USS Paul Jones (DD-230)

The third Paul Jones (DD-230), was laid down 23 December 1919 by Win. Cramp & Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.; launched 30 September 1920 ; sponsored by Miss Ethel Bagley; and commissioned 19 April 1921.

After shakedown Paul Jones joined the Atlantic Fleet for maneuvers, training, and coastal operations until transferred to the Pacific in 1923. She crossed the Pacific and joined the Asiatic Fleet in protecting American interest in the troubled Far East. Paul Jones participated in the Yangtze River patrol and was assigned other patrol duties along the China coast, while making occasional voyages to and from Manila.

As flagship of Destroyer Squadron 29, Asiatic Fleet, she received the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor 8 December 1941, at Tarakan, Borneo, and immediately stripped for action. She got underway with Marblehead (CL-12), Stewart (DD-224), Barker (DD-213) and Parrott (DD-218) for Makassar Roads and for the remainder of December acted as picket boat in the vicinity of Lombok Strait and Soerabaja Harbor, Java.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Paul Jones III (DD-230)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.