The USS Paulding was a United States Navy destroyer, named after Rear Admiral John Paulding. Launched in 1919, it served primarily during the interwar period and World War II. The ship was designed for anti-submarine warfare and escort duties, reflecting the naval strategies of its time. Commissioned in 1920, the USS Paulding operated in various capacities, including training exercises and fleet maneuvers. It was decommissioned in 1945 after serving its purpose during the war. The ship's legacy is part of the broader history of the U.S. Navy and its evolution in naval warfare.