Navy League of the U.S., Barcelona Council -- Ship Visits to Spain: USS Spruance

Navy League of the United States,
Barcelona, Spain Council

P.O. Box 5126, 08080, Barcelona, España
Email: barcelonanlus@gmail.com

USS Porter
Visits Barcelona

The USS Porter had shoreleave in the Condal City
January 10 -14, 2008.

USS Porter is the fifth ship to bear the name of two naval legends: Commodore David Porter (1780-1843)and his son, Admiral David Dixon Porter (1813-1891). Their legendary naval exploits earned them a place of honor in U.S. Naval History.

Commissioned on February 20, 1897 in Newport, RI, USS PORTER (TB-6) was a torpedo patrol boat that helped enforce the blockade of Cuba during the Spanish-American War. When the United States declared war on Spain, PORTER was ready patrolling the waters of Key West. She soon made contact with the enemy by capturing two Spanish schooners. TB-6 resumed blockade duty off Cape Haiteien, Haiti, keeping a watchful eye out for the Spanish squadron. She participated in the three-hour bombardment of San Juan in May 1898 with the 9 ships of Rear Admiral W. T. Sampson's fleet. During the attack, PORTER maintained a close position under the batteries but was not hit. Later, she supported the Marine beachhead landing at Guantanamo Bay. The first USS PORTER (TB-6) was struck from the Navy List in 1912.

USS PORTER (DD-59) was commissioned April 17, 1916 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After shakedown in the Caribbean, USS PORTER (DD-59) sailed in convoy duty escorting the first USS troops to Europe during WWI. She arrived at Queenstown, Ireland, where she was based during World War I, meeting and escorting convoys from the U.S. as they transited from Ireland to France. Kept busy as a convoy escort, she severely damaged U-108 on April 28, 1918. The second USS Porter (DD-59) was struck from the Navy List in 1934.

The third USS PORTER (DD-356) was also commissioned in Philadelphia on August 25, 1936. After shakedown in waters off northern Europe, DD-356 visited St. Johns, Newfoundland for coronation with the Pacific Fleet. On December 5, 1941, PORTER got underway from Pearl Harbor, escaping the Japanese attack by two days. She vigorously patrolled with cruisers and destroyers in Hawaiian waters. In late October 1942 Task Force 16 exchanged air attacks with strong Japanese forces northeast of Guadalcanal in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. During the ensuing action, PORTER was torpedoed by a submarine and her crew was forced to abandoned ship. Her name was struck from the Navy List November 2, 1942. For her valiant service in WWII, USS PORTER (DD-356) earned on battle star for World War II service which is represented by a star on the DDG 78 crest.

The fourth PORTER (DD-800) was commissioned June 24, 1944 in Seattle, Washington. After shakedown off San Diego, PORTER trained with Task Force 92 and made an offensive sweep against the Japanese naval base at Suribachi Wan, Paramushiru. PORTER participated in the first extensive sweep by surface vessels into the Japanese-controlled Sea of Okhotsk. In doing so, DD-800 encountered a small convoy and sank a 2,000-ton Japanese merchantman with gunfire. During the Korean conflict, USS PORTER (DD-800) served in Korean waters with Task Force 95 and joined the ranks of the "Trainbusters Club," destroying one North Korean train and damaging 2. She was placed out of commission on August 10, 1953. PORTER earned one battle star for World War II service and one battle star for Korean War service. These are represented on the DDG 78 crest.

The fifth PORTER (DDG 78) was commissioned on March 20th, 1999

USS PORTER (TB-6)

Shield: Dark blue and gold represent the sea and excellence and are the colors traditionally used by the navy. Red is emblematic of sacrifice and courage. The shield is divided in four recalling the previous USS PORTER's and highlighting the four cardinal compass points and the U.S. Navy’s worldwide mission. The stars commemorate the battle star earned in World War II by the third PORTER and those earned by the fourth PORTER during WWII and the Korean War. The AEGIS shield symbolizes DDG 78’s modern warfare capabilities, and is red to reflect courage and action. The torch, from the Statue of Liberty, suggests the ship’s
motto and symbolizes the principles of freedom upon which our country was founded.

Cross: The crossed Naval Officers' swords honor David Porter and his son as well representing the ship's mission to "Train, Fight and win." The laurel, arm, and trident are adapted from the U.S. Naval Academy coat of arms and highlight David Dixon Porter's tenure as superintendent of the Academy. The trident, the symbol of sea power, alludes to the Aegis vertical launch system; its three prongs are a reminder of the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the Civil War, all of which the Porter served in with distinction.

Motto: "Freedom's Champion."