The USS Whipple (DD-217/AG-117) was a Clemson-class destroyer built for the United States Navy, embodying the characteristics typical of her class. Laid down on June 12 and launched on November 6, 1919, by William Cramp & Sons, she was sponsored by Mrs. Gladys V. Mulvey and commissioned on April 23, 1920. Her initial design included a standard displacement for Clemson-class destroyers, with a length of approximately 314 feet, a beam of about 31 feet, and a draft around 9 feet. Powered by geared steam turbines and twin propellers, the ship could reach speeds of up to 35 knots, making her suitable for fast patrol and escort duties. Following her shakedown out of Guantanamo Bay, Whipple’s early service took her to the Near East, where she operated in the turbulent regions of the Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean. She undertook missions such as delivering mail, transporting officials, and observing port conditions in Romania, Russia, and Turkey. Notably, she assisted the Greek steamer Thetis after it ran aground and participated in the evacuation of White Russian refugees from Sevastopol in November 1920, where she played a key role in the rescue operations. Throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, Whipple served in the Asiatic Fleet, operating extensively in China and the Far East, including ports like Tsingtao and Shanghai. Her service was marked by engagements such as landings during regional unrest, routine patrols, and participation in observing hostilities during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Her collision with the British steamer Rosalie Moller in 1932 and her subsequent repair by receiving Smith Thompson’s bow exemplify her active service and adaptability. During World War II, Whipple performed escort duties across the Atlantic and Pacific, participating in convoy protection against German U-boats and Japanese aircraft. She was involved in critical actions such as rescuing survivors from the damaged USS Langley and defending convoys from air attacks. Later converted to an auxiliary and target ship, she served in training roles in the Pacific before decommissioning in November 1945. Stripped and sold for scrap in 1947, USS Whipple earned two battle stars for her wartime service, reflecting her significant role in early 20th-century naval operations.

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