Pre-war
Helm was launched by Norfolk Navy Yard on May 27, 1937; sponsored by Mrs. J. M. Helm, widow; and commissioned on October 16, 1937, with Lt. Comdr. P. H. Talbot in command.
After shakedown, Helm operated in the Caribbean until March 1938. Following summer exercises, she was attached to the newly formed Atlantic Squadron on October 1, 1938. Early in 1939, she deployed with Carrier Division 2 in the Caribbean for Fleet Problem XX. After being transferred to the West Coast in May 1939, Helm engaged in fleet exercises and screening maneuvers out of San Diego and the Hawaiian Islands.
Read more about this topic: USS Helm (DD-388)