The USS Luce (DD-99) was a Wickes-class destroyer built for the United States Navy, representing the rapid naval expansion during World War I. Constructed by Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation in Quincy, Massachusetts, she was laid down on February 9, 1918, launched on June 29, 1918, and commissioned on September 11, 1918. The vessel was named in honor of Rear Admiral Stephen B. Luce, and her launch was sponsored by Mrs. Boutelle Noyes. Designed as a Wickes-class destroyer, the USS Luce featured the typical characteristics of this class, which included a displacement of approximately 1,090 tons standard and around 1,200 tons full load. She was powered by geared steam turbines driving four propellers, capable of reaching speeds up to 35 knots, and was armed with four 4-inch guns, torpedo tubes, and depth charge equipment, although specific armament details are not provided in the Wikipedia excerpt. During her service in World War I, the USS Luce departed Boston on September 19, 1918, and soon after reported to the Atlantic Fleet. She participated in escort and patrol duties in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, including patrolling the Adriatic Sea in cooperation with the Food Commission. Her operations extended through the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas until mid-1919, after which she returned to the United States, arriving in New York on July 10, 1919. Post-war, the USS Luce was transferred to Reserve Squadron 1 and reclassified as a Light Mine Layer (DM-4) in March 1920. She operated along the East Coast and participated in tactical exercises before decommissioning in June 1922. She was recommissioned in March 1930, operated briefly with the Canal Zone Control Force, and trained with Mine Squadron 1 until her final decommissioning on January 31, 1931. The vessel was eventually sold for scrap in September 1936 and dismantled in November of the same year. Overall, USS Luce served as a notable example of the Wickes-class destroyers, contributing to convoy escort, patrol, and mine-laying operations during her active years in the immediate post-World War I era.

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