The USS Ward was a Wickes-class destroyer built rapidly during World War I, with her keel laid at the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, on May 15, 1918. Remarkably, her construction was completed in just 17½ days, reflecting the urgent wartime need for naval vessels. She displaced approximately 1,247 long tons and featured typical destroyer specifications of the era, although specific dimensions are not detailed in the source. Initially designated DD-139, USS Ward was launched on June 1, 1918, and commissioned later that month on July 24, 1918. During her early service, she was transferred to the Atlantic, supporting trans-Atlantic flights of Curtiss NC flying boats in May 1919, before returning to the Pacific. She was decommissioned in July 1921 but was recommissioned in January 1941 as World War II intensified. She operated in Hawaiian waters, conducting patrols near Pearl Harbor. USS Ward’s most notable contribution occurred on December 7, 1941, when she engaged and sank a Japanese midget submarine attempting to enter Pearl Harbor. Under LCDR William W. Outerbridge’s command, Ward detected and attacked the submarine, believed to be holed by her guns and depth charges. The wreckage of this submarine was discovered in 2002, confirming Ward’s role in this early combat engagement. This event marked the first American-caused casualties in the Pacific Theater during WWII. In 1942, the vessel was converted into a high-speed transport (APD-16), redesignated in February 1943, and served in the South Pacific. She participated in numerous amphibious operations, including the invasions of Saidor, Nissan Island, Emirau, Aitape, Biak, and Morotai. In October 1944, she supported the Philippine campaign, including landings on Dinagat Island and Ormoc Bay. USS Ward’s service ended on December 7, 1944, when she was hit by a kamikaze attack during patrols off Leyte. The damage caused her to stop, and she was subsequently sunk by gunfire from USS O'Brien. Her wreck was located in 2017 at a depth of 686 feet. The ship holds historical significance for her early WWII combat action and her role in the Pacific theater. A memorial featuring her 4"/50 caliber gun is displayed at the Minnesota State Capitol, commemorating her crew and the ship’s legacy.

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