USS Howorth

William L. Howorth was born in Massachusetts 16 July 1841, and was appointed Acting Master's Mate 29 April 1863. Attached to Monticello, a blockader off North Carolina, Howorth accompanied the redoubtable Lt. W. B. Gushing on a reconnaissance up the Cape Fear River to Wilmington 23-24 June 1864, gaining valuable information about Confederate defenses. Later in the year, Howorth joined Cushing's famous expedition up the Roanoke River to sink Confederate ram Albemarle. The ram was destroyed 27 October, but the launch carrying the Federal sailors was destroyed. Gushing and one other man escaped, while Howorth and others were captured. In his report Gushing noted: "Acting Master's Mate William L. Howorth, of the Monticello, showed, as usual conspicuous bravery." Howorth was promoted to Acting Master and exchanged in February 1865. Honorably discharged in October, he reentered the Navy in 1866 and was appointed ensign 12 March 1868. He resigned 4 April 1869.

Howorth (DD-592) was launched by Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Wash., 10 January 1943; sponsored by Mrs. R. P. Bromley; and commissioned 3 April 1944, Comdr. E. S. Burns in command.

After exhaustive shakedown training had been completed, Howorth sailed 22 July 1944, screening a large convoy carrying Marines toward Pearl Harbor. The ship arrived 7 days later and began a second training period in Hawaiian waters. Departing 25 August she joined the 7th Fleet at Hollandia and, after brief stops at Purvis Bay and Manus on escort duty, she arrived at newly-taken Morotai 30 September. The next 2 weeks were spent in the busy Solomons on escort and antisubmarine duty.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Howorth (DD-592)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.