USS Converse (DD-291)

The first USS Converse (DD-291) was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy following World War I. She was named for George A. Converse.

History
Converse was launched 28 November 1919 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, Squantum, Massachusetts; sponsored by Miss E. C. Colt; commissioned 28 April 1920, Lieutenant Commander E. G. Haas in command; and reported to the Atlantic Fleet.

Converse was placed in reserve status 11 June 1920 operating in New England waters with 50 percent of her complement on training cruises for members of the Naval Reserve.

After testing the Arma gyro compass, Converse operated from 15 November 1921 with Scouting Fleet. Returned to full commission 1 July 1922, she cruised on the east coast and in Caribbean waters. Converse with Lieutenant Commander A. Mc Glassen commanding, sailed from Newport, Rhode Island 18 June 1924 to join U.S. Naval Forces in European Waters, visiting Antwerp, Amsterdam, Cherbourg and Southampton before returning to New York 16 July 1925.

In 1926 and 1927 Converse again served as training ship for the Naval Reserve making two cruises each summer to Newport and the Caribbean. From 23 February 1927 she tested the Flettner rudder during her cruising.

In 1928 Converse was designated as Experimental Ship, Scouting Fleet. She made test runs for the Bureau of Engineering in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, then fired experimental torpedoes at Newport and Charleston, South Carolina. She rejoined her squadron at Norfolk, Virginia 4 January 1929 for regular operations until decommissioned at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1 May 1930. She was sold 17 January 1931 to be scrapped in accordance with the London Naval Treaty which called for the limitation and reduction of naval armaments.