USS Blue (DD-387)

USS Blue (DD-387)

USS Blue (DD-387) was a Bagley-class destroyer of the United States Navy. The Bagley class was part of the 1,500-ton destroyer series built in the late 1930s, carrying an exceptionally heavy torpedo armament of sixteen tubes in four quadruple mounts. All eight ships of the class were stationed at Pearl Harbor as Destroyer Squadron 4 on 7 December 1941. Three were lost in combat during the Guadalcanal campaign. Two survivors were used as targets during the Operation Crossroads atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in 1946.

Named for Rear Admiral Victor Blue, who conducted daring intelligence missions behind Spanish lines during the Santiago campaign and later served as Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, USS Blue was built by Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia and commissioned in August 1937. Sunk during the Guadalcanal campaign. On the night of 22 August 1942, Blue was torpedoed by the Japanese destroyer Kawakaze near Savo Island while screening transports off Lunga Point. The torpedo hit aft, destroying her stern and killing 9 men. Unable to be saved, Blue was scuttled by USS Henley the following day. She was one of the earliest U.S. destroyers lost in the fierce naval fighting around Guadalcanal.

USS Blue earned 3 battle stars for service in: Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Torpedoed by Japanese destroyer Kawakaze near Savo Island, 22 August 1942. Scuttled the following day. 9 killed.

This collection features apparel and merchandise honoring USS Blue (DD-387) and the men who served aboard her. 1,646 tons standard displacement. 341 feet in length. Four 5"/38 caliber dual-purpose guns. Sixteen 21-inch torpedo tubes in four quadruple mounts. Top speed 38.5 knots. Crew of 158.