DD-197 Branch
Branch (DD-197) was launched 19 April 1919 by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va.; sponsored by Miss Laurie O'Brien Branch, grand-niece of Secretary Branch, and commissioned 26 July 1920, Commander F. H. Roberts in comm and.
Branch was fitted out at Norfolk Navy Yard and in October cruised to Annapolis for a test of her engineering performance. Before the end of 1920 she joined Destroyer Squadron 3, Atlantic Fleet. The next year she maneuvered with the Squadron and engaged in tactical exercises on the Atlantic coast, sometimes operating with 50-percent of complement in reduced commission. After 6 January 1922 she operated in the vicinity of Charleston, S. C., and Hampton Roads, Va. Arriving at Philadelphia Navy Yard in June, she was placed out of commission 11 August 1922. Branch remained inactive at Philadelphia until recommissioned 4 December 1939 for service with the Scouting Force. As flagship of Destroyer Division 68 she participated in the Neut rality Patrol. In the summer of 1940 she operated along the east coast and trained Reserves. Early in October 1940 she departed Newport for Halifax, Nova Scotia, where on 8 October 1940 Branch was decommissioned and transferred in the destroyer-land bases exchange to the British Navy and renamed HMS Beverley.
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