USS Willard Keith (DE-754)
Encyclopedia
The first USS Willard Keith (DE-754) was a United States Navy
proposed during World War II
but never completed.
Willard Keith was laid down by the Western Pipe and Steel Company
at San Pedro, California
, on 14 September 1943. Her construction was cancelled on 2 October 1943 before she could be launched
. The incomplete ship was scrapped.
The name Willard Keith was reassigned to destroyer escort
.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
proposed during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
but never completed.
Willard Keith was laid down by the Western Pipe and Steel Company
Western Pipe and Steel Company
The Western Pipe and Steel Company was an American manufacturing company that is best remembered today for its construction of ships for the Maritime Commission in World War II. It also built ships for the U.S...
at San Pedro, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, on 14 September 1943. Her construction was cancelled on 2 October 1943 before she could be launched
Ship naming and launching
The ceremonies involved in naming and launching naval ships are based in traditions thousands of years old.-Methods of launch:There are three principal methods of conveying a new ship from building site to water, only two of which are called "launching." The oldest, most familiar, and most widely...
. The incomplete ship was scrapped.
The name Willard Keith was reassigned to destroyer escort
Destroyer escort
A destroyer escort is the classification for a smaller, lightly armed warship designed to be used to escort convoys of merchant marine ships, primarily of the United States Merchant Marine in World War II. It is employed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, but also provides some protection...
.