The USS McDermut: A Forgotten Hero of the High Seas

Ah, the USS McDermut (DD-262), a name that might not ring a bell for many, but this Clemson-class destroyer was a true unsung hero of the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1919, the McDermut was a part of the post-World War I naval expansion, serving primarily in the Pacific Fleet. It was stationed in San Diego, California, where it played a crucial role in training exercises and fleet maneuvers. The McDermut was a testament to American naval prowess during a time when the world was still reeling from the Great War. But why does this ship matter today? Because it represents a time when America was focused on building strength and readiness, not on appeasing the whims of the politically correct.

The USS McDermut was a workhorse, not a show pony. It wasn't about flashy displays or making headlines; it was about getting the job done. This destroyer was part of a fleet that ensured America's naval dominance in the Pacific, a region that was, and still is, of strategic importance. The McDermut and its crew were dedicated to maintaining peace through strength, a concept that seems to have been lost in today's world of endless apologies and concessions.

In the 1920s, the McDermut participated in numerous fleet problems, which were large-scale naval exercises designed to test the readiness and effectiveness of the fleet. These exercises were critical in developing tactics and strategies that would later be used in World War II. The McDermut was a key player in these exercises, proving that preparation and strength are the best deterrents to conflict. It's a lesson that should resonate today, as we face new global challenges.

The McDermut was decommissioned in 1930, a victim of the London Naval Treaty, which sought to limit naval armaments. This treaty was an early example of disarmament efforts that, while well-intentioned, often leave nations vulnerable. The McDermut's decommissioning was a reminder that peace through weakness is a dangerous gamble. The ship was eventually scrapped, but its legacy lives on as a symbol of a time when America prioritized strength and readiness over appeasement and compromise.

Today, the story of the USS McDermut serves as a stark contrast to the current political climate. In an era where some are more concerned with virtue signaling than actual security, the McDermut's history is a reminder of the importance of a strong defense. It's a call to return to a mindset where national security is paramount, and where the focus is on maintaining peace through strength, not through endless negotiations and concessions.

The McDermut's story is also a testament to the men who served aboard her. These sailors were dedicated to their mission, understanding that their service was crucial to maintaining America's position on the world stage. They weren't distracted by the noise of political correctness or the pressure to conform to the latest social trends. They were focused on their duty, a concept that seems to be fading in today's society.

In remembering the USS McDermut, we are reminded of a time when America was unapologetically strong. A time when the focus was on building a formidable defense, not on appeasing those who would seek to undermine it. The McDermut's legacy is a call to action, a reminder that strength and readiness are the true guarantors of peace. It's a lesson that should not be forgotten as we navigate the complexities of the modern world.