USS Hartley (DE-1029)

USS Hartley (DE-1029)

USS Hartley (DE-1029) was a Dealey-class destroyer escort in the United States Navy. DE-1029 is the second ship to bear the name Hartley; she was named for Admiral Henry Hartley, who established the Deep Sea Diving School. As commander of the USS Chester, flagship of Service Squadron 10, Hartley participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, a major turning point of World War II, and then engaged in bombardment and salvage work at Wake Island, Marcus Island, Iwo Jima, Haha Jima, and Okinawa. After commanding SerRon 10 for a year with the rank of Commodore, Hartley returned to Washington in March 1946 for special duty. After 46 years of service to his country, he retired with the rank of Rear Admiral 1 May 1947. Admiral Hartley died at Bethesda, Maryland, 6 March 1953.

USS Hartley was laid down by the New York Shipbuilding Company, Camden, New Jersey, 31 October 1955; launched 24 November 1956; sponsored by Mrs. Henry Hartley, widow of Admiral Hartley; and commissioned 26 June 1957 at Philadelphia, Lt. Comdr. C. N. Crandall, Jr., in command.