USS McCalla (DD-488), a , was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for Bowman H. McCalla, who served during the Spanish–American War and would eventually attain the rank of rear admiral. Construction and commissioning McCalla was laid down 15 September 1941 by the Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Kearny, New Jersey and launched on 20 March 1942; sponsored by Mary MacArthur (Mrs. Arthur MacArthur), the daughter of R.Adm. McCalla The ship was commissioned on 27 May 1942. Service history 1942 During shakedown McCalla undertook her first war assignment, escorting a New York-bound convoy from Cape May, New Jersey, 19 July 1942. On 3 August, she formally reported at Norfolk for brief antisubmarine (ASW) employment along the mid Atlantic coast. Two weeks later she escorted oilers to Aruba and continued on to the Pacific, reporting to Commander, South Pacific Area (ComSoPac) 28 September at Nouméa. McCalla immediately joined in the campaign for the Solomons. On 7 October she Joined Task Force 64 (TF 64), Rear Admiral Norman Scott's cruiser force, then protecting transports carrying supplies and reinforcements to marines on Guadalcanal. Ordered to search for and destroy enemy ships and landing craft, the force patrolled primarily north of the island. On the nights of 11 and 13 October, they encountered a Japanese force off Cape Esperance under Rear Admiral Aritomo Gotō convoying reinforcements to Guadalcanal. In the ensuing battle both forces accomplished their missions, but the cost to the Japanese was greater. Admiral Gotō was killed, heavy cruiser and destroyer were lost, and heavy cruiser was forced to return to Japan for repairs. In addition, as they attempted to rescue survivors the next day, two Japanese destroyers, and , were sunk by aircraft from Henderson Field. Admiral Scott's force lost the destroyer , while damage to the cruiser required navy yard repairs. McCalla rescued 195 of Duncans crew, and captured three Japanese sailors. As the campaign for Guadalcanal extended, McCallas anti-shipping activities continued. On 2 November, she depth charged an area in which submarine contact had been made. On 25 November, she was cruising off Tassafaronga Point when a number of landing boats were reported maneuvering along the coast; McCalla destroyed 40 of the Japanese craft. 1943 During the first half of 1943 McCalla sailed among the Fiji, New Hebrides, and Solomon Islands performing plane guard, escort and antisubmarine patrol duties. Toward the end of