The USS Rodgers (DD-254) was a Clemson-class destroyer built for the United States Navy, later transferred to the Royal Navy during World War II, where she served as HMS Sherwood (I80). Laid down on September 25, 1918, by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, she was originally named Kalk before being renamed Rodgers on December 23, 1918. She was launched on April 26, 1919, with Miss Helen T. Rodgers, granddaughter of Commodore John Rodgers, serving as her sponsor. The ship was commissioned on July 22, 1919. Constructed as a Clemson-class destroyer, the USS Rodgers featured the typical specifications of her class, which generally included a displacement of approximately 1,200 tons, a length of about 314 feet, a beam of 30 feet, and a top speed of around 35 knots, armed with torpedoes and guns suitable for fleet escort and patrol duties. She initially served with Division 28 of the Atlantic Fleet until her decommissioning in July 1922, after which she remained in reserve. Reactivated in December 1939 amid the escalating tensions of World War II, Rodgers briefly served again with the Atlantic Fleet before being transferred to the United Kingdom in October 1940. She was decommissioned from the US Navy and commissioned into the Royal Navy the same day, becoming HMS Sherwood (I80). During her wartime service, Sherwood participated in various notable operations, including the search for survivors of ships lost from convoy HX 84, the hunt for the German cruiser Admiral Scheer, and involvement in the hunt for the German battleship Bismarck in May 1941, shortly after its sinking. Throughout her service with the Royal Navy, Sherwood operated with escort groups and participated in convoy duties, rescue operations, and training exercises in the Atlantic and around Iceland. After extensive service and wear, she was decommissioned at Chatham in 1943, stripped of usable parts, and used as an aircraft target in the Humber. Her hulk was scrapped in 1945, marking the end of her maritime career. The USS Rodgers/HMS Sherwood's service highlights her role in wartime convoy protection, fleet operations, and her contribution to Allied efforts during World War II.

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