USS Branch (DD-197) - As USS Branch

As USS Branch

The second Navy ship was named for Secretary of the Navy John Branch (1782–1863), Branch was launched 19 April 1919 by Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company; sponsored by Miss Laurie O'Brien Branch, grandniece of Secretary Branch; and commissioned 26 July 1920, Commander F. H. Roberts in command.

Branch was fitted out at Norfolk Navy Yard and in October cruised to Annapolis, Maryland 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 in reduced commission with half her usual complement of crew. After 6 January 1922 she operated in the vicinity of Charleston, South Carolina, and Hampton Roads. Arriving at Philadelphia Navy Yard in June, she was placed out of commission 11 August 1922. Branch remained inactive at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until recommissioned 4 December 1939 for service with the Scouting Force. As flagship of Destroyer Division 68 she participated in the Neutrality Patrol. In the summer of 1940 she operated along the east coast and trained reserves. Early in October 1940 she departed Newport, Rhode Island for Halifax, Nova Scotia, where on 8 October 1940 Branch was decommissioned and transferred in the Destroyers for Bases Agreement to the British Navy and renamed HMS Beverley (H64).