The USS Beatty (DD-640) was a Gleaves-class destroyer constructed for the United States Navy during World War II. Laid down on May 1, 1941, at the Charleston Navy Yard, she was initially named Mullany but was renamed Beatty on May 28, 1941, to honor Rear Admiral Frank E. Beatty. The ship was launched on December 20, 1941, and commissioned on May 7, 1942. Designed as a Gleaves-class destroyer, the USS Beatty featured a displacement of approximately 1,630 tons standard and was equipped with a main armament suitable for anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and escort duties. Her length was about 348 feet, with a beam of around 36.75 feet, and she was powered by geared turbines capable of reaching speeds up to 37 knots. Throughout her service, USS Beatty played a vital role in escorting convoys across the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters, conducting antisubmarine patrols, and supporting amphibious invasions. Her notable operations included participation in the Allied invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch) in November 1942, where she screened transports during the landings at Safi, French Morocco, and provided fire support against enemy shore batteries. She also took part in the Sicilian invasion in July 1943, engaging enemy aircraft and providing gunfire support during the beach assaults. Beatty’s service was marked by intense combat, including anti-aircraft actions and direct engagement with enemy aircraft, particularly during the Sicilian campaign and her subsequent Mediterranean operations. On November 6, 1943, while escorting a convoy near Bizerte, Tunisia, she was hit by a torpedo from a German aircraft, which caused catastrophic damage. The explosion broke her back at about frame 124, flooding her compartments and causing her to list severely. Despite efforts to save her, the ship eventually broke in two and sank at 2305 that evening. For her wartime service, USS Beatty earned three battle stars, reflecting her active and hazardous role in key World War II naval operations. Her service history underscores her significance as a combat-ready escort destroyer engaged in critical Allied campaigns during the war.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.