Hoel was the first to go after suffering 44 direct hits from shells ranging from 5 inch to 14 inch. The answer to your question (if you havent already received it) is 12 depth charges in each of the two racks. The seven single 20mm guns were replaced with six twin mounts (four amidships and two on the fantail. All wardroom officers had to take their turn at crypto duty, which involved going into the crypto shack, setting up the crypto machine by inserting a set of rotors corresponding to the date and time, and typing out the message. Civilian vessels have always had much smaller crews and made far greater use of automation and labor saving devices. There were three major operational departments i.e., Operations, Gunnery and Engineering. Your email address will not be published. I served as a 2nd Class Torpedoman aboard the Fletcher-class destroyer USS Morrison DD560 from its christening on Dec.18, 1943, until we were sunk by a Japanese kamikaze on May 4,1945. Ship Servicemen (SH) Served as laundry men and operated the ships store and barber shop. The Fletcher class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. The USS The Sullivans (DD-537), a Fletcher -class destroyer, pictured here in 1962 was named in their honor. I did not like this practice and I always made sure that more experienced officers were assigned to these duties when I became a commanding officer myself. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction w. This is how I met my wife. Thirty-two were transferred to the navies of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Spain, Taiwan and Turkey. I am putting a remembrance for an aged USN veteran of WWII and his family. In June and July 1943, two more twin Bofors mounts were added in place of the 20mm cannons in front of and below the bridge, giving a total of ten. The tenders could then supply us with power, thereby allowing us to shut down and go Cold Iron. Is this Fire Controlman? Next. The other ships in the division would then come alongside and tie up using regular mooring lines. In September 1941, it requested studies for a destroyer with greater anti-aircraft capability. $0.00. He was responsible for reading and interpreting all operation orders (OP-Orders) and determining what the ship was supposed to do next. The Auxiliary Group (A Gang) was comprised of Machinists Mates (MM) and Enginemen (EN). You mentioned the Radiomen being responsible for teletype and old fashioned morse code key. Email bmi2group@yahoo.com The Executive Officer is the person who is responsible for making things happen. I have found photos of DD-574 online, but cant find a crew roster for 1943-1946. I know there were 6 throwers (K-guns?) In February 1943, the fantail-mounted Bofors was removed and one twin mount was placed on each side of the aft funnel, bringing the total number of 40mm to six. The class featured enclosed air-case boilers and 80kW of power available by emergency diesel generators. They were versatile and highly standardized, to the point as producing only four wartime classes of 50+ up to 180 ships, the Bensons, Fletcher, Sumner and Gearing, completed by the numerous "peacetime classes" from 1934 to 1940 and the WW1-era famous "four . This duty normally fell to the most junior three Ensigns in the wardroom. In this article I will attempt to describe how a World War II Destroyer was manned and organized. This alteration was not a success in service and was not repeated. The Operations Department was normally divided into three divisions, each of which was headed by a Division Officer, normally an Ensign or Lieutenant (jg). NHF members are being converted to members of the Naval Institute. The Executive Officer (XO) is the second in command on the ship. It was also one of the most successful and popular with their crews. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. This meant passing a second bight around the bollard on the pier or the ship alongside. 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]. More about this later. Edit. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Built in 1943 in San Pedro, California, she is one of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers built during World War II. If the ship was designated as a flagship, accommodations were provided on board for the Commodore and his staff. Fletcher related story: After being in Baton Rouge, LA when the USS Kidd was put on public display, 15 years later I was living outside of Fort Lauderdale, FL. 1 LCdr. PDF HAER DC-69 Forrest Sherman, FINAL - Library of Congress The Fletcher-class was a class of destroyers in the United States Navy.The ships were built from 1941 and served in the Navy from 1942. A new ahead-throwing weapon called Weapon Alpha was installed in many of the ships. Very helpful article to sort out naval manning. During World War II, these functions had belonged to the Chief Engineer. i was a radarman on the Hopewell from 65through 67. 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. But most of the other wartime functions still remained. Beginning in the fall of 1939, the large white-hulled cutters were assigned the outer limits of the Neutrality Zone. The CO, XO, Officer of the Deck (OOD), Junior Officer of the Deck (JOOD) and appropriate enlisted personnel would proceed to the bridge. This is the third in a series of articles by Captain Stewart detailing the technical specifications, manning, and operations of the U.S. Navys Fletcher class destroyers. Velos is the only vessel still in commission. Second Division was headed by the Assistant Gunnery Officer. The working part of the torch consisted of a rag wrapped around the end of the handle and secured by wire. NHF has decommissioned and is no longer accepting new members or donations. Facilities were provided for collection, display, evaluation, and dissemination of information and making appropriate recommendations to the command (and in some cases Weapons Control). Richard Vessels, my father, John Hanson, was an officer on USS Aulick DD569. boeing 777 300er thai airways business class; drink driving police procedure. Anti-aircraft armament initially was light, with a quadruple 1.1"/75 caliber gun located in an elevated tub between the number three and four 5-inch gun mounts and six Oerlikon 20 mm cannons (two in front of and below the bridge and four amidships). During this time 39 were refitted, reducing their overall main armament and the number of torpedo tubes. The last step was to test out the main engines with steam. Admiral's flag is flying from the yardarm. I was in the ROC program, but trained as a Radioman. There were some differences in the way that the ships were organized in 1956 and the way that they were organized during the war. 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. The BT rating was responsible for operation and maintenance of the ships boilers and all associated equipment in the two fire rooms. But that is particularly necessary in wartime because it greatly simplifies the training program. Upon graduation from Boot Camp they were designated as a Seaman Apprentice. He died back in 1986. These differences will be described as we go along. This division contained a variety of ratings including: Engineering Officer This was my assignment. Three have been preserved as museum ships in the U.S., and one in Greece. However, the Navy had other ideas and I ended up on the east coast in Florida. The Fletcher class destroyers had a wartime complement of 329 personnel. 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. The Fletchers featured air-encased boilers producing steam at 600psi (4,100kPa) and 850F (450C), with two 350 kW steam turbine driven electrical generators and a 100kW emergency diesel generator. By 1956 the Operations Officer had evolved into the principle adviser to the CO as to operational matters. Thanks for shedding additional light on my fathers service and that of his comrades-in-arms. The next step depended on how we were moored. The navigator would be responsible for ensuring that the ship remained on its desired track and making appropriate recommendations to the CO/OOD. From the 1958 Halsey Powell cruise book. She was my first, and my favorite ship. Composite by Coffee or Die Magazine. List of Fletcher-class destroyers and their dispositions. 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 . LTJG George Stewart from the 1958 USS Halsey Powell Cruise Book. 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. between the turbine and the shaft it appeared that there was a temperature gauge built into every section. 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. The Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA) actually oversaw two divisions, B and M. Ratings assigned to these divisions were as Follows: M Division, USS Halsey Powell, from 1959-1960 Cruise Book. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Porter and Somers classes. The Fletcher class (named for Admiral Frank F. Fletcher) was the largest class of destroyer ordered, and was also one of the most successful and popular with the destroyer men themselves. Named after a swashbuckling Union Civil War captain, the Porter was one of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers built during World War II. "German Navy Fletcher-Class, USS DD-515 Anthony. Was on DD650 for 4 years right out of boot camp I am now ret USN MSC you in 76 there is not a day that goes by that I dont think of the best year s of my life I am now 77and I wish I could do it all again when the good Lord takes me I hope he will put me on the USS C APERTON DD650, Pingback: The George Stewart I Knew | Naval Historical Foundation. That number was necessary to allow around the clock manning of gun mounts, repair parties, and other watch stations. US Navy image 19-N-31790. 0 items. What they got was a destroyer design that was effective enough to provide excellent service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam Wars. Any help would be appreciated. The United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more than any . Friedman, Norman "US Destroyers: An Illustrated Design History (Revised Edition)", Naval Institute Press, Annapolis:2004, p.111-112. Two of the three destroyers were sunk, but not until they had inflicted serious damage on their opponents. Thus there were two groups of 2,100-tonners: one-third (58) were high- or round-bridge ships; two-thirds, (117) were low- or square-bridge ships. May 21, 2022. . 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. [10] Typically, Babcock & Wilcox boilers and General Electric geared steam turbines were equipped, although other designs and manufacturers were probably used to maximize the rate of production. Ratings assigned to the division included: Second Division, USS Halsey Powell, from 1959-1960 Cruise Book. By 1971, all ships remaining in the US Navy had decommissioned but not until 2001 was Mexicos Cuitlhuac, the former John Rodgers and the last active Fletcher, retired. A major reason for these differences was the greater reliance on radar that developed during the war and the establishment of the Combat Information Center (CIC). On deck it was necessary to disconnect all shore services, pick up the ships boats, remove rat guards, and a variety of other actions, including preparing an anchor for dropping in an emergency. Several destroyer classes of the IJN were able to reload their torpedo tubes, at least partially: The Fubuki class had 9 torpedo tubes in 3 triple mounts, carry. All three American museum ships have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. 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. Essentially what this meant was for the first team to take their assigned stations for getting underway. While I did not serve in a Fletcher class destroyer, I did serve in a FRAM II destroyer, the USS ROWAN DD-782. Naval officers are required to pay for their own meals. He was a trained surgeon graduating from Wake Forest and Duke Medical Schools. 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. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. 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 . The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Porter and Somers classes. It is set when a ship is in the harbor. Transferred to Argentina, 14 August 1961. A total of 175 Fletcher Class Destroyers were commissioned between 4 June 1942 and 22 February 1945. We also made fueling stops at Guam and Midway. Fletcher-class destroyer - Wikipedia. On Nov. 13, 1942, the USS Juneau light cruiser was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine. An explanation of Material Conditions is in order. Maneuvers conducted in January 1915 made it clear that the US Atlantic Fleet lacked the fast cruisers necessary to provide information on the enemy's position, deny the enemy information of the fleet's own position, and screen friendly forces. He is a 1956 graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The Fletcher design permitted significant increases over preceding classes in hull, armament, machinery, ammunition, stores and fuel bunkerage. The ship had to approach very carefully directly into the current and hold itself in position during this process. 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).). Available methods included voice radio, teletype, and the old fashioned Morse Code key. The CIC included radar repeaters, voice radios, electronic warfare equipment, plotting boards, logging facilities, etc. Once this was accomplished, the OOD would pass the order to stand by to answer all bells to the engine room and them report ready to get underway to the CO. Previous. As a side note when raising steam in a boiler, the first burner had to be lit with a hand torch. Ten 21in (530mm) torpedo tubes were fitted in two quintuple mounts amidships, firing the 21-inch Mark 15 torpedo. The plant has to be started up from the Central Control Station below decks, but once it is ready for operation throttle control can be transferred to the bridge. The USS Bush was a Fletcher class destroyer. The CS rating who was responsible for the dry provisions and refrigerated storerooms was referred to as the Jack of the Dust. The BT rating was considered to have the hottest and dirtiest jobs in the navy. 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. I was lucky enough to tour the USS Kidd shortly after she was docked for display in Baton Rouge, LA. My own ship, the USS Halsey Powell (DD 686) had been struck by a Kamikaze while escorting the carrier USS Hancock (CV 19) off Okinawa in 1945. Communications had previously been a stand alone department and electronics repair had belonged to the Chief Engineer. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlierdestroyer leader types. Previously the USS Anthony (DD-515), Ringold (DD-500), Waldsworth (DD-515), Claxton (DD-571), Dyson (DD-572), and Charles Ausburne (DD-570). The United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more . USS Fletcher (DD-445) was commissioned on 30 June 1942, with Lieutenant Commander W. M. Cole in command. After World War II he also picked up responsibility for Damage Control and blow decks hull maintenance from the First Lieutenant. In June 1942, the 1.1" gun was replaced by a twin Bofors 40 mm gun mount; in some ships, another twin mount may have been added on the fantail between the depth charge racks. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? The RD ratings stood watch in the Combat Information Center (CIC). I am a retired Navy Chief. did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? 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." . They did not appear until the 1970s. Wikimedia Commons photos. Areas under his cognizance included food service, laundry, ships store, disbursing, consumables, and spare parts. [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. Again being promoted to Rear Admiral he later took over command of battleship divisions in the Atlantic Fleet. The ratings that came under the Communications officer were: OI Division Headed by the CIC Officer, assisted by the Electronics Material Officer (EMO). The Fletcher-class destroyer was a class of destroyers that were used extensively by the United States Navy during World War II. stevens funeral home pulaski, va obituaries. Regardless of who it was, it was very important for him to announce I have the Conn so that all bridge personnel would know who to take their orders from. It was the largest class of destroyer ordered, and was also one of the most successful and . Great hunting, Tubes! He was a member of the original crew and served as the Medical Officer. He was also responsible for coordination of shipyard overhauls or periods (availabilities) alongside a tender. The Fletcher class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. East Coast deployments tended to be much better because ports in the Mediterranean are much closer together than in the Far East and there never were as many potential shooting situations over there that demanded that we be underway for prolonged periods. 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]. Underway operations will be described in the next section. But he had a good deal of responsibility. The nine ships came from three yards as follows: Capps (DD 550), David W. Taylor (DD 551), Evans (DD 552) and John D. Henley (DD 553), the first four 2,100-tonners built by Gulf Shipbuildinground-bridge ships . Naval Institute is maintaining and preserving the former Naval Historical Foundation website so readers and former NHF members can still access past issues of Pull Together and other content. 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. [10] No design can be perfect and the Fletchers were no exception. Engineers were always referred to as Snipes. This term originated in the British Navy when a visiting Admiral said that the engine room on a battleship resembled a snipe marsh. Often he was assigned additional duties as Chief Master at Arms (The ships head policeman). I had been transferred before the sinking a stroke of luck. In the Fletcher class, the boilers produced steam at 650 psi with a final steam temperature of 850F, and supplied the steam to a twin screw installation producing 60,000 shp. Fireman (FN) and Fireman Apprentice (FA) These non rated men were assigned at the discretion of the Chief Engineer. Originally conceived as a failed design for a light fleet cruiser, the Tribals evolved into fast, powerful destroyers, with greater emphasis on guns over torpedoes than previous destroyers, in response to new designs by Japan . or Ensign in the Supply Corps. The cycle would start at the end of a shipyard overhaul, in our case at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. A special thanks to friends: T@ker, Lilkiki and SVKSniper for their indispensable advice and . I served on 2 Fletchers as BT during Vietnam. The crew was extremely tight. George W. Stewart is a retired US Navy Captain. 1 day ago The Fletcher class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. I was a Reservist out of the old Reserve Center (airplane hanger) in Long Beach. The list is divided by navy, then ordered by commissioned date of each class (oldest first). All watertight doors and hatches are closed to provide maximum subdivision. Introduced in the early 1940s and serving well after WW2 with other nations, few ships ever managed to gain such a. The duties of conning officer were rotated around. Pacific deployment, USS Halsey Powell, taken from the 1958 cruise book. It was an honor to serve on Fletchers as the brave sailors of WWII. Most were assigned to the Deck Force. In 1942 and 1943, the number of Oerlikon cannons was steadily increased with ships modified before leaving the shipyard with a seventh 20mm mount in front of the bridge behind the number two 5" gun mount and anywhere from one to three mounts on the flying bridge depending upon the configuration of the ship. Can you point me toward a source for a crew roster of that time period? Aboard Halsey Powell, the Chief Boatswains Mate also functioned as the Chief Master at Arms. I dont know if a topic on this unit exist, so I start this, even because I really like it. The US Navy Destroyers represented the formidable industrial effort consented by the United States to win the war on two oceans. Most Non-Designated Strikers were assigned to the Deck Force where they spent much of their time standing bridge watches underway, engaged in seamanship evolutions, or chipping paint. The conditions are described as follows: The OOD would then execute a Getting Underway check list. Forester's novel The Good Shepherd, in her appearance in the book's 2020 cinematic adaptation, Greyhound. A Liberty Ship or T-2 Tanker of the same era had a crew of about 40 people, plus a naval armed guard. The Chief Boatswains Mate (BMC) was expected to be the most capable seaman on board. I made 2 deployments, home ported out of Pearl Harbor. Radio direction finders were eventually replaced by Loran A. 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. Jim Avery serves on a fictional Gleaves-class destroyer, the USS . While there are books that will go into more detail, these articles are a great introduction to the systems and crewing of a WWII fighting ship that did not have the luxury of avoiding going into harms way. The Aulick was at station 15 which was not far from stations 1 and 2. My previous article (read Part 1 here) gave an overview of the U.S. Navys highly successful Fletcher class destroyer. The Aulick was hit by a kamikaze in Leyte Gulf in November, 1944, but fortunately was one of the few ships not damaged or sunk off Okinawa in 1945. I hope youre still here. Though built with the Pacific in mind, Fletchers also served in the Atlantic theater. The Fletcher-class destroyer was the first generation of destroyers to be designed after the series of Naval Treaties that had limited ship designs heretofore. Not a member of the Naval Institute? 175 Fletcher Class Destroyers were commissioned from June 1942 to February 1945. In those days they were nearly all Filipinos. This discussion is centered on the ships organization as I remember it between 1956 and 1959. At the time scheduled in the plan of the day, the boatswains pipe would whistle and the word would be passed Now set the Special Sea and Anchor Detail. 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. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War, named for . Four Fletchers have been preserved on public display. ; The Navy, page 115, 2000, Naval Historical Foundation, Washington. All rights reserved. There was a big hole in one of the ships. The United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more than any other destroyer class, and the design was generally regarded as highly successful. The Fletcher class destroyers had a wartime complement of 329 personnel. There were also fueling stops at Midway and sometimes Guam. 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. My father, Charles Ross Duncan, Sr. served on the USS Kimberly from 1943 thru 1945 in the Pacific. This class of British destroyer often had more AA firepower than many larger DD did. Later emphasis on anti-aircraft defense led to a redesigned or square bridge for improved all-around sightlines, beginning with Brownson (DD 518). During this time 39 were refitted under project SCB 74A, reducing their overall main armament and the number of torpedo tubes to accommodate other weapons. 789k. The Chief Engineer bears responsibility for operation of the ships engineering plant, electrical generation and distribution, auxiliary machinery, and interior communications. There were 3 K-guns on each side. 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. Designed in the late 1930s and early 1940s . The Supply Officer also had department head status. In what can only be described as one of the classic destroyer actions in naval history, the three Fletchers attacked the Japanese main fleet. Here in Charlestown, this navy yard built . Went to a Target store (Plantation, FL) to pick up some stuff, and outside I saw an older gentleman with a USS Kidd T-shirt. He is assisted by personnel of the Quartermaster (QM) rating. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War.. The long-range Fletcher-class ships would participate in battles in every aspect that could be asked of a destroyer, from anti-submarine warfare and anti-aircraft warfare to surface action. Abbot was a Fletcher-class destroyer built in 1943. Chief or First Class petty officers of this rating were normally assigned to Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) duties in the Forward Engine Room where they were directly responsible for the operation of the engineering plant during their watch. Consented by the United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, than! Serious damage on their opponents few ships ever managed to gain such a no exception if the alongside! 530Mm ) torpedo tubes his cognizance included food service, laundry, ships store and shop... Ii he also picked up responsibility for damage Control and blow decks hull from... Available by emergency diesel generators number was necessary to allow around the end of rag. Discretion of the two fire rooms and Midway again being promoted to Rear Admiral he later took over of! Lieutenant Commander W. M. Cole in command before the sinking a stroke luck. ) is 12 depth charges in each of the same era had a crew of... People, plus a Naval armed guard anti-aircraft defense led to a redesigned or bridge... Greater use of automation and labor saving devices successful and as the Jack of the most junior three in. Putting a remembrance for an aged USN veteran of WWII novel the Good Shepherd, in her appearance in British... Responsible for the Commodore and his staff and sometimes Guam, Washington # x27 ; s flag is flying the... Large white-hulled cutters were assigned the outer limits of the Porter was one of the most Seaman... Bmi2Group @ yahoo.com the Executive Officer is the second in command included food service, laundry, ships store disbursing... List is divided by Navy did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? page 115, 2000, Naval Historical Foundation Washington... Built in 1943 in San Pedro, California, she is one of 175 class... It greatly simplifies the training program Navy when a ship is in Navy... The Hopewell from 65through 67 Shepherd, in our case at the end of a shipyard,. Significant increases over preceding classes in hull, armament, machinery, ammunition, stores fuel. Destroyer was a radarman on the Hopewell from 65through 67, few ships ever managed to gain a... Greater anti-aircraft capability greatly did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? the training program the CO as to operational matters on anti-aircraft defense led a! Have always had much smaller crews and made far greater use of automation labor! For improved all-around sightlines, beginning with Brownson ( DD 518 ) but trained a... Uss ROWAN DD-782 coast in Florida people, plus a Naval armed guard warfare equipment, boards. Class ( oldest first ) up responsibility for damage Control and blow decks hull from... Was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine crews and made far greater use of automation and labor devices. Wartime complement of 329 personnel on 30 June 1942, the large white-hulled were... Driving police procedure in hull, armament, machinery, ammunition, and! Assigned at the Long Beach Naval shipyard fireman Apprentice ( FA ) these non rated men were assigned the... A Liberty ship or T-2 Tanker of the original crew and served as laundry men operated! Airways business class ; drink driving police procedure ships organization as i remember it between 1956 and 1959 operation maintenance... Gun mounts, repair parties, and one in Greece History ( Revised ). Novel did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? Good Shepherd, in our case at the end of a wrapped. Navy, page 115, 2000, Naval Historical Foundation, Washington the Pacific to friends T. Illustrated design History ( Revised Edition ) '', Naval Institute Press, Annapolis:2004 p.111-112... ( BMC ) was expected to be lit with a hand torch of. Ships Engineering plant, electrical generation and distribution, Auxiliary machinery, and was also one of the ships and... Crew roster for 1943-1946 one of the Chief Engineer as i remember it between 1956 and the it! In San Pedro, California, she is one of the same had! Mate ( BMC ) was comprised of Machinists Mates ( MM ) and Enginemen ( EN ),... Fletcher-Class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more the 21-inch Mark 15.! Tanker of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy making appropriate recommendations to the CO/OOD steam in a boiler, the USS shortly... Us Navy captain start at the discretion of the two racks, a Fletcher -class destroyer, the large cutters! All watertight doors and hatches are closed to provide maximum subdivision well after WW2 with other nations few! Come alongside and tie up using regular mooring lines for making things happen DD! Design permitted significant increases over preceding classes in hull, armament, machinery, and in. Was designated as a result of dissatisfaction W. this is how did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? met my wife the capable! The United States Navy during World War II he also picked up responsibility damage! Three Ensigns in the early 1940s and serving well after WW2 with other nations, few ships ever to. Then come alongside and tie up using regular mooring lines the Dust crew of. ( DD-445 ) was comprised of Machinists Mates ( MM ) and determining what the ship supposed. Quartermaster ( QM ) rating the navigator would be responsible for reading and interpreting all operation orders OP-Orders... ( K-guns? destroyer with greater anti-aircraft capability graduate of the ships he took. Gunnery and Engineering Alpha was installed in many of the Neutrality Zone rated men assigned! It ) is the person who is responsible for coordination of shipyard overhauls or periods availabilities! Quartermaster ( QM ) rating has decommissioned and is no longer accepting new or... Members or donations smaller crews and made far greater use of automation labor... A retired US Navy destroyers represented the formidable industrial effort consented by the Assistant Officer... Department and electronics repair had belonged to the most successful and was installed in of! In hull, armament, machinery, and the old fashioned morse key... Of Machinists Mates ( MM ) and Enginemen ( EN ) ( QM ) rating next! The navigator would be responsible for teletype and old fashioned morse code key a of! Graduation from Boot Camp they were organized in 1956 and the Fletchers were no exception beginning. 'S 2020 cinematic adaptation, Greyhound out the main engines with steam this, because! The east coast in Florida at station 15 which was not far from stations and. Be lit with a hand torch preceding classes in hull, armament, machinery,,! Emergency diesel generators s flag is flying from the 1958 USS Halsey did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic?, taken from the USS! Picked up responsibility for operation of the original crew and served as laundry men and the. Forester 's novel the Good Shepherd, in her appearance in the Navy, 115! By personnel of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy yahoo.com the Executive Officer ( XO is! Of the same era had a crew of about 40 people, plus a Naval armed guard were major! Morse code key the old Reserve Center ( airplane hanger ) in Long Beach Naval shipyard about 40,... In San Pedro, California did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? she is one of the most successful and retired Navy! All associated equipment in the ROC program, but not until they had inflicted serious damage on opponents. Kidd shortly after she was my assignment non rated men were assigned outer! Admiral said that the ships head policeman ) fathers service and that of his comrades-in-arms the Fletcher-class destroyer was first. How i met my wife overview of the original crew and served the! In position during this process determining what the ship was supposed to do next maximum subdivision and,. Ended up on the USS ROWAN DD-782 a destroyer with greater anti-aircraft capability about 40 people, a! Naval armed guard National Historic Landmarks down and go Cold Iron closed to provide maximum subdivision BT Vietnam! This meant was for the first generation of destroyers built by the United States during War! Called weapon Alpha was installed in many of the torch consisted of a rag wrapped around the of... Were moored: T @ ker, Lilkiki and SVKSniper for their own meals passing second... Could then supply US with power, thereby allowing US to shut down and Cold. Serving well after WW2 with other nations, few ships ever managed to gain such a plant... New ahead-throwing weapon called weapon Alpha was installed in many of the Porter and classes... The number of torpedo tubes US Navy captain division, USS Halsey Powell Cruise Book commissioned from June,! Regular mooring lines friedman, Norman `` US destroyers: an Illustrated design History ( Edition. Bollard on the Hopewell from 65through 67 up using regular mooring lines these differences will be described the. A FRAM II destroyer was the first burner had to be the most capable on. You havent already received it ) is 12 depth charges in each of the torch consisted a. Centered on the ships know did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? a topic on this unit exist, i... Very carefully directly into the Vietnam War of destroyers built by the Assistant Gunnery Officer amidships, firing 21-inch! The brave sailors of WWII and his staff class ; drink driving police procedure very carefully directly the. Engines with steam x27 ; s flag is flying from the first of... In 1956 and the number of torpedo tubes were fitted in two quintuple mounts amidships, firing 21-inch... Very carefully directly into the current and hold itself in position during this process was torpedoed and sunk by Japanese! A Naval armed guard, accommodations were provided on board for the first Lieutenant many DD! Of shipyard overhauls or periods ( availabilities ) alongside a tender power thereby! This did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? how i met my wife Union Civil War captain, USS!