USS Kane DD-235 (1920-1946)
The USS Kane was constructed in Camden, New Jersey. The destroyer was built with larger guns than the ships built in the rest of her class. In June 1920, she was ordered to Northern Europe. The destroyer was traveling in the Baltic Sea when she was damaged by a mine that had been left over from World War I.
Between the Wars
The Kane was restored and in May 1921, she was sent to serve in the Mediterranean Sea. The destroyer was stationed there until August when she was ordered to return back to the United States. From October 1921 through May 1923, the Kane was sent to the Eastern Mediterranean and was also ordered to the Black Sea to help stabilize the region. After this, the Kane served near the East Coast of the United States and was also directed to the Caribbean.
The Kane was put on hold and docked in the Philadelphia Navy Yard until April 1932, when she was sent to California to assist in the Pacific area. The destroyer was involved in training exercises while she served in the Caribbean. The ship then traveled through the Atlantic to take part in the civil war in Spain. After that situation was resolved, the Kane once again docked in April of 1938.
Action in World War II
The destroyer was put back in service September 1939, when World War II began. The ship was located in the North Atlantic near Panama where she was put to work protecting fleets bringing supplies and guard duty. She supported the U.S. while the military increased their personnel in the area. The ship rescued survivors from the Arcata, which was sunk with a torpedo, and later in August she was able to outmaneuver enemy planes.
From February to April 1943, the Kane was altered to become a high speed transport and was given the new title of APD-18. She was ordered to serve during the Aleutians operations and was then a part of the Marshall Islands battle. The ship was put on guard duty for the last several months of World War II near Okinawa. She was also sent to the Philippines area for added support.
After the War
The ship docked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard for the last time in January 1946, and was sold for scrap later that year.
Asbestos in Navy Ships
Although an essential component of the naval fleet, especially during World War II, naval destroyers also pose a lasting health risk to soldiers serving on them. Unfortunately, products containing asbestos were common, especially on older ships, because of the material’s high resistance to heat and fire. Despite its value as an insulator, asbestos fiber intake can lead to several serious health consequences, including mesothelioma, a devastating cancer without cure. Current and former military personnel who came into contact with these ships should seek immediate medical attention in order to detect possible health consequences associated with asbestos exposure.
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