USS Chase (DD-323)

The first USS Chase (DD-323) was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy following World War I. She was named for Reuben Chase.

History
Chase was launched 2 September 1919 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, San Francisco, California; sponsored by Mrs. J. A. Annear; and commissioned 10 March 1921, Lieutenant Commander C. E. Battle, Jr., in command.

Cruising primarily along the west coast of the United States, Chase took part in training operations and fleet maneuvers. She took part in the Presidential Fleet Review at Seattle, Washington, in 1923, and in 1927 cruised in Nicaraguan waters to protect American interests while civil war took place in that country. In 1928 she cruised to Hawaii with members of the Naval Reserve on board for training, and in 1929 she operated off San Diego, California with USS Saratoga (CV-3) and USS Lexington (CV-2) assisting the development of US carrier aviation.

Designated for scrapping under the provisions of the London Naval Treaty, Chase was decommissioned at San Diego 15 May 1930, and broken up during 1931.