USS DeHaven Launched Sunday from Iron Works

from the Bath Daily Times, June 29, 1942

Breaks Production Records at Big Shipyard

Shattering still another production record, the USS DeHaven, sixth destroyer to be launched from Bath Iron Works Corp., in as many months, slipped quietly into the waters of the Kennebec Sunday afternoon. It was the third Sunday launching in the history of the firm and the 47th ship of its type to be constructed here.

Several hundred spectators lined Carlton Bridge, many grouped on the Woolwich end to witness the spectacle but only a few were invited inside the yard. And many on the bridge did not see the ship until it was well out into the river for there were no whistles or clamor as she began to move slowly toward the river. Not until the bow had dropped from the ways did the two tugs assisting her salute with three blasts from their respective whistles.

Sponsoring the ship was Miss Helen N. DeHaven, Ardmore, Penn., a granddaughter of Lieut. Edwin Jesse DeHaven, USN, in whose honor the ship was named. Lieut. DeHaven, Commander of the Grinnell rescue expedition in 1950-51, failed in his attempt to rescue the explorer Sir John Franklin but discovered and named Grinnell Land while on the mission.

Second Destroyer Named DeHaven is Launched Sunday

Has Same Sponsor as First Ship of That Name

from the Bath Daily Times, January 10, 1944

The USS DeHaven; second destroyer bearing that name to be built at the Bath Iron Works Corp., was launched Sunday. Miss Helen N. DeHaven of Ardmore, Pa., who christened the first DeHaven in June 1942, also acted as sponsor of this ship, named for her grandfather, the late Lt. Edwin Jesse DeHaven.

The first Bath built DeHaven was sunk in February of last year by Japanese air attack off Savo Island.

The sponsor's party included Mrs. Richard Grosholz and her daughter, Virginia and Miss Edith Rolfe. Mrs. Grosholz and Miss Rolfe are also granddaughters of Lieut. DeHaven.

Also present at the launching as the special guest of the Bath Iron Works Corp., was Mrs. Margaret Dickenson, a Bath resident, whose husband, a first class metal smith Donald B. Dickenson was lost when the first DeHaven destroyer sank February 1, 1943 off the coast of Guadalcanal. The couple were married only six months. Mrs. Dickenson is living with her husband's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Donald B. Dickenson, 766 Washington Street, Bath.

Read about and view the actual Christening Bottle from the above ceremony.

 

 

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