U.S.S. CUSHING

DD-376 USS Cushing

USS Cushing was built at Puget Sound Navy Yard, and commissioned in August 1936. She immediately began service in the Pacific, where she remained for the next five years until the Pacific War broke out. She was involved in training, fleet problems, and other exercises including the July 1937 search for Amelia Earhart. Once the war began, USS Cushing finished her overhaul at Mare Island and was then sent out to convoy escort duties between U.S. mainland and the Hawaiian Islands. She also patrolled off Midway Islands and operated with the Pacific Fleet. Shortly thereafter, she was sent south to assist with the Guadalcanal campaign.

On November 13, 1942, USS Cushing was involved in the Battle of Guadalcanal, and engaged several Japanese ships during the fighting. She was badly damaged, and the crew members were forced to abandon ship. In the morning, they were rescued, but the Cushing was a total loss. The hull remained afloat until the late afternoon, but then sank due to an explosion. USS Cushing was located about a half-mile below the surface near Iron Bottom Sound, which is southeast of Savo Island. She was found in 1991-92, examined, and found to be almost upright with many parts, surprisingly, still intact.