The USS Ericsson (Destroyer No. 56/DD-56) was an O'Brien-class destroyer constructed for the United States Navy prior to World War I. Laid down by New York Shipbuilding in Camden, New Jersey, in November 1913, she was launched on August 22, 1914, and commissioned on August 14, 1915. The vessel measured approximately 305 feet 3 inches (93.04 meters) in length and 31 feet 1 inch (9.47 meters) in beam, with a standard displacement of 1,090 long tons (1,110 metric tons). She was powered by two Zoelly steam turbines and a triple-expansion steam engine, driving her twin screw propellers and capable of reaching speeds up to 29 knots (54 km/h). Her armament included four 4-inch (102 mm)/50 guns and eight 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes, with provisions for additional anti-aircraft guns and mines, although it is unclear if these were fitted. Initially operating along the East Coast and in the Caribbean, Ericsson participated in neutrality patrols, training, and drills. Notably, in October 1916, she was among seventeen destroyers sent to rescue survivors from five ships sunk by the German U-53 submarine off Nantucket. She rescued 81 survivors from the sinking ships, including passengers from a sunken British liner. After the U.S. entered World War I in April 1917, Ericsson was deployed overseas, patrolling the Irish Sea from Queenstown, Ireland, engaging in convoy escort and anti-submarine operations. She made several attacks on U-boats and rescued survivors from ships sunk by German submarines. Following the war, Ericsson returned to the U.S. for operations with the Atlantic Fleet until she was placed in reserve in August 1919. She was decommissioned in June 1922 and transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard in 1924, where she served as USCGC Ericsson (CG-5) during Prohibition, aiding in the enforcement of anti-smuggling laws. She captured the rum runner Atalanta in 1926 and was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Gunnery Trophy. Ericsson was decommissioned from Coast Guard service in April 1930, returned to the Navy in 1932, and was ultimately sold for scrap in August 1934, in accordance with the London Naval Treaty. Her service highlights her role in early 20th-century naval operations, anti-submarine warfare, and law enforcement efforts during Prohibition.

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