About this Unit
The USS Meredith is the name given to several ships in the United States Navy, most notably USS Meredith (DD-434), a Gleaves-class destroyer commissioned in 1941. During World War II, the USS Meredith played a critical role in escort and patrol duties in the Atlantic and later the Pacific. In October 1942, while supporting the Guadalcanal campaign, Meredith was sunk by Japanese aircraft after a valiant defense, resulting in heavy loss of life. The ship and her crew were honored for their bravery, earning a battle star for World War II service.
Historical Facts
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Multiple Ships Named USS Meredith: The name "USS Meredith" has been used for three different U.S. Navy ships: DD-165, DD-434, and DD-890, all named in honor of Jonathan Meredith, a Marine who died heroically in the First Barbary War.
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First USS Meredith (DD-165): This Wickes-class destroyer was commissioned in 1919 and served briefly before being decommissioned in 1922, then scrapped in 1936.
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Heroic Namesake: Jonathan Meredith, the ships' namesake, gave his life in 1805 by saving Lieutenant John Trippe during combat with Barbary pirates, an act commemorated by the Navy.
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Second USS Meredith (DD-434): This Gleaves-class destroyer was launched in 1940 and served in the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II.
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Sacrifice at Guadalcanal: USS Meredith (DD-434) was sunk on 15 October 1942 by Japanese aircraft while trying to deliver aviation gasoline and supplies to Guadalcanal, resulting in the loss of over half her crew.
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Survivor Ordeal: Surviving crew members of DD-434 spent three days on rafts with little food or water before being rescued; their ordeal was covered in wartime news reports.
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Third USS Meredith (DD-890): This Gearing-class destroyer was commissioned in 1945, serving in the closing months of WWII and later in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
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Cold War Service: DD-890 participated in a wide array of Cold War missions, including NATO exercises, antisubmarine patrols, and goodwill visits to allied nations.
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Final Fate: After being decommissioned in 1979, USS Meredith (DD-890) was transferred to the Republic of Turkey, where she served as TCG Savaştepe (D-348).
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Battle Honors: Across its incarnations, ships named USS Meredith have earned numerous battle stars for their service in major 20th-century conflicts, embodying the bravery and sacrifice of their namesake.
