USS Cummings (DD-365)

Andrew Boyd Cummings, born 22 June 1830 in Philadelphia, Pa., was appointed midshipman in 1846, but was detached from the Naval Academy the next year for active duty in Brandywine, returning in 1852. During the Civil War, he served with distinction in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron in Richmond, participating in the action at Forts Jackson and Saint Philip, La. He showed conspicuous gallantry as the squadron passed the batteries of Fort Hudson, La., 14-15 March 1863, and died of wounds received in that action, at New Orleans, 18 March 1863.

The second Cummings (DD-365) was launched 11 December 1935 by United Shipyards, Inc., New York; sponsored by Mrs. W. W. Mills, niece of Lieutenant Commander Cummings; and commissioned 25 November 1936, Commander C. P. Cecil in command.

Departing New York 29 September 1937, Cummings arrived at San Diego 28 October to join the Battle Force. She participated in the fleet problem in Hawaiian waters in April 1938 and a Presidential Fleet Review at San Francisco in July. In 1939 the exercises were held in the Canal Zone and the Caribbean from January to April. Returning to San Diego 12 May 1939, Cummings participated in flotilla and fleet training, and served as plane guard for the carriers Yorktown (CV-5) and Lexington (CV-2). When the security patrol was begun on the west coast in 1940, Cummings served on it intermittently, while continuing to conduct exercises in antiaircraft and submarine tactics, and target practice.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Cummings II (DD-365)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.