USS La Vallette (DD-315)

USS La Vallette (DD-315) was a Clemson-class destroyer built for the United States Navy during World War I. Named for Rear Admiral Elie A. F. La Vallette, a distinguished officer of the early 19th century, the ship served primarily with the Pacific Fleet during the interwar period. It was decommissioned in 1930 and sold for scrap the following year in accordance with the terms of the London Naval Treaty.

Construction and commissioning

The vessel was authorized as part of the massive 1917 naval building program and its keel was laid down on July 2, 1918 at the Union Iron Works shipyard in San Francisco, California. Launched on April 29, 1919, the destroyer was sponsored by Miss Louise M. La Vallette, the granddaughter of its namesake. The ship was commissioned into active service on April 28, 1920, under the command of Lieutenant Commander John H. Everson at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

Service history

Following its shakedown cruise along the West Coast of the United States, the destroyer was assigned to Destroyer Division 33 of the Battle Fleet. Its early service consisted of routine training exercises, fleet maneuvers, and naval reviews, operating from its home port at San Diego. In 1924, the ship participated in the Presidential Fleet Review held by President Calvin Coolidge in Hampton Roads. The following year, it took part in a major fleet problem that simulated the defense of the Panama Canal Zone against a hypothetical attack. Throughout the mid-1920s, the destroyer engaged in goodwill visits to ports in Central America and conducted summer training cruises for Naval Academy midshipmen. In 1927, it was temporarily deployed to Nicaragua to support Marine Corps operations during the American occupation, protecting American interests and providing logistical support. The ship's final years of active service were spent with Destroyer Squadron 11, continuing a cycle of intensive gunnery drills, torpedo exercises, and engineering competitions with other units of the Pacific Fleet.

Fate

In accordance with the limitations on destroyer tonnage imposed by the London Naval Treaty of 1930, the vessel was selected for disposal. It was decommissioned at San Diego on March 31, 1930. Its name was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on July 22, 1930. On October 29, 1931, the hulk was sold for scrap to the Robert C. Smith Co. of Washington, D.C., and subsequently dismantled. Category:Clemson-class destroyers Category:Ships built in San Francisco Category:1920 ships