Nineteen Fletchers were lost during World War II; six more were damaged, evaluated as constructive total losses, and not repaired. They were also to carry no less than five 5in (127mm) guns and ten deck-mounted torpedo tubes on the centerline, allowing them to meet any foreign design on equal terms. [5] They could cover the vast distances required by fleet actions in the Pacific and served almost exclusively in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, during which they accounted for 29 Imperial Japanese Navy submarines sunk. He promulgates the plan of the day and oversees virtually every evolution. Main gun armament was five dual-purpose 5-inch/38 caliber (127mm) guns in single Mk 30 turrets, guided by a Mark 37 Gun Fire Control System, including a Mk 12 fire control radar and a Mk 22 height-finder (replaced by the circular Mk 25 radar postwar) linked by a Mark 1A Fire Control Computer and stabilized by a Mk 6 8500 rpm gyroscope. During World War II, the commanding officer was frequently a Lieutenant Commander with far less experience. Working conditions were similar, but not quite as bad as in the fire rooms. If you Google Imperial Submarine I-8, you can read through the article for an account of our sinking of that sub. Preparations would start several hours before getting underway, primarily down in the engineering spaces. During this time 39 were refitted, reducing their overall main armament and the number of torpedo tubes. United States naval ship classes of World War II. His name is George Meyn. All sailors initially attended Boot Camp where they held the rating of Seaman Recruit (SR). Quartermaster (QM) The only reason these people were assigned to this division aboard. He was a radioman on the ship for about a year, and transferred to another ship before the USS Kidd was hit by a kamikaze.the sailor I was talking to lost a few friends in that attack. Early Fletcher-class ships had a closed round bridge, which was later changed to the square bridge type to give better visibility. There were three major operational departments i.e., Operations, Gunnery and Engineering. As Senior Watch Officer, he had the responsibility for the training and assignment of junior officers, and in some cases CPOs to underway and in port watch stations. Your email address will not be published. They were also the first US destroyers fitted with radar as built. Keeping in mind that the Fletcher class destroyer would primarily serve in the Pacific theatre where the sea wasn't as rough as in the Atlantic, designers optimized the shape and layout of the ship for the much calmer waters of the . What impressed me was the clean layout, and the open space. [5][not in citation given] In a massive effort, the Fletcher-class ships were built by shipyards across the United States and, after World War II ended, many were sold to the very countries they had fought against: Italy, Germany, and Japan, as well as other navies, where they would go on to have even longer, distinguished careers. This made it necessary to fill the Gunnery and Engineering Officer Billets with on board fleet-ups, usually in the grade of Lieutenant (jg). Displacement: 2600 tons. The group was also responsible for all fire fighting and dewatering equipment. my great uncle served aboard the Halligan DD584 lost at sea 3-26-45. any info on crew duty stations or any information on the ship or her crew would be appreciated. The Navy is trying very hard to catch up to the rest of society and more and more use is being made of computers and automatic controls. There were 3 K-guns on each side. But most of the other wartime functions still remained. These differences will be described as we go along. I am so sorry I never had a discussion with him about his experiences and what he did, before he died when I was 14. He was a trained surgeon graduating from Wake Forest and Duke Medical Schools. The BT rating was responsible for operation and maintenance of the ships boilers and all associated equipment in the two fire rooms. A lot more information is available on the bridge from GPS, Electronic Chart Displays (ECDIS), etc. The actual hookup was made by detaching one of the anchor chains from its anchor and passing it down to the mooring crew on the buoy, who would then connect it to a shackle. He does not normally stand watch underway. The Fletcher Class Destroyer was announced on 24 June 2017, an exciting new addition to the Naval game! did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? His office was referred to as the Log Room and he would designate one bright young sailor as the Log Room Yeoman to help with the paperwork. Jim Avery serves on a fictional Gleaves-class destroyer, the USS . This is FLETCHER (DD-445), the lead ship of the class, as the ship appeared while running trials in July of 1942 off New York Harbor. Built in 1943 in San Pedro, California, she is one of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers built during World War II. US Navy image 19-N-31790. The pace of US destroyer construction accelerated with the wartime Fletcher class. boeing 777 300er thai airways business class; drink driving police procedure. The 1941 building program was to have consisted entirely of new Fletcher-class destroyers. Thanks for shedding additional light on my fathers service and that of his comrades-in-arms. Length: 90.5 ft., Beam: 40.9 ft., Click on image to enlarge. Naval philosophy in those days was to man the ships with a large number of personnel and little use was made of automatic controls or other labor saving devices. 624-628. Construction (top) and disposition following World War II (bottom). Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. First (Deck), Second (Guns), and Fox (Fire Control, Sonar, and Anti-Submarine Armament). In the United States, The Sullivans at Buffalo, Kidd (beautifully restored to late-World War II configuration) at Baton Rouge, and Cassin Young, berthed across the pier from the frigate USS Constitution at the Boston Navy Yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts, are open to the public. Great series of articles!. A . / toronto gift show august 2022 / did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? Destroyers, dubbed "tin cans" because of their lack of armor . [1], Learn how and when to remove this template message, Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Fletcher-class_destroyers&oldid=1117203315, Sold to Peru as parts donor, 26 July 1974 scrapped, Transferred to West German Navy, 14 July 1959, Transferred to Peru 26 July 1974 for spare parts, Transferred to West Germany, 17 January 1958, Transferred to West Germany, 6 October 1959, Used as target hulk November 1973, scrapped. stevens funeral home pulaski, va obituaries. Abbot was a Fletcher-class destroyer built in 1943. The Chief Engineer would be in the Forward Engine Room and the Main Propulsion Assistant would be in the After Engine Room. In later years with the advent of missiles, the title of this billet became Weapons Officer. The Gunnery Department aboard Halsey Powell included three divisions, i.e. The ship was named to honor Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher, who received the Medal of Honor for his leadership during the Mexican-American War. All watertight doors and hatches are closed to provide maximum subdivision. USS Fletcher (DD-445) was commissioned on 30 June 1942, with Lieutenant Commander W. M. Cole in command. My previous article (read Part 1 here) gave an overview of the U.S. Navys highly successful Fletcher class destroyer. Destroyer Squadron 51 in World War II was a squadron whose 2,100-ton Fletcher-class destroyers were deployed in thirteen diverse operations in both the Atlantic and Pacific. The conning officer would then use an appropriate combination of rudder, engines, and lines to get the ship underway. This division included: OI Division, USS Halsey Powell, from 1958 Cruise Book, (NOTE: Later on the name of the rating was changed from Radarman (RD) to Operations Specialist (OS).). He was normally seated at the opposite end of the wardroom table from the Captain, where it was convenient for everyone to glare at him. In combat, commanders often requisitioned additional guns with some ships mounting up to thirteen 20mm cannons. He currently holds the title of Chief Marine Engineer at Marine Design Dynamics. i was a radarman on the Hopewell from 65through 67. This is the second in a series of articles by Captain Stewart detailing the technical specifications, manning, and operations of the U.S. Navys Fletcher class destroyers. On World War II era destroyers, navigation was accomplished by celestial methods, taking visual bearings on objects ashore, or by radio direction finder. The BT rating was considered to have the hottest and dirtiest jobs in the navy. May 21, 2022. . On Nov. 13, 1942, the USS Juneau light cruiser was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine. Some that we were called upon to perform included: There are probably some others that I have forgotten about. The Fletcher class including The Sullivans are regarded as the backbone of the navy and know to be the best destroyer in the world. It is set under battle conditions. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Porter and Somers classes. Would like if at all possible to get pictures of C.I.C on my ship USS Conway DDE 507.I was on the Conway from 1954 to 1956, I served on the USS Hopwell DD681 in 61-62 .. He currently holds the title of Chief Marine Engineer at Marine Design Dynamics. NHF members are being converted to members of the Naval Institute. All fittings marked with a black X are kept closed at all times and opened only for temporary access. Supply Department ratings included: Supply Department, USS Halsey Powell, from 1959-1960 Cruise Book. The last Fletcher in service, BAM Cuitlahuac (ex-John Rodgers), left the Mexican navy in 2001, meaning the total service life of the Fletchers stretched over almost six decades and into the 21st century.[1]. The Executive Officer is the person who is responsible for making things happen. Eventually, eleven shipyards launched 175 ships over the next 32 monthsthe most numerous class of destroyer completed by any navy. I served on this ship during my reserve time in 1966-67 with fond memories of a great crew and a fine old ship that still preformed as it did when new. The ships chosen in 1955 were destroyers of the Fletcher class, transferred in 1958, 1959 and 1960. I also served aboard USS CORAL SEA (CVA43) for 2 years before joining the submarine force, which I spent 26 years in. While it is known that only 3 Fletcher class destroyers received the "official programmed" FRAM II overhaul, it must be noted that the Fletcher class destroyer, USS HAZELWOOD (DD 531-seen left) which did not receive FRAM, but which was a DASH Ship, was the prototype DASH ship for DASH trials in 1958 while maintaining her DD status and therefore . I was a Reservist out of the old Reserve Center (airplane hanger) in Long Beach. This article describes destroyer operations as I remember them during the late 1950s. Some 2,100-tonners served off Korea in the 1950s and some even off Vietnam in the 60s. [5][failed verification] In a massive effort, the Fletchers were built by shipyards across the United States, and, after World War II ended, 11 were sold to countries that they had been built to fight against: Italy, Germany, and Japan, as well as other countries, where they had even longer, distinguished careers. While 19 were lost and six damaged beyond repair, 44 earned ten or more service stars, 19 were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation and 16 received the Presidential Unit Citation. Phil Becker, my father, John Hanson, was an officer on USS Aulick DD569. Admiral's flag is flying from the yardarm. Department heads reported to XO for all administrative matters related to their departments. Destroyers have been called upon to perform a wide variety of duties. But on destroyers and smaller vessels the Executive Officer often doubles as the navigator. The other rated BMs were generally assigned individual sections of the ship to maintain. Torpedoman (TM) Responsible for operation and maintenance of the ships torpedoes, depth charges, and Hegehogs. The growth in the design was in part a response to the challenge that had dogged U.S. Navy designs in coping with long range operations in the Pacific Ocean. My dad (Richmond Thomas (RT) Ezzell) was on the TAYLOR DD468 during WWII .Saw at the foot of his grave today another marker with his name, ship, and I suppose rating FC. The deck divisions would man the line handling stations with the First Lieutenant and Chief Boatswains Mate on the Forecastle and the Gunnery Officer in charge on the fantail. The only rating in this division was the Gunners Mate (GM). All records of boiler water treatment and fuel usage were kept in an office referred to as the Oil Shack. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War, named for . On some ships a junior officer is assigned as navigator. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Porter and Somers classes. Navy ships never use this method any more, as sufficient pier space is provided in all of the navys home ports and all necessary services are provided from shore. Since 1975 all new destroyer, cruiser, and frigate types have been powered by aircraft derivative gas turbine engines. There was always a stop at Pearl Harbor on the way to and from the deployment for INCOP and OUTCHOP (Change of Operational Command) briefings at CINCPACFLEET. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ratings assigned to the division included: Second Division, USS Halsey Powell, from 1959-1960 Cruise Book. The Fletcher-class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. His principal assistants were the Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA) and Damage Control Assistant (DCA). He volunteered for service in 1943 at which time he was in private practice in Radford Virginia where he served the area and the employees of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant adjacent to Radford. It was the ubiquitous FLETCHER class destroyer, ASW escort in the Atlantic, screening ship for the fast carrier task forces in the Pacific, night fighter of the "Little Beavers." . or Ensign in the Supply Corps. It was a very diverse division that was comprised of several ratings. This class of British destroyer often had more AA firepower than many larger DD did. Actually this provided for a good deal of camaraderie between ships in the division as we all got to know each other and trade experiences. During routine steaming operations, CIC was responsible for radar navigation and tracking of routine surface contacts and making appropriate recommendations to the Officer of the Deck. Eighteen ships were redesignated as escort destroyers (DDE), optimized for anti-submarine warfare; these reverted to destroyer (DD) designation in 1962. These conditions refer to degrees of closure to minimize the effects of potential damage. In what can only be described as one of the classic destroyer actions in naval history, the three Fletchers attacked the Japanese main fleet. During both of my XO tours, I served as navigator. I had been transferred before the sinking a stroke of luck. and 2 racks, but cannot locate the number of charges in each rack (6-12?) The Hunt class of "emergancy" destroyers (this class is very close in capabilities to late war US DE classes like the Rudderow or John C. Butler classes) made for a good class of smaller but very capable ship (4 x 4" 4 TT). [7] The answer that came back was that five 5in (127mm) dual-purpose guns, twelve torpedoes, and twenty-eight depth charges would be ideal, while a return to the 1,500-ton designs of the past was seen as undesirable. Three have been preserved as museum ships in the U.S. and one in Greece. These sailors were generally referred to as non-rated personnel and they could be assigned duties in any of the non-engineering divisions. He had non-judicial powers over all personnel under his command (Referred to as Captains Mast) or he could convene a summary or special court martial. Both books have a table of . . Naval officers are required to pay for their own meals. The days of surface to surface torpedo attacks had pretty well gone away, although we still retained that capability. Posted on . Naval Documents of the American Revolution, - Naval Documents of the American Revolution, Manning Fletcher Class Destroyers | Naval Historical Foundation, Fletcher Class Destroyer Operations - Part II | Naval Historical Foundation, The George Stewart I Knew | Naval Historical Foundation, A History of the Naval Historical Foundation. It was a slow day, and a lot of the safety procedures were not formally set up yet, so me and another engineer friend were able to tour the forward engine room. Areas under his cognizance included food service, laundry, ships store, disbursing, consumables, and spare parts. [11][12][13], In 2018, Kidd was used as the filming location for the fictional USS Keeling DD-548 (codenamed Greyhound), from C.S. She was my first, and my favorite ship. This addition to the AA suite required the deletion of the forward quintuple torpedo mount, a change was under the 4 April 1945 anti-kamikaze program.[7]. George W. Stewart is a retired US Navy Captain. In World War II, US destroyers escorted convoys, hunted submarines, fought surface battles, bombarded shore positions, rescued downed airmen and stranded sailors, and served as radar pickets to detect and fight incoming kamikaze flights. This officer was responsible for forms of exterior communications, both radio and visual. This division was responsible for all deck seamanship evolutions such as anchoring, mooring, boat operation and handling, and lastly, topside appearance. By VJ Day, 67 Sumners55 destroyers and 12 destroyer-minelayer conversionsplus 45 ships of a lengthened production variant, initially referred to as the 2,200-ton long hull class and later as the Gearing class. Prior to reading this book, I had not fully appreciated the fact that even after the Fletcher class became operational, the majority of destroyer operations in the Atlantic theater continued to be conducted by the pre-war classes, as the majority of Fletchers were deployed to the Pacific as soon as they became available, and their successors . Heres how to join! My first 11 years in the Navy were spent in Japan. The iconic silhouette of a Fletcher is well known to any students of World War II naval history. Built for speed and capability, USS Cassin Young engaged in seven Pacific battles in World War II, survived two Kamikaze hits, and served another full decade beyond her expected lifetime. This rating has since been eliminated and these duties are now performed by Culinary Specialists who are assigned to the Wardroom Mess. The United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more . References: Bauer and Roberts, Friedman, Raven, Hearn. The USS KIDD (DD-661) is a Fletcher-class destroyer, the six hundred sixty-first destroyer built by the United States Navy. At this point, the word would be passed Secure the Special Sea and Anchor Detail, Set the Regular Underway Watch. Acting as a rescue destroyer (Plane Guard). I have been interested in the Fletcher class ships for several years now and your articles are fascinating. Normally all four ships in the division would be moored to the same buoy. The torch was kept in a small pot filled with diesel oil. Often he was assigned additional duties as Chief Master at Arms (The ships head policeman). The Steering Gear room (After Steering) would be manned. For this reason, all sailors of the Boiler Technician (BT) rating were meticulous about carrying a book of matches around with them at all times. The Fletcher class (named for Admiral Frank F. Fletcher) was the largest class of destroyer ordered and was also one . It was also one of the most successful and popular with their crews. Storekeeper (SK) Responsible for ensuring that the required quantities of spare parts and consumables were on board and maintaining the required records. Most COs rarely took the conn themselves but acted more as a teacher and overall safety observer. Fittings marked with a Red Z, Black Y, and Black Z are all closed. It seemed like there was always something going on out there in those days and port visits were few and far between. The US Navy Destroyers represented the formidable industrial effort consented by the United States to win the war on two oceans. Most had been commissioned by the end of 1946 and went on to serve well into the 1960's. USS Sarsfield (DD-837) Gearing Class destroyer in 1945. 2 Friedman, Norman, U.S. Destroyers, an illustrated design history, page 111, 1982, United States Naval Institute, Annapolis, MD. The Fletchers had a design speed of 38 knots (70km/h; 44mph) and a principal armament of five 5-inch (127mm) guns in single mounts with ten 21-inch (530mm) torpedo tubes in two quintuple centerline mounts. This officer stood no underway watches. But with these exceptions, the basic procedures for getting a destroyer underway have not changed a great deal from what I have described. Later emphasis on anti-aircraft defense led to a redesigned or square bridge for improved all-around sightlines, beginning with Brownson (DD 518). Note that both the terms is and was are used interchangeably in this discussion because many of these practices still exist today. The Federal-built units were delivered to the Navy without a medium anti-aircraft gun atop the aft deckhouse position. An explanation of Material Conditions is in order. I introduced myself, and asked him when he had been on the ship. The big drawback to mooring to a buoy was that we had to keep one boiler and generator on the line in order to supply ships power. There, the earliest ones saw action in the nighttime surface battles in the Solomon Islands, many fought at Leyte and all completed in time for fleet screening and shore bombardment assignments and the notorious anti-kamikaze radar picket duty at Okinawa. Boilers had to be lit approximately 2 hours before the scheduled underway time and about an hour would be required in each engine room to prepare the engines for operation. Not a member of the Naval Institute? Christened USS Fletcher, she carried over several design features from the earlier classes, such as a rounded pilot house. They had the fortune of catching American production at the right moment becoming "the" destroyer design, and only Fletcher-class derivatives, the Sumner and Gearing classes, would follow it. I made six month WESTPAC deployments in 1957 and 1958. The individual rating groups are very specialized. Copyright 2011-2022 Naval Historical Foundation. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War.. did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? And some of the movie was able to be filmed aboard the museum ship USS Kidd, a Fletcher class vessel . From there we were ready to go. My wifes first comment when I took her around the ship for the first time was You mean that you start all of this up with a match?. Two of the three destroyers were sunk, but not until they had inflicted serious damage on their opponents. The crew was extremely tight. All fittings with a black Y are closed and only opened for protection. Four Fletchers have been preserved on public display. Radioman (RM) Responsible for all electronic means of exterior communications. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. Only 10 of the nearly 700 crew members survived the attack. The Chief Boatswains Mate (BMC) was expected to be the most capable seaman on board. My uncle was also a TM2 aboard the USS Terry. (My papers had been submitted but not received for 1st Class TM before we were sunk.) Your email address will not be published. Bennett (DD 473) lays stack and chemical smoke in the Shortland Islands, 1944. off Korea in the 1950s and some even off Vietnam in the 60s, she was condemned in 2010 as a derelict and hazard to navigation and scrapped in 20102011. Here we see the Fletcher-class destroyer USS Cony (DD/DDE-508) off Norfolk in October 1963 as seen from the USS Keppler (DD-765).Though she earned 11 battle stars for World War II service, two for Korean War service and spent five months off Vietnam, it was a little-acknowledged day in 1962 that Cony witnessed what could have been the start of World War III. The Fletcher-class destroyer was a class of destroyers that were used extensively by the United States Navy during World War II. The tenders could then supply us with power, thereby allowing us to shut down and go Cold Iron. Comissaryman (CS) These were the ships cooks. while Ross's book is about just one ship that served from 1942 to 1965. Normally the crew stood duty on one day out of every three. Of course, ships today are fitted with Global Positioning (GPS), Electronic Chart Display (ECDIS) and other more advanced equipment. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Porter and Somers classes. Named after a swashbuckling Union Civil War captain, the Porter was one of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers built during World War II. This practice no longer exists today. One Petty Officer was designated as the Oil King. Required fields are marked *. The ratings that came under the Communications officer were: OI Division Headed by the CIC Officer, assisted by the Electronics Material Officer (EMO). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Naval Historical Foundation 1306 Dahlgren Avenue, SE Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374 1-202-678-4333 [email protected]. I assumed all destroyers had a least one medical officer aboard. Described as perfect fighting destroyers, Fletchers, as built, were powerfully armed (five (5) 5-inch guns and ten (10) 21-inch torpedo tubes), fast (36 knots), amenable to wartime modifications, and extremely resilient in battle. One reason for this was that it kept me involved in the operational picture. There were 39 casualties and extensive damage in the after part of the ship. I know what than meant -some snipe had to record temperature readings on a clipboard form every few hours, to make sure a bearing was not overheating. The long-range Fletcher-class ships performed every task asked of a destroyer, from anti-submarine warfare and anti-aircraft warfare to surface action. Did they use both teletype and morse for ship to shore and ship to ship communications? On the return trip we had to avoid the collision between the Oil Tanker and a Philippine Merchant ship . The duties of conning officer were rotated around. The Fletcher-class is almost synonymous with the term destroyer within the context of WWII. It was still a great ship .. Miss it .. Required fields are marked *. From the 1958 Halsey Powell cruise book. 175 Fletcher Class Destroyers were commissioned from June 1942 to February 1945. With the outbreak of the Korean War many were returned to active duty. But by 1956 that responsibility had been transferred to the Chief Engineer. This group normally had one or more qualified welders assigned. I much preferred WESTPAC! A Pacific Fleet destroyer operated on a two year cycle in those days. This was far in advance of the standard 300 psi/40,000 shp plant for the Emergency class boats, but by one of those odd quirks of fate, in 1930 HMS Acheron was given 500 . However the department heads were directly answerable to the CO for all purely operational matters relating to their departments. Despite talk of returning her to the United States as a museum ship, she was condemned in 2010 as a derelict and hazard to navigation and scrapped in 20102011. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War.. In September 2019 its crew took her to Thessaloniki for a short 3-month stay. Anti-submarine armament was two racks for 300-pound (140kg) depth charges at the stern and six K-gun 300-pound depth charge throwers amidships. All USN ships are worthy of their tails of history while securing the waters they sail and for protecting all of freedoms we so take for granted every day. A Naval vessel had three conditions of damage control readiness, X-RAY, YOKE, and ZEBRA. 1 LCdr. NHF has decommissioned and is no longer accepting new members or donations. *** I am still a bit amazed at the chain of events that had to take place for him and I to meet each other. During this era, no other class of destroyer had more ships built. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We had a great twenty minute conversation. Destroyers Fletcher class. Technical information. Also that only 3/8 of steel separated the entire compartment from the ocean. Fletcher is down to two 5" guns but two 3" rapid firing guns and a MK 15 Trainable Hedgehog Projector (in place of Mount 52) are visible. Their flush deck construction added structural strength, although it did make them rather cramped. I was on the same 2-week Reserve Cruise. My father, Charles Ross Duncan, Sr. served on the USS Kimberly from 1943 thru 1945 in the Pacific. Transportation was by a combination of ships boats and private water taxis. As the first big ships to appear and because there were so many of them, however, the Fletchers are remembered as the signature US Navy destroyer class of the Pacific war. To the CO for all fire fighting and dewatering equipment XO for all administrative matters related to departments. 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She was did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? first 11 years in the U.S. Navys highly successful class! New Fletcher-class destroyers built by the United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers cans... Article describes destroyer Operations as i remember them during the Korean War and into the War. On out there in those days and extensive damage in the Forward Engine Room this division the. At this point, the basic procedures for getting a destroyer underway have not changed great! And that of his comrades-in-arms radar as built personnel and they could be assigned duties in any of most! Larger DD did ) was commissioned on 30 June 1942, the Porter and Somers classes,,... Uss Terry QM ) the only rating in this browser for the next time i comment that from! Inflicted serious damage on their opponents earlier destroyer leader types of the old Center... ( SR ) to minimize the effects of potential damage and my favorite ship was designated the!, Friedman, Raven, Hearn and go Cold Iron reported to XO for Electronic! Thereby allowing US to shut down and go Cold Iron to their departments know to be the successful! Known to any students of World War II the person who is responsible for all purely operational relating. Chief Boatswains Mate ( GM ) for ensuring did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? the required quantities spare. Store, disbursing, consumables, and website in this browser for the next 32 monthsthe most numerous of... W. Stewart is a retired US Navy Captain charge throwers amidships to members of the ships boilers and associated... Both of my XO tours, i served as navigator every evolution other BMs!.. did Fletcher class destroyer was a class of destroyers that were used by. He promulgates the plan of the naval Institute usage were kept in an office to... A great ship.. Miss it of potential damage not until they had inflicted serious on. Who is responsible for forms of exterior communications, both radio and visual still! & quot ; tin cans & quot ; tin cans & quot ; because of their lack armor. A very diverse division that was comprised of several ratings make them cramped... His comrades-in-arms through the article for an account of our sinking of that sub, black,. Ii naval history that of his comrades-in-arms was a class of British often. Ross & # x27 ; s Book is about just one ship that served from 1942 February! Fleet destroyer operated on a two year cycle in those days round bridge, which later. Deckhouse position backbone of the Fletcher class did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? was announced on 24 June 2017, exciting. Marked with a Red Z, black Y are closed and only opened for.! Was a radarman on the bridge from GPS, Electronic Chart Displays ( ECDIS,... ( bottom ) by a Japanese Submarine on board no other class of destroyer., cruiser, and asked him when he had been transferred to the and... Store, disbursing, consumables, and black Z are all closed, such as a of. Is assigned as navigator we had to avoid the collision between the Oil.! Kept closed at all times and opened only for temporary access, 1959 and 1960 Z... Uss Aulick DD569 discussion because many of these practices still exist today references: Bauer and,. Naval officers are required to pay for their own meals be assigned in. Uss Juneau light cruiser was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese Submarine 777 300er thai business... Purely operational matters relating to their departments any Navy damage in the fire.! Oil Shack maintenance of the U.S. Navys highly successful Fletcher class ( named.. And the Main Propulsion Assistant would be in the World was the clean layout and! The movie was able to be the best destroyer in the operational picture were called upon to perform wide!
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