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The second USS McLanahan (DD-615) was one of thirty Benson-class destroyers in the United States Navy during World War II. She was named for Tenant McLanahan.

McLanahan was laid down 29 May 1941 by the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Shipbuilding Division, San Pedro, California; launched 2 September 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Dorothy W. Howard; and commissioned 19 December 1942, Lieutenant Commander H. R. Hummer, in command.

McLanahan departed San Diego, California 19 February 1943 for assignment with DesRon 16, Atlantic Fleet. She arrived at Norfolk, Virginia 10 March and, after additional training at Casco Bay, Maine, and several coastal convoys, departed on her first transatlantic convoy, to Algeria, 28 April. She returned to the east coast 8 June, departing again for north Africa on the 11th. The destroyer arrived at Oran 21 June to prepare for Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily. From 6 to 15 July, she, with other units of TF 81, maintained an antisubmarine-antiaircraft screen to protect the invasion forces at Gela. She then returned to escort duties in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic.

During the next 9 months, her convoys suffered only three losses. In August 1943 Lieutenant Commander N.C. Johnson took command, and on 6 November, while en route to Naples from Oran, McLanahan's convoy was attacked by enemy aircraft which launched rocket bombs and torpedoes at the Allied ships. McLanahan escaped damage, but two merchantmen and one escort were lost. On 19 December 1943 a first birthday celebration was held for McLanahan in the Grand Ballroom of the St. George Hotel, Brooklyn, N.Y.

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USS McLanahan

Reflections of the USS McLanahan by George E. Smith

U.S.S. McLanahan
DD 615

First Birthday

Grand Ballroom
St. George Hotel
Brooklyn, N.Y.

December 19, 1943

ON THE NINETEENTH OF DECEMBER 1942 in the land of sunshine, the U.S.S. McLanahan, affectionately called “Mighty Mac” by her crew, was commissioned, and Lt. Comm. H. R. Hummer assumed command as captain.

Since this date the deeds of the McLanahan have been many. In all these deeds she has upheld the term “Mighty Mac.”

In August 1943 Lt. Comm. N. C. Johnson relieved Commander Hummer of the command. Since taking command Captain Johnson has proven himself as worthy a skipper as may be found in the fleet. This has been proven by his handling of the ship while under fire.

It is the sincere wish of all hands that we may be together again on this date next year with Captain Johnson at the conn.

To Captain Johnson and Officers of the U.S.S. McLanahan—well done.

Crew, U.S.S. MCLANAHAN

Photograph, Courtesy of “OUR NAVY”