USS James C. Owens (DD-776)

USS James C. Owens (DD-776)

USS James C. Owens (DD-776), an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, is the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for Lieutenant James C. Owens, Jr., a member of Torpedo Squadron 8 on board Hornet (CV-8). His entire squadron was lost in an attack against Japanese carriers 4 June during the Battle of Midway. Lt. Owens received the Navy Cross and the Presidential Unit Citation (US) posthumously.

James C. Owens (DD-776) was laid down 9 April 1944, by the Bethlehem Steel Co., San Pedro, California; launched 1 October 1944; sponsored by Mrs. James C. Owens, Jr., widow of Lt. Owens; and commissioned 17 February 1945, Commander R. H. Blair in command.