The USS Spence (DD-459) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1942. Designed for anti-submarine warfare and surface combat, she played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The ship was equipped with advanced radar and weaponry for its time, making it a vital asset in naval operations. Tragically, the USS Spence was lost during a typhoon in December 1944 while operating near the Philippines. The storm caused severe damage, leading to the ship capsizing. The loss of the Spence highlighted the dangers faced by naval vessels during wartime, even from natural disasters.