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| USN Clemson-class destroyer Auxiliary seaplane tender 1,215 tons 314' 4" x 31' 8" x 9' 10" As Destroyer) 4 × 4" guns 1 × 3"guns 12 × 21" torpedo tubes  USN c1920 |
Sinking History Built by Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Squantum, Massachusetts. Laid down June 3, 1918 as a Clemson-class destroyer. Launched December 7, 1918 as USS Ballard (DD-267). Commissioned June 5, 1919 in the U.S. Navy (USN) with Lieutenant Commander H. M. Collier in command and assigned to the Atlantic Fleet. Between July 1919 and July 1920 Ballard cruised to various ports in Europe and the Mediterranean. She returned to the United States in July 1920 and served for a time with the Atlantic Fleet. She then proceeded to the Pacific where she carried out type training and participated in fleet maneuvers until placed out of commission into reserve status at San Diego on June 17, 1922. On June 25, 1940 Ballard was placed in commission and towed to Union Yard of Bethlehem Steel Corporation in San Francisco for conversion into an auxiliary seaplane tender. On August 2, 1940 reclassified as AVD-10. Wartime History On January 2, 1941 placed into full commission departed for Pearl Harbor arriving January 28, 1942 and joins the Pacific Fleet. Next, steamed for the South Pacific, tending patrol planes, laying seaplane buoys, escorting convoys, and patrolling throughout the eastern Pacific including: Phoenix, Midway, Fiji, Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal, Florida Island and New Caledonia. On October 1, 1942 4:00pm arrives Funafuti and for the next two days tends seaplanes. On October 4, 1942 at 7:25am departs Funafuti bound for the New Hebrides arriving two days later at 3:30pm and anchors in Segond Channel off Espiritu Santo. On October 10, 1942 at 5:10pm departs Segond Channel bound for Vanikoro Island in the Santa Cruz Islands and the next day at 2:30pm arrives Peou Bay (Pallu) and for the next three days supports PBY Catalinas from Patrol Squadron 91 (VP-91) flying search missions from this location On October 15, 1942 at 6:00am departs Peou Bay under orders from COMAIRSOPAC and steams 60 miles bearing 135° due to Japanese planes in the vicinity. At 9:30am spots a single float Japanese scout plane. At 11:50am reverses course and departs for Espiritu Santo. On October 16, 1942 at 9:00am arrives Segond Channel and the next day anchors alongside USS Curtiss (AV-4). On October 24, 1942 at 6:15am departs bound for Vanikoro Island and the next day at 12:30pm arrives Peou Bay. On October 26, 1942 ordered by COMTSK Group 63 to depart Peou Bay bound for Espiritu Santo and the next day at 7:55am arrives Segond Channel and remains until the end of the month. During the Guadalcanal campaign, USS Ballard and USS Mackinac were supporting PBY Catalinas from VP-23 and VP-11 operating from Graciosa Bay on Ndeni Island. On September 12, 1942, both ships were shelled by a Japanese submarine. Ballard slipped its anchor and proceeded at full speed to find the submarine but it submerged and escaped and neither side inflicted any damage. On November 7, 1943 returns to San Francisco and completes repairs by December 30, 1943 Until May 1944, acted as a plane guard during carrier qualification off San Diego. Between 15 June and 3 July 1944 she participated in the Saipan operation, laying aircraft buoys, and tending the first patrol squadron to operate from the area. Next, she performed patrol duties during the seizure of the Palau during 12 September – 11 December 1944). In late December 1944 she began another stateside yard period, at Seattle, Washington. Upon completion of repairs, assigned to plane guard duties and operated from San Diego until October 1, 1945. Afterwards, arrived at Philadelphia October 26, for an overhaul before inactivation. Decommissioned December 5, 1945. Awards Ballard earned two battle stars for her service during World War II. Fate Sold for scrap May 23, 1946. References NavSource - USS Ballard (AVD-10) NARA USS Ballard (AVD-10) War Diary October 1 October to 31 October 1942 Contribute
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