US Navy China Service Destroyer USS Rizal Crew A Fong Photographer Chefoo 1920s
Estate sale find, vintage original US Navy China Service Destroyer USS Rizal Officers photo, circa 1920s. Photo is embossed in lower right corner with A. Fong Chefoo, North China. USS Rizal (DD–174) was a Wickes-class destroyer in the United States Navy following World War I. She was named for José Rizal, a Filipino patriot, and the National Hero of the Philippines. Joining the Pacific Fleet upon commissioning, Rizal cruised along the United States west coast into 1920 on exercises and training duty. Subsequently modified for service as a light minelayer, she was classified DM-14 on 17 July 1920. Rizal departed San Diego on 25 March 1920 for the Far East. With Filipinos constituting the majority of her crew, Rizal remained on the Asiatic Station for ten years. She spent long months anchored in Chinese ports during the spring, summer, and autumn months. Her most frequent ports of call were Shanghai, Chefoo, Chinwangtao, and Hong Kong. Rizal cruised eastward to Apra Harbor, Guam, during November 1928, and visited Yokohama, Japan, from 11 to 20 April 1929. Rizal spent each winter generally from November through March, anchored in Manila Bay. She was docked annually at Olongapo and upon resuming active service each spring operated in Philippine waters. Ordered home late in 1930, Rizal departed Manila on 11 December 1930 for Guam, Honolulu, and San Diego. She decommissioned on 20 August 1931 at San Diego and was towed northward to Mare Island on 31 August 1931 by the minesweeper USS Tern to be placed in reserve. PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTION AND PHOTOS FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS – The item appears to be in overall Fair to Good Minus used condition, signs of wear, creases, fading, tears, chipping, sunning and age toning, soiling, stains, writing, no odors, please see images.