| Career (US) | |
|---|---|
| Namesake: | Elie A. F. La Vallette |
| Builder: | Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, Union Iron Works, San Francisco |
| Laid down: | 14 April 1919 |
| Launched: | 15 July 1919 |
| Commissioned: | 24 December 1920 |
| Decommissioned: | 19 April 1930 |
| Struck: | July 22, 1930 |
| Fate: | scrapped, 10 June 1931 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type: | Clemson-class destroyer |
| Displacement: | 1,190 tons |
| Length: | 314 feet 5 inches (95.83 m) |
| Beam: | 31 feet 8 inches (9.65 m) |
| Draft: | 9 feet 3 inches (2.82 m) |
| Propulsion: | 26,500 shp (20 MW); geared turbines, 2 screws |
| Speed: | 35 knots (65 km/h) |
| Range: | 4,900 nmi (9,100 km) @ 15 kt |
| Complement: | 122 officers and enlisted |
| Armament: | 4 × 4" (102 mm), 12 × 21" (533 mm) torpedo tubes |
The first USS La Vallette (DD-315) was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy following World War I. She was named for Elie A. F. La Vallette.
La Vallette was laid down 14 April 1919 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, San Francisco, California; launched 15 July 1919; sponsored by Miss Nancy Lane, daughter of the Secretary of the Interior; and commissioned 24 December 1920, Lt. Cmdr. A. D. Denny in command.
Homeported at San Diego, California throughout her service La Vallette participated in the intensive training schedule through which the peacetime Navy maintained its readiness. West coast operations were highlighted by annual Pacific Fleet battle practice in Hawaiian or Panamanian waters. In 1924 and 1927, La Vallette transited the Panama Canal for Caribbean maneuvers, participating in a presidential review by Calvin Coolidge 4 June 1927.
As early as 1922 La Vallette participated in antiaircraft training, and witnessed the growing importance of naval aviation while serving as plane guard for Lexington (CV-2) during the destroyer's final months of service.
She decommissioned at San Diego 19 April 1930, and on 10 June 1931 was scrapped in accordance with the London Naval Treaty.