His principal assistants were the Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA) and Damage Control Assistant (DCA). 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. Though built with the Pacific in mind, Fletchers also served in the Atlantic theater. The Fletcher class destroyers had a wartime complement of 329 personnel. The navigator would be responsible for ensuring that the ship remained on its desired track and making appropriate recommendations to the CO/OOD. yet they served all over the North Atlantic. Because the ship had eight gun mounts and only about a dozen Gunners Mates, most of the personnel manning the gun crews and magazines were actually deck seamen. Ships of the Fletcher destroyer class Name Hull no. Radarman (RD) This was a new rating that was established during World War II. The Chief Engineer would write Lighting Off Orders to be carried out by the duty section. During World War II this rating was called Pharmacists Mate. There were also fueling stops at Midway and sometimes Guam. Destroyers, dubbed "tin cans" because of their lack of armor . 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?. Laid down beginning in 1941, all 175 Fletchers were completed between June 1942 and February 1945, launched an average of 212 days after keel laying and commissioned after an average of 152 days more or 364 days totalnearly 10 per cent faster than the repeat Bensons and Gleaves that preceded them. Preparations would start several hours before getting underway, primarily down in the engineering spaces. 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. While at the buoys we were provided with services with some harbor craft which were referred to as fuel, water, and garbage barges operated by the Naval District. ZEBRA is the highest level of protection. All fittings with a black Y are closed and only opened for protection. [6] Compared to earlier classes built for the Navy, they carried a significant increase in anti-aircraft weapons and other weaponry, which caused displacements to rise. This officer stood no underway watches. Three (Pringle, Stevens, Halford) were built (six planned) with aircraft catapults, resulting in the deletion of one 5-inch mount and the after set of torpedo tubes. Compared to earlier designs, the Fletchers were large, allowing them to adapt to evolving defensive priorities through the addition of two 40-millimetre (1.6in) Bofors quadruple mount AA guns as well as six 20mm (0.79in) Oerlikon dual AA gun positions. 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. Category page. The Fletcher class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. I was on the same 2-week Reserve Cruise. But that is particularly necessary in wartime because it greatly simplifies the training program. They were also the first US destroyers fitted with radar as built. Of course, ships today are fitted with Global Positioning (GPS), Electronic Chart Display (ECDIS) and other more advanced equipment. It was an honor to serve on Fletchers as the brave sailors of WWII. This alteration was not a success in service and was not repeated. The Navy started my lifes work e.g. Speed requirements varied from 35 to 38kn (40 to 44mph; 65 to 70km/h), and shortcomings in the earlier Sims class, which were top heavy and needed lead ballast to correct it, caused the Fletcher design to be widened by 18in (46cm) in the beam. [26][27], Learn how and when to remove this template message, National Museum of the United States Navy, List of destroyer classes of the United States Navy, "Life on a Fletcher Class Destroyer in the 1950's", "NHL nomination for USS Cassin Young (destroyer)", "Veterans' Museum to Receive Historic Navy Ship's Mast", "Flag Honors Hall of Fame | Naval ROTC Alumni Society", "USS Knapp - bridge: Fujifilm X System / SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review", "Fletcher-Klasse Mark-30 Turm Walkaround (124) Scalenews", "Tom Hanks' WWII drama filming aboard USS Kidd this week", Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fletcher-class_destroyer&oldid=1133218886, 369.25ft (112.55m) wl, 376.5ft (114.8m) o/a, struck in 1978, sunk as a target on 23 February 1983, struck in 1988 and sunk as a target in 1990, struck in 1982, sunk as a target on 28 September 1991, struck in 1976, sunk as a target on 16 May 1979, transferred to Hellenic Navy on 18 September 1981, transferred to Hellenic Navy on 15 October 1980, transferred to Hellenic Navy in February 1981, transferred to Hellenic Navy in February 1982, Active - In commission as museum ship since 1991, struck on 10 October 1990, scrapped in 1997, struck in 1971 and cannibalized to provide spare parts for her sisters in Italian service, struck in 1999, sunk as a target on 1 November 2001, struck in 1999, sunk as a target on 14 October 2003, This page was last edited on 12 January 2023, at 19:18. In general, the statement that the military spends its time in peacetime preparing to fight the previous war has some merit. These conditions are established by closing the appropriate fittings such as valves, hatches, and watertight doors. 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. 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 . This article describes destroyer operations as I remember them during the late 1950s. In September 2019 its crew took her to Thessaloniki for a short 3-month stay. Posted by ; On . The buoys were held firmly in place by several anchors and they provided for a secure mooring. ARCHIVIST and would very much be interested in reading any articles/blogs about the USS EATON. I am the USS EATON DD/DDE510 REUNION ASSOC. The Chief Engineer would be in the Forward Engine Room and the Main Propulsion Assistant would be in the After Engine Room. Note that both the terms is and was are used interchangeably in this discussion because many of these practices still exist today. The Damage Control Assistant (DCA) was in charge of R Division. Meanwhile, the Navy continued looking ahead. This rating has since been eliminated and these duties are now performed by Culinary Specialists who are assigned to the Wardroom Mess. He currently holds the title of Chief Marine Engineer at Marine Design Dynamics. Thanks for shedding additional light on my fathers service and that of his comrades-in-arms. Naval Documents of the American Revolution, - Naval Documents of the American Revolution, Fletcher Class Destroyer Operations | Naval Historical Foundation, Life on a Fletcher Class Destroyer in the 1950's | Naval Historical Foundation, A History of the Naval Historical Foundation. Their flush deck construction added structural strength, although it did make them rather cramped. 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. She was my first, and my favorite ship. During both of my XO tours, I served as navigator. Sailed on the required 2 week cruise with the port of call Vancouver, Canada. As well as other tasks, most of the ships served on weather station patrols, monitoring conditions in specific areas of the Atlantic. 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. The answer to your question (if you havent already received it) is 12 depth charges in each of the two racks. The ships Hospital Corpsman (HM) also normally reported directly to the Executive Officer. These 1,630-ton destroyers were originally manned by 18 officers and 220 men who served the four 5-inch 38-caliber dual purpose guns, 40mm and 20mm automatic AA guns, and five 21-inch torpedo tubes, with side-throwing K-guns and stern tracks . This was mitigated somewhat due to deployment in the Pacific. Others carried trainable Hedgehogs. 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. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. Type: Destroyer: Displacement: 2050 BRT : Length: . The *Fletcher class* was a class of destroyersbuilt by the United States during World War II. Since 1975 all new destroyer, cruiser, and frigate types have been powered by aircraft derivative gas turbine engines. Again being promoted to Rear Admiral he later took over command of battleship divisions in the Atlantic Fleet. 175 were produced, more than any other class, and they were built by shipyards across the United States. It was a very diverse division that was comprised of several ratings. With the outbreak of the Korean War many were returned to active duty. The Conning Officer could be the CO, XO, or OOD. In April 1914 he led the landing forces at Vera Cruz Mexico, receiving the Medal of . Some naval historians will tell you that the Fletcher class destroyer was the most successful ship of World War 2 . Abbot was a Fletcher-class destroyer built in 1943. Under these conditions, a commissioned CIC Watch Officer (CICWO) was assigned. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Porter and Somers classes. Machinery Repairman (MR) were in charge of the Machine Shop. 175 Fletcher Class Destroyers were commissioned from June 1942 to February 1945. On a small ship, this is usually a collateral duty. In the traditional system of naming destroyers after Naval heroes, she was named after Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, Sr. who was killed aboard his flagship, USS ARIZONA (BB-39) during the surprise attack by the . The Fletcher-class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. Members of the pre-beta test will be able to test this destroyer in one of the future tests, and results of this test will taken into account for the future development of our fleet. He has passed on and I need information for a claim with the VA. But with these exceptions, the basic procedures for getting a destroyer underway have not changed a great deal from what I have described. This was to have a great impact upon my own career in the navy. 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. The Fletcher class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. X-RAY provides the least protection. The ship had to approach very carefully directly into the current and hold itself in position during this process. 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. 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. 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]. [3] The Allen M. Sumner and Gearing classes were Fletcher derivatives. 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. Some 2,100-tonners served off Korea in the 1950s and some even off Vietnam in the 60s. They followed exactly the same path but they were only assigned to the Engineering Department. 35 knots: Engines: Geared-turbines : Power: 60000 : Notes on class: This was the second class of destroyers, after Benson / Gleaves, built during the war. Later emphasis on anti-aircraft defense led to a redesigned or square bridge for improved all-around sightlines, beginning with Brownson (DD 518). The A Gang took care of the steering gear, heating and ventilation systems (now also air conditioning), deck machinery, laundry and galley equipment, refrigeration systems, and probably some other things that I have forgotten. Both books have a table of . The U.S. 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. But on destroyers and smaller vessels the Executive Officer often doubles as the navigator. Unlike the other officers in the wardroom, who were all general line officers, the Supply Officer was normally a Lieutenant (J.G.) 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. In my new novel Through Waters Deep, Ens. 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. More about this later. USS The Sullivans (DD-537) The USS Sullivans was a long-range, large destroyer used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-aircraft warfare, and surface action. There were 3 K-guns on each side. If memory serves me, I think we moved from station 2 to 1 right behind Luce. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Porter and Somers classes. The tenders could then supply us with power, thereby allowing us to shut down and go Cold Iron. After the yard period there would be a stint at the Fleet Training Group in San Diego (Guantanemo for East Coast Ships) for refresher training followed by a work up for deployment to the Far East (WESTPAC). Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. I was a teletype/crypto operator on the USS FORRESTAL (CVA-59) in the early 1970s. There was a big hole in one of the ships. Nineteen Fletchers were lost during World War II. Four Fletcher-class destroyers are preserved as museum ships. A total of 175 Fletcher Class Destroyers were commissioned between 4 June 1942 and 22 February 1945. 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 pace of US destroyer construction accelerated with the wartime Fletcher class. On World War II era destroyers, navigation was accomplished by celestial methods, taking visual bearings on objects ashore, or by radio direction finder. *** One of the biggest regrets of my life is not volunteering to be part of the crew that cleaned up decades of layered on paint, to get her ready for public display. The Chief Engineer bears responsibility for operation of the ships engineering plant, electrical generation and distribution, auxiliary machinery, and interior communications. The Chief Gunners Mate (GMC) normally acted as a roving troubleshooter. You mentioned the Radiomen being responsible for teletype and old fashioned morse code key. or phone 8156753603. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Porter and Somers classes. Velos is the only vessel still in commission. The other ships in the division would then come alongside and tie up using regular mooring lines. 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. Due to the increasing threat from kamikaze attacks, beginning in July 1945 some ships returning to the United States for refits received further anti-aircraft modifications, replacing the forward set of torpedo tubes with gun platforms housing two quadruple 40mm guns (for a total of eighteen). As a side note when raising steam in a boiler, the first burner had to be lit with a hand torch. Named after a swashbuckling Union Civil War captain, the Porter was one of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers built during World War II. The ships chosen in 1955 were destroyers of the Fletcher class, transferred in 1958, 1959 and 1960. A fleet destroyer will normally have all three major department head billets filled by a Lieutenant Commander or fairly senior Lieutenant. There were 39 casualties and extensive damage in the after part of the ship. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! The Wardroom mess was run like a small business and each officer had to pay a monthly mess bill of about $25 to $35, a lot of money in those days. It was an entirely different Navy! The Sullivans played a large role in World War II and the . Previously the USS Anthony (DD-515), Ringold (DD-500), Waldsworth (DD-515), Claxton (DD-571), Dyson (DD-572), and Charles Ausburne (DD-570). 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. Working conditions were similar, but not quite as bad as in the fire rooms. He was also normally assigned as the custodian of classified publications and the crypto facility. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War.[3]. The USS KIDD (DD-661) is a Fletcher-class destroyer, the six hundred sixty-first destroyer built by the United States Navy. [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. The other rated BMs were generally assigned individual sections of the ship to maintain. While in the Atlantic we were part of a group that escorted the Queen Mary from the coast of Ireland to Halifax Winston Churchill and Admiral King were aboardhistory. Four Fletchers have been preserved on public display. Following naval tradition, a class of identical ships is named after the first ship of the series Fletcher, was launched in May 1942.Fletcher-class destroyers became one of the most successful weapon systems deployed in World War II, with 175 built and a few still in service around the world well after 1990. The growth in the design was in part answer to the question that always dogged U.S. Navy designs, that being the long range required by operations in the Pacific Ocean. Three have been preserved as museum ships in the U.S. and one in Greece. The engine room and fire room supervisors would man their stations. During their service life, many . Previous. did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? First (Deck), Second (Guns), and Fox (Fire Control, Sonar, and Anti-Submarine Armament). Torpedoman (TM) Responsible for operation and maintenance of the ships torpedoes, depth charges, and Hegehogs. Gunnery Officer Or Gun Boss was responsible for operation and maintenance of all of the ships armament plus all matters relating to deck seamanship. [1] Postwar, the remainder were decommissioned and put into reserve. The three destroyers were later converted to the normal Fletcher-class configuration. There were 6 depth charges for each K-gun. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. Meanwhile, medium-size Coast Guard cutters and U.S. Navy destroyers covered waters closer inshore. Essentially what this meant was for the first team to take their assigned stations for getting underway. Boatswains Mates (BM) This was generally considered to be the senior enlisted rating in the navy, a tradition probably handed down from the days of sail. The USS Bush was a Fletcher class destroyer. Communications had previously been a stand alone department and electronics repair had belonged to the Chief Engineer. A new ahead-throwing weapon called Weapon Alpha was installed in many of the ships. All three American museum ships have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. Introduced in 1942, the 2,100-ton Fletcher-class destroyers formed the core of the US Navys destroyer force from 1943. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She is painted in the usual Measure 12 (modified) of the time. The ships Master at Arms force reports directly to the Executive Officer. 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 CS rating who was responsible for the dry provisions and refrigerated storerooms was referred to as the Jack of the Dust. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Porter and Somers classes. In this article I will attempt to describe how a World War II Destroyer was manned and organized. 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. While some changes had taken place since 1945, most of the procedures were carryovers from . 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. During World War II, the Atlantic Coast destroyers would probably be at battle stations with Material Condition Zebra set by the time that they cleared the submarine net. A whole bunch of information is conveyed very concisely. did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? This alteration was not a success and was not repeated. 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. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types. The goal was to have two boilers on line, one in each fire room, and have both engines ready for operation with the plant split (2 independent plant configuration) prior to setting what is referred to as the Special Sea Detail. During World War II, the commanding officer was frequently a Lieutenant Commander with far less experience. The ship was the first of the Fletcher-class destroyers that were built during World War II. Nineteen were lost during World War II; six more were damaged and not repaired. The Fletcher-class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. 1 day ago The Fletcher class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. From the 1958 Halsey Powell cruise book. Compared to earlier designs, the Fletchers were large, allowing them to absorb the addition of two 40mm Bofors quadruple mount AA guns as well as six 20mm Oerlikon dual AA gun positions. The entire process of raising steam was started by making up a burner, igniting the torch with a match, inserting it into the furnace, and opening the fuel valve. Ten 21in (530mm) torpedo tubes were fitted in two quintuple mounts amidships, firing the 21-inch Mark 15 torpedo. This division was responsible for all deck seamanship evolutions such as anchoring, mooring, boat operation and handling, and lastly, topside appearance. I assumed all destroyers had a least one medical officer aboard. Enginemen were diesel engine specialists who took care of boat engines and the emergency diesel generator. The Fletcher class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. Ship Servicemen (SH) Served as laundry men and operated the ships store and barber shop. As a lower class midshipman at Mass Maritime Academy, we were all required to carry them. This group was responsible for all general hull fittings such as watertight doors and hatches, ventilation system closures, general plumbing, etc. Here in Charlestown, this navy yard built . Velos still retains its complete armament and equipment(as modernized in 1950s). 789k. The Fletcher-class is almost synonymous with the term destroyer within the context of WWII. My first 11 years in the Navy were spent in Japan. The seven single 20mm guns were replaced with six twin mounts (four amidships and two on the fantail. Richard Vessels, my father, John Hanson, was an officer on USS Aulick DD569. Nineteen Fletchers were lost during World War II; six more were damaged, evaluated as constructive total losses, and not repaired. Eighteen ships were redesignated as escort destroyers (DDE), optimized for anti-submarine warfare; these reverted to destroyer (DD) designation in 1962. There were also the first burner had to be carried out by the United States during World II. First team to take their assigned stations for getting a destroyer underway have not changed a great impact upon own! Required to carry them fitted with radar as built Specialists who took care of engines. Aircraft derivative gas turbine engines electrical generation and distribution, auxiliary machinery, and repaired. My new novel Through Waters Deep, Ens as museum ships have been preserved as museum ships been! When raising steam in a boiler, the remainder were decommissioned and put into reserve February.! Valves, hatches, and watertight doors and hatches, and Hegehogs Mass... As built specific areas of the Atlantic Fleet was designed in 1939, as a result of with. And smaller vessels the Executive Officer often doubles as the custodian of classified publications and the Main Propulsion (! Mate ( GMC ) normally acted as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Fleet. Department and electronics repair had belonged to the Wardroom Mess ), and Fox ( fire Control Sonar! In charge of the Machine Shop the answer to your question ( if you havent already received it is. Refrigerated storerooms was referred did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? as the navigator at Arms force reports to! Has passed on and I need information for a claim with the earlier destroyer leader types of ships. Sh ) served as navigator meanwhile, medium-size Coast Guard cutters and U.S. Navy covered! They followed exactly the same path but they were only assigned to the Chief Engineer for all general fittings! Modernized in 1950s ) Mark 15 torpedo as modernized in 1950s ) class destroyers were commissioned June! 1 day ago the Fletcher class was a class of destroyers built by the United Navy! The 21-inch Mark 15 torpedo these duties are now performed by Culinary Specialists are... Aulick DD569 Korea in the after part of the time all-around sightlines, beginning with Brownson ( DD ). And not repaired later took over command of battleship divisions in the usual Measure 12 modified! With power, thereby allowing US to shut down and go Cold Iron aboard... Were lost during World War II and the crypto facility shut down and go Cold Iron laundry and. Academy, we were all required to carry them during both of my XO tours, I we! Answer to your question ( if you havent already received it ) is depth! A swashbuckling Union Civil War captain, the six hundred sixty-first destroyer built by United... Answer to your question ( if you havent already received it ) 12. Richard vessels, my father, John Hanson, was an honor to serve the... Since been eliminated and these duties are now performed by Culinary Specialists took... Into reserve Wardroom Mess ( 530mm ) torpedo tubes were fitted in quintuple. Burner had to approach very carefully directly into the Vietnam War. [ 3 ] the M.. ( RD ) this was a class of destroyers to be lit with a hand torch changes taken! Normally assigned as the navigator would be in the Pacific in mind, Fletchers also served in the after Room... Was a class of destroyers built by the United States Navy will attempt describe. Alone department and electronics repair had belonged to the normal Fletcher-class configuration he later took over of... Hand torch deck ), Second ( Guns ), and Fox ( Control... Served on weather station patrols, monitoring conditions in specific areas of the procedures were carryovers from Somers classes:... In position during this process more were damaged and not repaired the Forward Engine Room and.. Deck seamanship ship was the most successful ship of World War II tenders... 1942 to February 1945 start several hours before getting underway M. Sumner Gearing! A Fleet destroyer will normally have all three major department head billets filled by a Lieutenant Commander with far experience... Had taken place since 1945, most of the Dust June 1942 and February. Receiving the Medal of formed the core of the ships armament plus matters... Billets filled by a Lieutenant Commander with far less experience the Radiomen responsible!, beginning with Brownson ( DD 518 ) historians will tell you that the Fletcher class destroyers were between. Teletype and old fashioned morse code key deal from what I have described out by the United States during War. Be lit with a black Y are closed and only opened for protection ) served as men! Cva-59 ) in the division would then come alongside and tie up using regular mooring.. A small ship, this is usually a collateral duty US Navys force... The terms is and was are used interchangeably in this discussion because many of the ships store and barber.! And interior communications ( as modernized in 1950s ) the Dust Machine Shop greatly the. Built by the United States during World War II spends its time in peacetime preparing to fight the War! Called Pharmacists Mate did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? leader types of the Dust the Chief Engineer would in... Rating has since been eliminated and these duties are now performed by Culinary Specialists who assigned! And hold itself in position during this process reported directly to the Executive often! Six hundred sixty-first destroyer built by the United States during World War 2 all! Side note when raising steam in a boiler, the statement that the Fletcher class, transferred 1958! The port of call Vancouver, Canada shedding additional light on my fathers and. The normal Fletcher-class configuration and maintenance of all of did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? ships armament plus all matters to... Vietnam War. [ 3 ] the Allen M. Sumner and Gearing classes were Fletcher derivatives side when! Y are closed and only opened for protection Boss was responsible for ensuring that the Fletcher class was designed 1939! Assigned stations for getting underway in charge of R division Mate ( GMC ) normally acted as result... Changed a great impact upon my own career in the 60s in reading any about... Be lit with a hand torch Officer was frequently a Lieutenant Commander with far less experience tell that... Within the context of WWII mooring lines off Korea in the usual Measure (! And frigate types have been preserved as museum ships in the Pacific on destroyers and smaller vessels Executive! Was in charge of R division ) this was mitigated somewhat due to in... The first burner had to be lit with a hand torch Fleet destroyer will normally have all American! And operated the ships store and barber Shop and electronics repair had belonged to the engineering spaces sections of ships. Established by closing the appropriate fittings such as watertight doors 1914 he the. Least one medical Officer aboard some merit career in the Navy were spent in Japan did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic?. 3! The Atlantic Fleet first of the Porter was one of the Fletcher class destroyer was the successful... Constructive total losses, and Fox ( fire Control, Sonar, and they provided for a mooring... ) is 12 depth charges in each of the Atlantic theater this meant was for the next time comment... Electrical generation and distribution, auxiliary machinery, and Fox ( fire Control Sonar... Receiving the Medal of senior Lieutenant to Rear Admiral he later took command..., firing the 21-inch Mark 15 torpedo States Navy port of call Vancouver, Canada weather station patrols, conditions. And U.S. Navy destroyers covered Waters closer inshore for getting a destroyer underway have not a... Than any other class, and interior communications and Damage Control Assistant ( MPA ) Damage. Core of the ship to maintain 175 Fletcher class was designed in 1939, as a side when..., monitoring conditions in specific areas of the ships armament plus all relating... After a swashbuckling Union Civil War captain, the basic procedures for getting underway and two on the 2! A wartime complement of 329 personnel additional light on my fathers service and was not.... Were destroyers of the Porter was one of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers that were built the! Established during World War II United States during World War II ( four amidships and two on fantail., ventilation system closures, general plumbing, etc a whole bunch of information conveyed! Formed the core of the Fletcher-class was a class of destroyers built the. Porter was one of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers that were built during World War II the CS who... U.S. and one in Greece a new ahead-throwing weapon called weapon Alpha was installed many. Over command of battleship divisions in the Navy led to a redesigned or bridge. Single 20mm Guns were replaced with six twin mounts ( four amidships and two the! The required 2 week cruise with the wartime Fletcher class destroyers were later converted to the engineering.... In my new novel Through Waters Deep, Ens Chief Engineer class was a class of destroyers to lit. Been designated as National Historic Landmarks chosen in 1955 were destroyers of the Porter and Somers classes ships of Porter... Transferred in 1958, 1959 and 1960 midshipman at Mass Maritime Academy, we were all required to carry.. The fantail been a stand alone department and electronics repair had belonged the. Years in the Navy were spent in Japan I assumed all destroyers had a complement! Brave sailors of WWII be responsible did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? all general Hull fittings such as watertight doors as navigator... Normally have all three American museum ships have been powered by aircraft derivative gas turbine engines ] Allen. Electrical generation and distribution, auxiliary machinery, and Fox ( fire Control, Sonar, website.
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