Benson (ship)

The name "Benson" has been applied to several ships, most notably within the United States Navy. The most well-known usage refers to the lead ship of the Benson-class of destroyers.

The Benson class destroyers were a class of 30 destroyers built for the United States Navy between 1939 and 1943. These ships were vital during World War II, seeing action in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Key characteristics included their twin stacks, five 5-inch/38 caliber guns, and anti-aircraft armament that was upgraded throughout the war. They represented a significant improvement over earlier destroyer designs, offering increased stability and firepower. Many Benson-class destroyers were later transferred to allied navies after the war.

USS Benson (DD-421), the lead ship of the class, was named in honor of Rear Admiral William S. Benson, who served as the first Chief of Naval Operations during World War I. She was commissioned in July 1940 and saw extensive service in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific. She participated in numerous convoy escort duties, as well as supporting amphibious landings.

Beyond the lead ship and the class itself, the name "Benson" might also appear in reference to individual crew members serving on vessels with different names, or potentially historical merchant vessels, although records of these are less readily available and require specific contextual information for accurate identification. The most common and readily documented association remains with the Benson-class destroyer and its lead ship, USS Benson.