USS Chauncey (DD-3)

The first USS Chauncey (DD-3) (originally "Destroyer No. 3") was a Bainbridge-class destroyer in the United States Navy named for Commodore Isaac Chauncey.

Construction
Chauncey was launched on 26 October 1901 by Neafie and Levy Ship and Engine Building Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was sponsored by Mrs. M. C. S. Todd and placed in reduced commission on 20 November 1902. Chauncey placed in reserve on 2 December 1902 and received full commission on 21 February 1903. Lieutenant Stanford Elwood Moses was placed in command and Chauncey reported to the Atlantic Fleet.

Pre-World War I
Chauncey served with the Coast Squadron until 20 September 1903, when she was transferred to the Asiatic Fleet and left Key West for the Orient on 18 December. After sailing by way of the Suez Canal, she arrived at Cavite to join the force representing US interest in the Far East as it cruised in the Philippines during winters and off China during summers. Aside from the period of 3 December 1905-12 January 1907, when she was in reserve at Cavite, Chauncey continued this service until the entrance of America into World War I.

Sinking
The destroyer sailed from Cavite on 1 August 1917 for convoy escort duty in the eastern Atlantic, based at St. Nazaire, France. On 19 November, while about 110 mi west of Gibraltar on escort duty, Chauncey was rammed by the British merchantman SS Rose as both ships steamed in war-imposed darkness. At 03:17, Chauncey sank in 9000 ft of water, taking to their death 21 men including her captain, Lieutenant Commander Walter E. Reno. 70 survivors were picked up by Rose, and carried to port.

USS Chauncey in literature
The novel Delilah was written by a survivor of Chauncey, Marcus Goodrich, and is a fictional account based on his experience serving aboard Chauncey as an enlisted man.