USS Mansfield DD-728

MANSFIELD was disposed and sold to Argentina 4 June 1974. Recommissioned in Argentina as Espora (D31), and decommissioned again in 1978. It was reported, she was mothballed, in desperate need of repair in Puerto Belgrano, Argentina Naval Base near Bahia Blanca; scavenged for spare parts and eventually cut up for scrap in the late 1980's.

I received this message from Santiago L. Aversa. He has a website called the "Unofficial Site of Armada Argentina". As you will see, his version of the Mansfield's Argentine voyage is quite different than what is here. I hope I can find more information. [Karl 2.14.2000]

"DD-728 never entered active service in the Argentinean navy. She was towed by the tug "Alferez Sobral" and used for parts for the Fletcher, Gearing and Sumner class DD's that were bought in 1971-72. USS Collet, acquired along with DD 728 was not canibalized and entered service in 1977 as ARA Piedra Buena (D-29). ARA Espora was the former USS Dortch, transferred in 1962. She took part in the blockade against Cuba in the missile crisis. Now the Espora name is carried by a locally built, German designed FFG, namely P-41. the "new" ARA Espora was the lead ship of the class."

THE OFFICIAL ARGENTINE NAVY FACTS ON THE DISPOSITION OF THE USS MANSFIELD DD-728
"I RECEIVED THIS LETTER ON 4.25.00. A TRANSLATION IS LISTED DIRECTLY UNDER THE LETTER. THANKS TO SANTIAGO AVERSA AND TONY ARISTY FOR THEIR HELP."
Letter from Argentine Navy
Translation:

Navy General Headquarters
General Naval Secretary
Naval Historical Branch - Chief

Buenos Aires, April 7th, 2000
In answer to your request about the destroyer USS "MANSFIELD" DD-728, I inform you that that ship belonged to the "ALLEN A. SUMNER" design and was acquired by the Argentinean Navy in order to use her machinery as spare parts for our destroyers in service.
On June 20, 1974, along with the destroyer "PIEDRA BUENA" (Ex USN "COLLET" - DD 730), they left from the San Diego Naval Base under tow by the "COMANDANTE GENERA ZAPIOLA" and "ALFEREZ SOBRAL" (tugs). Making stop-overs at Manzanillo Rodman, Puerto España, Fortaleza, Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. On October 1, 1974 they made their entrance to the Rada La Plata. [ Rada La Plata is the Entrance/Anvhorgae point to the port of LA PLata, it's a few miles from the Rio Santiago Naval Base, where the Naval Academy is located ]
On December 24 of the same year (1974)the "MANSFIELD" dismantling started at the Naval Base in Puerto Belgrano.
We do not have photos of the "MANSFIELD" on file.
Salute and Sincerely yours,
Commander Jorge Andres Reto

THE OFFICIAL ARGENTINE NAVY FACTS ON THE DISPOSITION OF THE USS MANSFIELD DD-728 "I RECEIVED THIS LETTER ON 4.25.00. A TRANSLATION IS LISTED DIRECTLY UNDER THE LETTER. THANKS TO SANTIAGO AVERSA AND TONY ARISTY FOR THEIR HELP."
Translation: Navy General Headquarters General Naval Secretary Naval Historical Branch - Chief Buenos Aires, April 7th, 2000 In answer to your request about the destroyer USS "MANSFIELD" DD-728, I inform you that that ship belonged to the "ALLEN A. SUMNER" design and was acquired by the Argentinean Navy in order to use her machinery as spare parts for our destroyers in service. On June 20, 1974, along with the destroyer "PIEDRA BUENA" (Ex USN "COLLET" - DD 730), they left from the San Diego Naval Base under tow by the "COMANDANTE GENERA ZAPIOLA" and "ALFEREZ SOBRAL" (tugs). Making stop-overs at Manzanillo Rodman, Puerto España, Fortaleza, Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. On October 1, 1974 they made their entrance to the Rada La Plata. [ Rada La Plata is the Entrance/Anvhorgae point to the port of LA PLata, it's a few miles from the Rio Santiago Naval Base, where the Naval Academy is located ] On December 24 of the same year (1974)the "MANSFIELD" dismantling started at the Naval Base in Puerto Belgrano. We do not have photos of the "MANSFIELD" on file. Salute and Sincerely yours, Commander Jorge Andres Reto

The Collett also, was disposed and sold to Argentina where she participated in the 1982 War and served until the mid 1980's [ Thanks to Santiago L. Aversa for the additional info ]:Swenson, to Taiwan 6 May 1974, for spare parts. DeHaven, was sold to Republic of Korea Navy, 5 December 1973. She was recommissioned IN CHEON (DD98), and later reclassified as INCHON (DD918). DeHaven is the last remnant of Desron9, and remains in service with the ROK Navy 1994.

MANSFIELD steaming out to sea.

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