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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Lieutenant Commander Robert A. Dawes, Commanding Officer, U.S. Destroyer Wainwright, to Rear Admiral Henry B. Wilson, Commander, United States Naval Forces Based in France

 

                       U. S. S. Wainwright,

                   Base Seven, [Brest, France]

                           9 June 1918.

From: Commanding Officer.

To:   Commander U.S.Naval Forces in France.

Subject: Characteristics of U. S. S. Wainwright.

Reference: (a) Your Letter FMR/6-18/ of 8 June 1918.1

     1.   In compliance with above reference, the following information is supplied:

     (a)  Displacement (approximate): 1150 tons.

     (b)  Length: 315 feet.

     (c)  Maximum speed: 29.6 knots.

     (d)  Draft (loaded) 10’ 7” forward, 11’ 00” aft.

     (e)  Radius at 10, 15, 20 and 25 knots:

          10 knots – 3200 miles.

          15 knots – 3000 miles.

          20 knots – 2100 miles.

          25 knots – 1100 miles.

     (f)  Radius of radio equipment: 1000 miles.

     (g)  Fuel capacity: 93906 gallon.

     (h)  Comments on sea keeping characteristics:

Generally excellent. So far as the experience of the present Commanding Officer is concerned, this vessel has been able to keep at sea under all conditions of weather.

     (i)  Battery: 4 – 4 inch guns, 4 double torpedo tubes.

     (j)  Type and number of depth charges: Type – U. S. Mark 11

          Mod. 1. Number - 12. 

     2.   This vessel is fitted with neither bomb tracks nor throwers. The tracks and throwers were to be installed during the refit period scheduled to begin about 15 June. The Y guns to be installed during refit are now on board this vessel.

<R.A.Dawes>

Source Note: D, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B, Destroyer Ships Files: Wainwright. Identifier “9-1-18.” appears in the upper-left corner.

Footnote 1: This letter has not been found.

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