DD-382)

Tunis Augustus Macdonough Craven was born 11 January 1813 in Portsmouth, N.H., and appointed midshipman 2 February 1829. He served with distinction in the Mexican War and commanded the Atrato Expedition in 1857 which surveyed the Isthmus of Darien. In 1860 he was presented with a gold medal and diploma by Queen Isabella II of Spain for the rescue of the crew of a Spanish merchant vessel. In the Battle of Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864, Commander Craven commanded Tecumseh, which was struck by a torpedo while leading the attack. The vessel sank almost immediately carrying with her Commander Craven who had drawn back, giving his life to permit his pilot to escape through the narrow opening in the turret tower.

The third Craven (DD-382) was launched 25 February 1937 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp., Quincy, Mass.; sponsored by Mrs. F. Learned, daughter of Commander Craven; and commissioned 2 September 1937, Lieutenant Commander W. O. Bailey in command.

After training in the Caribbean and along the east coast and experimental torpedo firing at Newport, Craven departed Norfolk 16 August 1938 to join the fleet at San Diego. From 4 January to 17 July 1939 she cruised to the Caribbean on maneuvers and fleet problems, and to the east coast for visits, but otherwise operated off the west coast. From 1 April 1940 she was based at Pearl Harbor where she joined in fleet exercises and served as antisubmarine screen for carriers.

Continue to the full service history →About 578 words

From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Craven III (DD-382)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.