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USS Evans (DD-78)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Evans (DD-78)

USS Evans (DD-78) was launched 30 October 1918 by Bath Iron Works, Bath, Me.; sponsored by Mrs. D. N. Sewell, granddaughter of Rear Admiral Evans; and commissioned 11 November 1918, Commander F. H. Sadler in command.

After a training and outfitting period which included a maiden voyage to the Azores, USS Evans (DD-78) departed Newport 10 June 1919 for European waters, where she operated until 22 August, returning then to New York. Through the next 2 years, USS Evans (DD-78) joined in a training schedule which found her ranging the eastern Pacific from Valparaiso, Chile, to Astoria, Oreg. She was placed in reserve at San Diego 6 October 1921, and decommissioned 29 May 1922. Recommissioned 1 April 1930, USS Evans (DD-78) operated out of San Diego for 6 months, then was assigned to duty training members of the naval reserve out of New York City, where she arrived 6 December 1930.

Once more out of commission from 31 March 1937 to 30 September 1939, USS Evans (DD-78) arrived at Key West 11 December 1939 for neutrality patrol duty in the Antilles, and exercises in various parts of the Caribbean. On 24 September 1940, USS Evans (DD-78) sailed from Key West for Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she was decommissioned 23 October 1940, and transferred to the Royal Navy in the land bases for destroyers exchange.

Commissioned as HMS Mansfield, the destroyer had a truly international career, for between December 1940 and March 1942, she was on loan to the Royal Norwegian Navy. During this time, USS Evans (DD-78) raided a fish oil factory in German hands near Hammerfest, Norway. Her landing party destroyed the factory's essential machinery, and attempted to capture the local quisling leader, but he escaped. With her Norwegian crew, USS Evans (DD-78) also served on escort duty in the North Atlantic, continuing in this vital assignment after she returned to the Royal Navy. Mansfield was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy, and served with the Western Local Escort Force based on Halifax and St. John's. With newer escorts available, in November 1943 the veteran of service in four navies was reduced to care and maintenance service at Halifax, and on 22 June 1944 she was paid off (decommissioned).

For a complete history of USS Evans (DD-78) please see its DANFS page.