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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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Conyngham III (DDG-17)

(DDG-17: fldp. 4,500; l. 432'; b. 47'; dr. 20'; sp. 35 k.; cpl. 354; a. 1 twin Tartar, 1 single Tartar launcher, 2 5"x54 dual purpose, 1 ASROC 8, 2 triple torpedo launchers)

 

Born about 1744 in County Donegal, Ireland, Gustavus Conyngham commanded the merchant brig Charming Peggy in 1775. When his ship was interned in Europe, Conyngham sought and on 1 March 1777 obtained a captain's commission in the Continental Navy. As commanding officer, successively, of Surprise, and Revenge, he became a terror to British shipping, taking some 60 prizes in 18 months. As a privateer he was captured in 1779, escaped to Europe, and was recaptured while returning to America in 1780. Exchanged a year later, he was in France preparing to cruise against the British when the war ended. He returned to the merchant service and commanded the armed brig Maria during the Quasi-War with France. As a member of the Common Council of Philadelphia, he assisted in the defense of that city during the War of 1812. Captain Conyngham died 27 November 1819 at Philadelphia, Pa. the Quasi-War with France. As a member of the Common Council of Philadelphia, he assisted in the defense of that city during the War of 1812. Captain Conyngham died 27 November 1819 at Philadelphia, Pa.

III

The third Conyngham was built by the New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, N.J., launched 19 May 1962; sponsored by Mrs. Carl B. Albert, wife of Representative Albert of Oklahoma, House Majority Leader; commissioned 13 July 1963, Commander Edwin P. Smith USN, in command.

Published: Tue Jun 30 15:38:23 EDT 2015