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USS BULMER (DD-222 / AG-86)


Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign - NUPN

CLASS - CLEMSON
Basic repeat Wickes Class, with 35% more fuel capacity to improve endurance problems,
designed radius was 4900 nautical miles, at 15 knots.
Displacement 1,215 Tons, Dimensions, 314' 5" (oa) x 31' 8" x 9' 10" (Max)
Armament 4 x 4"/50, 1 x 3"/23AA, 12 x 21" tt..
Machinery, 26,500 SHP; Parsons Turbines, 2 screws
Speed, 35 Knots, Crew 114
Operational and Building Data
Laid down by Cramp, Philadelphia on August 11 1919.
Launched January 22 1920 and Commissioned August 16 1920.
Reclassified Miscellaneous Auxiliary AG-86 01 December 1944.
Decommissioned August 16 1946.
Stricken September 25 1946.
Fate Sold February 27 1947 and broken up for scrap.
One man died in service aboard and remains on duty

S1c Richard Max Richter (708 47 88) V-6 USNR, Atlantic Ocean, 04 April 1944


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Namesake
Bulmer 110kRoscoe Carlyle Bulmer was born in Virginia City, Nevada on 04 November 1874, the second son of Richard A. and Jane Anderson Bulmer. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy and was appointed a naval cadet on 26 September 1890. Gaduating with the Class of 1894, he received his commission as ensign on 01 July 1896, and served in Bennington (Gunboat No. 4) during the war with Spain. He was promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade) on 01 July 1899, to Lieutenant on 09 February 1902, to Lieutenant Commander on 03 January 1908, to Commander on 01 July 1918, and to Captain (temporary) simultaneously. While assigned to duty in Washington, DC, as naval aide to President Theodore Roosevelt, Bulmer wed Anita Tyler Poor on 7 March 1905, a union that produced a daughter, Anita Poor Bulmer.

Given command of the Mine Force repair ship Black Hawk (ID-2140) on 18 December 1917, he was promoted to Captain (temporary) on 01 July 1918. During his service, he gained recognition for his understanding of naval mines and countermining techniques. Shortly before the end of the World War, Bulmer was appointed to serve as the U.S. representative to the British Admiralty conference on mine clearing, 31 October 1918.

On 09 July 1919, while Bulmer was participating in mine-clearing operations on board Auk (Minesweeper No. 57), Pelican (Minesweeper No. 27) suffered severe damage when an estimated six mines detonated beneath her. She began taking on water at an alarming rate. Bulmer assumed command of the situation, first ordering Pelican’s crew transferred to Eider (Minesweeper No. 17). Then, employing the pumps from Auk and Eider, Bulmer was able to keep the stricken minesweeper afloat and she eventually returned to port for repairs. “With great skill and plucky seamanship on the part of Capt. R. C. Bulmer,” Rear Adm. Joseph Strauss later declared, Pelican had been saved.

Tragically, just less than one month later, while ashore at the Orkney Islands, Scotland, Bulmer and Lt. (j.g.) Dudley A. Nichols, USNRF, were returning to Kirkwall from Stromness. A slight dip in the road caused the driver to lose control of the automobile on the rain-slicked surface, and Bulmer was thrown from the car, suffering a fractured clavicle among other injuries. Taken to his flagship, Black Hawk, he died on 5 August 1919. “Capt. Bulmer’s death is a distinct loss to the Service,” Rear Adm. Strauss lamented to Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels on 8 August, “He was zealous and plucky with a sound knowledge of his profession. His unfailing cheerfulness contributed greatly to the happy spirit prevailing in the Mine Force.”

Posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Captain Bulmer was interred at Arlington National Cemetery. A destroyer was named in his honor at Secretary Daniels' direct order.

Captain Roscoe C. Bulmer, probably aboard Black Hawk, circa 1919. Naval History & Heritage Command photo NH 64381

Dave Wright
USS Bulmer (DD-222)
Bulmer 100kUndated, location unknown. Photo from the collection of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.Joe Radigan/Darryl Baker
Bulmer 140kUndated, location unknown. Photo from the collection of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.Joe Radigan/Darryl Baker
Bulmer
0522253
85kUndated, location unknown, probably in 1930s.Dave Wright
Bulmer 189kUndated, location unknown. Photo from the collection of John Dickey.Ed Zajkowski
Bulmer 235kUndated, location unknown. Photo from the collection of John Dickey.Ed Zajkowski
Bulmer 121kUndated, location unknown. Photo from the collection of John Dickey.Ed Zajkowski
Bulmer 139kUndated, USS Bulmer (DD-222), USS Stewart (DD-224), USS Parrott (DD-218) and USS Edsall (DD-219) alongside the USS Melville (AD-2).Richard Miller BMCS USNR RET.
Bulmer   Bulmer   Bulmer
USS Bulmer views circa 1920-1922. My Dad's Father's Brother-in-law was Howard Dean Gordon, identified in these as "Dean" and marked with an "X".
Richard Hane
Bulmer 134kUSS Bulmer moored off Red Crown Zerolene tank farm, San Pablo, CA in December 1920 or October-November 1921. National Archives photo 19-N-6467.Joe Radigan/Darryl Baker
Bulmer 64kSix destroyers nested together during the early 1920s. These ships are (from left to right): USS Edsall (DD-219), USS McCormick (DD-223), USS Bulmer (DD-222), USS Parrott (DD-218);, USS Simpson (DD-221) and USS MacLeish (DD-220). The original image is printed on post card ("AZO") stock. Naval History & Heritage Command photo NH 105167. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.Michael Mohl
Bulmer 73kShips of the 39th Destroyer Division moored together, probably in San Diego Harbor, California, in 1921. These ships are (from left to right): USS Edsall (DD-219), USS McCormick (DD-223), USS Bulmer (DD-222), USS Simpson (DD-221), USS MacLeish (DD-220) and USS Parrott (DD-218). Naval History & Heritage Command photo NH 88356. Courtesy of L.C. Lupin, 1978.Tony Cowart
Bulmer 51kUSS John D. Ford (DD-228), USS Sicard (DD-346), USS Pruitt (DD-347), USS Decatur (DD-341), USS Preble (DD-345), USS Pope (DD-225), USS Bulmer (DD-222), USS Simpson (DD-221) and USS McCormick (DD-223) in Manila Harbor, 16 November 1928.Carl Ross
Bulmer 178kBulmer, anchored off Tsingtao, China, circa 1928. National Archives photo 80-G-1035053Dave Wright
Bulmer 144kOfficers and crew of Bulmer (DD-222) at Manila, April 1930. Jeffrey Baird
Bulmer 75kUSS Black Hawk (AD-9) with the USS Bulmer (DD-222), USS Pillsbury (DD-227), USS Pope (DD-225), USS Ford (DD-228), USS Edsall (DD-219) and USS Peary (DD-226) alongside, s seen from the breakwater in Chefoo, June 1933.John N. Egeland, Jr.
Bulmer 207kSix photos of the Bulmer's Crew circa 1934-1937. From the collection of LCDR Rayborn M. Hall USN who served aboard the USS Bulmer (DD-222) during this period.Nancy Hall Anderson
Bulmer 171kAs above.Nancy Hall Anderson
Bulmer 119kAs above.Nancy Hall Anderson
Bulmer 272kAs above. Rayborn is holding the camera in this image.Nancy Hall Anderson
Bulmer 240kAs above.Nancy Hall Anderson
Bulmer 147kAs above.Nancy Hall Anderson
Bulmer 161kColorized photo of the Bulmer circa 1934-1939. From the collection of LCDR Rayborn M. Hall USN who served aboard the USS Bulmer (DD-222) during this period.Nancy Hall Anderson
Bulmer 241kBulmer entering Dewey Drydock (YFD-1), circa 1934-1939. From the collection of LCDR Rayborn M. Hall USN who served aboard the USS Bulmer (DD-222) during this period.Nancy Hall Anderson
Bulmer 171kUSS Black Hawk (AD-9) in Chefoo, China circa 1934-1939. The USS Heron (AM-10) is alonside the pier. The four destroyers are (from left to right): USS Edsall (DD-219); USS Bulmer (DD-222); USS Parrott (DD-218); and USS Stewart (DD-224). From the collection of LCDR Rayborn M. Hall USN who served aboard the USS Bulmer (DD-222) during this period.Nancy Hall Anderson
Bulmer   Bulmer   Bulmer
Three images of the crew of the SS Silverhazel after being rescued by the Bulmer in San Bernadino Channel, Philippines, 09 November 1935. The 5300-ton British freighter, en route from San Francisco for Singapore and Bombay, had broken in two after running aground in heavy seas. Four of her crew, including her master were lost; fifty survivors were rescued by Bulmer and Peary (DD-226). From the collection of LCDR Rayborn M. Hall USN, who served aboard the USS Bulmer (DD-222) during this period.
Nancy Hall Anderson
Bulmer 137kPicture entitled Sampan with U.S. Warships and Sailboats, Shanghai, China, 1939. Of interest are the U.S. Destroyers, one of which USS Bulmer (DD-222) is easily identified, shown at left tied up alongside each other. The image is part of : Sir Ellice Victor Elias Sassoon papers and photographs; Series: China and Second Sino-Japanese War, 1937-1939, album. DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University.Robert Hurst
Bulmer   Bulmer   Bulmer
Bulmer undergoing refit at Mare Island, 26 August 1942. Photos from the collection of John Dickey.
Ed Zajkowski
Bulmer   Bulmer   Bulmer
Three view of Bulmer underway off Mare Island Navy Yard, 28 August 1942. Navy photos 5122-8-42, 5123-8-42 and National Archives photo 19-N-33043.
Darryl Baker & Robert Hurst
Parrott 189k Photo showing early war modifications to the Parrott (DD-218) as completed at Mare Island Navy Yard, 29 August 1942. The inboard ship is the USS Bulmer (DD-222).Darryl Baker
Bulmer 137kUndated but probably late 1942/early 1943, location unknown. Photo from the collection of John Dickey.Ed Zajkowski
Bulmer 104kUndated, location unknown, but almost certainly same time as above. Photo from the collection of John Dickey.Ed Zajkowski
Bulmer 118kJune 1943, location unknown.Ed Zajkowski
Bulmer   Bulmer   Bulmer   Bulmer   Bulmer   Bulmer   Bulmer
Seven views of Bulmer at New York Navy Yard, June 1943. Bulmer underwent a brief yard availability there, 11-23 June 1943.
Ed Zajkowski
Bulmer 264k Bows-on view of Bulmer making her way through various harbor craft following an availability at the New York Navy Yard, 23 June 1943. National Archives photo 19-N-47721Dave Wright
Bulmer 164kBulmer at Argentia, Newfoundland, circa late 1943. Offical Navy photo OOR-44774, released for publication 15 February 1944. Dave Wright
Bulmer 117kUSS Bulmer alongside USCGC Spencer (WPG-36) off New York harbor, 14 April 1944. Both units were operating as escorts for Task Force 62, the escort for Convoy GUS-62. Bulmer was alongside Spencer to transfer papers from 1117-1126.Robert Hurst
USS Bulmer (AG-86)
Bulmer 213kUndated periscope view, location unknown.Robert Hurst

USS BULMER DD-222 / AG-86 History
View This Vessels DANFS entry at the Naval History and Heritage Command website

Commanding Officers
01LCDR John Calvin Jennings (USNA 1908)16 August 1920 - 10 April 1921
02LCDR Lee Payne Johnson (USNA 1909)10 April 1921 - 29 July 1921
03CDR Thomas Alexander Symington (USNA 1907)29 July 1921 - 23 July 1922
04CDR Alfred Walton Atkins (USNA 1923)23 January 1922 - 09 June 1924
05LCDR Raymond Ames Spruance (USNA 1907)9 June 1924 - 10 September 1924
06LT Alfred Jensen Byrholdt USN10 September 1924 - 24 December 1924 (XOIC)
07LCDR Francis Eliot Maynard Whiting (USNA 1912)24 December 1924 - 04 January 1925
08LCDR Murphy John Foster (USNA 1910)04 January 1925 - 20 April 1928
09LCDR Deupree Julien Friedell (USNA 1909)20 April 1928 - 26 January 1929
10LCDR Allan Withers Ashbrook (USNA 1914)26 January 1929 - 28 June 1930
11LCDR Harry Draper Hoffman (USNA 1918)28 June 1930 - 09 October 1931
12LCDR Lawrence Philip Bischoff (USNA 1912)09 October 1931 - 20 April 1932
13LCDR Melville Cochran Partello (USNA 1915)20 April 1932 - 18 April 1933
14LCDR Francis Philip Traynor (USNA 1910)18 April 1933 - 10 February 1934
15LCDR Edward Sparrow (USNA 1917)21 April 1935 - 08 July 1935
16LCDR Thomas Valentine Cooper (USNA 1916)08 July 1935 - 07 May 1937
17LT Robert de Coursey Baker (USNA 1926)07 May 1937 - 19 June 1937 (XOIC)
18LCDR Walter Charles Ansel (USNA 1919)19 June 1937 - 21 April 1939
19LCDR James Joseph McGlynn USN21 April 1939 - 05 January 1940
20LCDR John Hampden Lewis (USNA 1925)05 January 1940 - 19 October 1940
21LCDR Leon Jackson Manees (USNA 1922)19 October 1940 - 28 January 1942
22LT David Alonzo Harris (USNA 1930)28 January 1942 - 16 June 1942
23LCDR Louis Frank Volk (USNA 1931)16 June 1942 - 21 October 1943
24LCDR George Towne Baker (USNA 1935)21 October 1943 - 01 December 1944
25LT Thomas Charles Farrell D-V(G) USNR01 December 1944 - 17 October 1945
26LT George Means Heinitsh, Jr. D-V(G) USNR17 October 1945 - 24 November 1945
27LT John Lawrence Henderson D-V(G) USNR24 November 1945 - 18 August 1946

Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves

Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
Tin Can Sailors Website
Destroyer History Foundation
Destroyers Online Website
Official U.S.Navy Destroyer Website

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This page was created by Fred Willishaw (ex ARG-4, AS-11 & DD-692) and is maintained by David L. Wright
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Last Updated 27 January 2023