"On November 13, 1942, the first United States Navy destroyer named Laffey sank gallantly after having successfully severed the communications of the Japanese flagship during the Battle of Guadalcanal - contributing to a victory for the Pacific Fleet. Sixteen months later, the second destroyer named Laffey was commissioned. Assigned as skipper was then Commander F. Julian Becton - a witness to the original Laffey's destruction - who pledged solemnly that though the new destroyer would uphold its namesake's glorious and heroic tradition, it would not be lost to enemy fire."--Book Flap.