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USS Flusser (DD-289) was a Clemson class destroyer that had a limited peacetime career, before being scrapped in 1930.
The Flusser was named after Charles Williamson Flusser, a US Naval officer of the American Civil War who was killed during a battle between USS Miami and CSS Albermarle on 19 April 1864.
The Flusser was launched on 7 November 1919 at Squantum, Mass, and commissioned on 25 February 1920.
Her active career began with a spell of patrol duty in Mexican waters between 9 May and 17 June 1920. She then spent four years on training duties along the US East Coast and in the Caribbean.
On 18 June 1924 she left Newport to join the Naval Forces, Europe. Her tour took her to fifteen countries, and lasted until 16 July 1925 when she returned to New York. This included a visit to Germany, where she transited the Kiel Canal, to Venice
Between 1925 and 1930 the Flusser operated off the East Coast and in the Caribbean. She played a part in the development of destroyer tactics, and was also used for reservist training cruises.
She was involved in the US intervention in Nicaragua during the 1920s and anyone who served on her between 24 April and 19 May 1927 qualified for the Second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal. The United States had been involved in Nicaragua since 1912, and the 1927 intervention was triggered by a civil war between Conservative and Liberal factions.
On 1 May 1930 the Flusser was decommissioned after the Navy decided to withdraw most destroyers using Yarrow boilers, which turned out to deteriorate badly in service. The Flusser didn't remain in the reserve for long, and she was scrapped on 22 October 1930 to satisfy the terms of the London Naval Treaty of 1930.
Displacement (standard) |
1,190t |
Displacement (loaded) |
1,308t |
Top Speed |
35kts |
Engine |
2-shaft Westinghouse geared tubines |
Range |
2,500nm at 20kts (design) |
Length |
314ft 4in |
Width |
30ft 10.5in |
Armaments |
Four 4in/ 50 guns |
Crew complement |
114 |
Launched |
7 November 1919 |
Commissioned |
25 February 1920 |
Fate |
Sold for scrap 1930 |
U.S. Destroyers: An Illustrated Design History, Norman Friedmann .
The standard history of the development of American destroyers, from the earliest torpedo boat destroyers to the post-war fleet, and covering the massive classes of destroyers built for both World Wars. Gives the reader a good understanding of the debates that surrounded each class of destroyer and led to their individual features.
