The USS Townsend was a Second Great War U.S. Navy destroyer. She was a modern ship, rated at 35 knots with a main armament of two triple five inch gun turrets fore and aft. In addition, she had a number of twin Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft guns along with both .50 and .30 calibre machineguns and depth charge launchers. The Townsend was then sent to San Diego for refit. She took part in the invasion of Baja California providing off-shore battery support fire. During this mission, the Townsend was attacked and sunk by a Confederate Mule.