USS Newman K. Perry
The USS Newman K. Perry was a Gearing-class destroyer vessel of the United States Navy. It was the only vessel of the U.S. Navy named after Ensign Newman K. Perry, a navy officer killed in a boiler room explosion on the USS Bennington. Perry’ keel was laid down at Consolidated Steel Corporation Shipyard in October of 1944. She launched in March of 1945 and was commissioned into the navy in July of that same year. Her maiden commander was Commander Norman. E. Smith.
After shakedown and initial training, Perry sailed for Pearl Harbor, where she would begin a 3 month occupation cruise. In 1946 she participated in one of the more historic navy operations in the post-war era. Operation Crossroads was the name of several atomic bomb tests that took place off the atolls of Bikini and others in Micronesia. She would witness the test’s “Able” and “Baker” detonations. Following Crossroads, Perry sailed back to the American West coast.
She would arrive in San Diego in August of 1946, operating there until August 1947. She then made back to Asian waters, operating off Japan, Taiwan, and China before returning to San Diego in May of 1948. In April of 1949, Perry sailed for Newport, Rhode Island, which would become her new homeport. For the next decade, she worked within the Sixth Fleet operating in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1964, she collided with USS Shangri-La, killing one of her sailors and injuring another.
The USS Perry was a valuable vessel in the navy’s post-war occupation and securing of Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, many of those who served aboard naval vessels like the Perry were exposed to dangerous toxins on ships and in naval shipyards. Among the more hazardous toxin present in these areas was asbestos. Asbestos was an industrial insulation material that was later found to be hazardous and carcinogenic. Many of those who worked aboard naval vessels or within naval shipyards have been diagnosed with such illnesses, like the rare and aggressive cancer mesothelioma. Anyone who believes they may have been affected by asbestos exposure in the past should consult with their physician about possible symptoms or warning signs of asbestos related disease.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
