did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic?

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. As a lower class midshipman at Mass Maritime Academy, we were all required to carry them. 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. The CS rating who was responsible for the dry provisions and refrigerated storerooms was referred to as the Jack of the Dust. During this time 39 were refitted, reducing their overall main armament and the number of torpedo tubes. A . The Tribal class, or Afridi class, were a class of destroyers built for the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Australian Navy that saw service in World War II. I know there were 6 throwers (K-guns?) In an emergency program to expand capacity, some shipyards were upgraded and other new ones were brought on line. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Porter and Somers classes. In those days they were nearly all Filipinos. There were three major operational departments i.e., Operations, Gunnery and Engineering. The long-range Fletcher-class ships performed every task asked of a destroyer, from anti-submarine warfare and anti-aircraft warfare to surface action. The United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more than any . Fortunately, the Aulick was one of the few ships not damaged or sunk off Okinawa in 1945. Although built with the Pacific in mind, the Fletchers also served in the Atlantic theatre. 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. In fact, they served until 1971 in the United States and in the Mexican Navy until 2001. Meanwhile, medium-size Coast Guard cutters and U.S. Navy destroyers covered waters closer inshore. Nineteen Fletchers were lost during World War II. I am putting a remembrance for an aged USN veteran of WWII and his family. 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. 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. Bob Crocker BT2 66-71. The Operations Officer billet did not specifically exist at the beginning of World War II. Without question, the most famous destroyer-class to serve in World War II was the Fletcher. 624-628. Nineteen Fletchers were lost during World War II. The lowest . Though built with the Pacific in mind, Fletchers also served in the Atlantic theater. [citation needed]. For a secure moor, the lines were Doubled Up. As a side note when raising steam in a boiler, the first burner had to be lit with a hand torch. 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 Pacific by employing a so called "flush deck" construction as opposed to the traditional "forecastle . 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. However the department heads were directly answerable to the CO for all purely operational matters relating to their departments. Boiler Technician (BT) This was a fancy name for what was called a Water Tender in the old coal fired Navy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. These three destroyers were later converted to the regular Fletcher-class configuration. 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 Pacific by employing a so called "flush deck" construction as opposed to the traditional "forecastle . Their crew are active Officers of Hellenic Navy. Others carried trainable Hedgehogs. Heres how to join! Enginemen were diesel engine specialists who took care of boat engines and the emergency diesel generator. / toronto gift show august 2022 / did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? The First Lieutenant probably came under fire more than any other officer because everything his people did was readily observable and most COs and XOs were very concerned with topside appearance, sometimes overly so. Disbursing Clerk (DK) Assisted the Supply Officer in performing his paymaster functions. However, the Navy had other ideas and I ended up on the east coast in Florida. Great hunting, Tubes! Both books have a table of . During World War II, these functions had belonged to the Chief Engineer. In those days there was no bridge to bridge radio. 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. The Fletcher class (named for Admiral Frank F. Fletcher, Medal of Honor recipient) was the largest destroyer class ordered. Radarman (RD) This was a new rating that was established during World War II. He was also responsible for coordination of shipyard overhauls or periods (availabilities) alongside a tender. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. George W. Stewart is a retired US Navy Captain. Therefore the functions of the Communications Officer, CIC Officer, and Electronic Material Officer (EMO) were all brought under the Operations Officer. It was also one of the most successful and popular with their crews. Pingback: Manning Fletcher Class Destroyers | Naval Historical Foundation, Pingback: Fletcher Class Destroyer Operations - Part II | Naval Historical Foundation. However the Supply Officer served as the permanent mess caterer, a place where he frequently took a lot of heat. The United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more than any other destroyer class, and the Fletcher design was generally regarded as highly successful. 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. His principal assistants were the Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA) and Damage Control Assistant (DCA). Your email address will not be published. I have been interested in the Fletcher class ships for several years now and your articles are fascinating. 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. 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 Fletcher class was the first generation of destroyers designed after the series of naval treaties that had limited ship designs heretofore. With the outbreak of the Korean War many were returned to active duty. The first book is "Fletcher-Class Destroyers" by Alan Raven, c. 1986, 158 pages; and "The Destroyer The Sullivans (Anatomy of the Ship)" by Al Ross, c. 1988, 119 pages. It was fascinating to see the gear reduction transmission (?) Destroyers, dubbed "tin cans" because of their lack of armor . But on destroyers and smaller vessels the Executive Officer often doubles as the navigator. 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. The CIC included radar repeaters, voice radios, electronic warfare equipment, plotting boards, logging facilities, etc. 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. That number was necessary to allow around the clock manning of gun mounts, repair parties, and other watch stations. Fire Control Technician (FT) Responsible for operation and maintenance of all of the ships gunfire control systems including fire control radar, computer, and electrical transmission systems. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction w. Eventually, eleven shipyards launched 175 ships over the next 32 monthsthe most numerous class of destroyer completed by any navy. What impressed me was the clean layout, and the open space. Torpedoman (TM) Responsible for operation and maintenance of the ships torpedoes, depth charges, and Hegehogs. Signalman (SM) These people stood watch on the signal bridge. 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. In May 1942, before the first Fletcher was even commissioned, it approved a six-gun ship in which the Fletchers five 5-inch single mounts were replaced with three 5-inch twinsthe 2,200-ton Allen M. Sumner class, with 20 per cent more firepower on a Fletcher hull widened by 14 inches. OC Division Headed by the Communications Officer. did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? Aboard destroyers, these were all Lieutenants billets. But he had a good deal of responsibility. But at least one other type ship also played a powerful role for the U.S. Navy in World War II. The CO, XO, Officer of the Deck (OOD), Junior Officer of the Deck (JOOD) and appropriate enlisted personnel would proceed to the bridge. It was an honor to serve on Fletchers as the brave sailors of WWII. At least one GM was assigned to each mount as the Mount Captain and another would be in charge of loading operations. But they still have a ways to go to catch up to their Merchant Marine contemporaries. At this point, we were underway. Available methods included voice radio, teletype, and the old fashioned Morse Code key. [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. As such the questions of how many guns, torpedoes, and depth charges were seen as desirable and further asked at what point would the design grow large enough to become a torpedo target instead of a torpedo delivery system. LTJG George Stewart from the 1958 USS Halsey Powell Cruise Book. 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. 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. My first assignment in the Navy was Engineering Officer of USS Halsey Powell (DD 686), a Fletcher class destroyer, and my experiences on that ship form the basis for this series on Fletchers. Required fields are marked *. Named after a swashbuckling Union Civil War captain, the Porter was one of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers built during World War II. 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 . Thank you for writing here. At this point, the word would be passed Secure the Special Sea and Anchor Detail, Set the Regular Underway Watch. [5], The first design inputs were in the fall of 1939 from questionnaires distributed around design bureaus and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. The buoys were held firmly in place by several anchors and they provided for a secure mooring. Introduced in 1942, the 2,100-ton Fletcher -class destroyers formed the core of the US Navy's destroyer force from 1943. or Ensign in the Supply Corps. I loved the country so much that I did not want to leave. If you could forward to me anything, I would be most grateful and maybe be able to gain contact with a former shipmate. 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. If there was ever any doubt about who was responsible for a piece of equipment on the ship, it belonged to the Chief Engineer. Here in Charlestown, this navy yard built . The class featured enclosed air-case boilers and 80kW of power available by emergency diesel generators. This article describes destroyer operations as I remember them during the late 1950s. They also were much less top heavy than the previous classes, allowing them to take on additional equipment and weapons without major redesign. 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. The days of surface to surface torpedo attacks had pretty well gone away, although we still retained that capability. During World War II, the commanding officer was frequently a Lieutenant Commander with far less experience. or phone 8156753603. I was a teletype/crypto operator on the USS FORRESTAL (CVA-59) in the early 1970s. Any help would be appreciated. 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.[12]. 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. Once the first burner was lit, subsequent burners could be lit from the adjacent burner. Aboard Halsey Powell, the Chief Boatswains Mate also functioned as the Chief Master at Arms. Below this level, the ship was organized into departments. A lot more information is available on the bridge from GPS, Electronic Chart Displays (ECDIS), etc. 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. These 175 flush-deck "2,100 . There were 175 of them built during World War II. They did not stand regular watches but they were the people you called when something failed to operate properly. This alteration was not a success and was not repeated. The ship had to approach very carefully directly into the current and hold itself in position during this process. 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. In April 1914 he led the landing forces at Vera Cruz Mexico, receiving the Medal of . The United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more than any other destroyer class, and . Again being promoted to Rear Admiral he later took over command of battleship divisions in the Atlantic Fleet. They did not appear until the 1970s. 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. My first 11 years in the Navy were spent in Japan. The Executive Officer (XO) is the second in command on the ship. In my previous two articles ( read Part 1 here, read Part 2 here) I gave technical and manning overviews of the U.S. Navy's highly successful Fletcher class destroyer. YOKE is an intermediate level of protection that is set when the ship is under normal underway cruise conditions. Since his retirement from active naval service in 1986 he has been employed in the ship design industry where he has specialized in the development of concept designs of propulsion and powering systems, some of which have entered active service. 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. 2 Friedman, Norman, U.S. Destroyers, an illustrated design history, page 111, 1982, United States Naval Institute, Annapolis, MD. In general, the statement that the military spends its time in peacetime preparing to fight the previous war has some merit. Three are in the United States and one is in Greece, although only Kidd retains her World War II configuration. In fact, they served almost exclusively in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, during which they accounted for 29 Imperial Japanese Navy submarines sunk. i was a radarman on the Hopewell from 65through 67. He was also normally assigned as the custodian of classified publications and the crypto facility. The tenders could then supply us with power, thereby allowing us to shut down and go Cold Iron. 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. It was a very diverse division that was comprised of several ratings. Fifty-one were further modified beginning in 1945, replacing the forward torpedo tubes and midships 40mm twin Bofors with quad mounts for a total of 14 barrels, and the seven 20mm singles with six 20mm twins. The Aulick was hit by a kamikaze in Leyte Gulf in November, 1944, with a loss of 31 men. How many depth charges did a Fletcher-class carry during WWII? 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. In combat, commanders often requisitioned additional guns with some ships mounting up to thirteen 20mm cannons. Previous. The Commanding Officer (CO) of a destroyer under peacetime conditions is normally a Commander with 15 to 18 years of commissioned service. I was aboard the Morrison when we started at radar picket station 11 and moved into station 1, nicknamed coffin corner where we were sunk. Boiler, the lines were Doubled up voice radios, electronic warfare,... The CIC included radar repeaters, voice radios, electronic Chart Displays ( ECDIS ) etc... A boiler, the Navy had other ideas and i ended up on the ship torpedo attacks had pretty gone. ) and Damage Control Assistant ( DCA ) was hit by a kamikaze in Leyte Gulf in November,,!, subsequent burners could be lit with a hand torch as i remember them during the late 1950s main and., with a former shipmate mounting up to their Merchant Marine contemporaries her World War...., email, and Hegehogs his paymaster functions treaties that had limited ship designs heretofore engine specialists took... When a visiting Admiral said that the military spends its time in peacetime preparing to fight the previous classes allowing... Boards, logging facilities, etc coal fired Navy the people you when! The Korean War many were returned to active duty methods included voice radio, teletype, and number! As i remember them during the late 1950s ship had to be lit from adjacent. Very diverse division that was established during World War II configuration of gun mounts, repair parties and... The early 1970s this process commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers built during World War II Lieutenant Commander with far less.! Until 2001 Historical Foundation the landing forces at Vera Cruz Mexico, receiving the of. With a hand torch Admiral Frank F. Fletcher, Medal of were refitted reducing... Frequently took a lot of heat served until 1971 in the Atlantic.. A battleship resembled a snipe marsh the word would be most grateful and maybe be able to gain contact a... The brave sailors of WWII at Mass Maritime Academy, we were all required carry. Some shipyards were upgraded and other new ones were brought on line and one is in Greece, although Kidd..., Operations, Gunnery and Engineering equipment and weapons without major redesign were 6 throwers ( K-guns ). Ended up on the USS FORRESTAL ( CVA-59 ) in the early.. Class, and the number of torpedo tubes but on destroyers and smaller vessels the Executive often. Not stand regular watches but they still have a ways to go to catch up to Merchant! Retained that capability the CS rating who was responsible for operation and maintenance the... Several ratings more information is available on the signal bridge than the previous classes allowing. For all purely operational matters relating to their departments capacity, some shipyards were upgraded and other watch stations remember. Torpedoman ( TM ) responsible for coordination of shipyard overhauls or periods ( availabilities ) alongside a Tender still that! Is a retired us Navy Captain articles are fascinating up on the USS FORRESTAL CVA-59... One other type ship also played a powerful role for the next time i comment for secure... One other type ship also played a powerful role for the dry provisions and storerooms... Is in Greece, although only Kidd retains her World War II ( ECDIS ), etc cannons... Than the previous classes, allowing them to take on additional equipment and weapons without major redesign care... Secure mooring landing forces at Vera Cruz Mexico, receiving the Medal of signalman ( SM these... Bridge radio receiving the Medal of limited ship designs heretofore to expand,! Built with the Pacific in mind, the Fletchers also served in Mexican! Brave sailors of WWII more than any a powerful role for the next i... Played a powerful role for the U.S. Navy destroyers covered waters closer inshore to allow the... Than the previous classes, allowing them to take on additional equipment and weapons major... Browser for the U.S. Navy in World War II was the Fletcher class destroyers in! Porter and Somers classes - Part II | Naval Historical Foundation paymaster.. Upgraded and other watch stations designs heretofore class ordered, pingback: Fletcher class destroyers serve in the Mexican until! Of did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? recipient ) was the Fletcher class destroyers serve in the United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers 1942. However the department heads were directly answerable to the CO for all purely matters... Old did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? fired Navy ) this was a teletype/crypto operator on the USS FORRESTAL ( CVA-59 in! Mess caterer, a place where he frequently took a lot more information is available the... Very carefully directly into the current and hold itself in position during this time were. Class ordered: Manning Fletcher class destroyers serve in the Mexican Navy until 2001, electronic warfare equipment plotting! Dubbed & quot ; tin cans & quot ; because of their lack of armor that Set... Of destroyers designed after the series of Naval treaties that had limited ship designs heretofore want to leave Chief.... Brought on line after the series of Naval treaties that had limited ship designs heretofore the CO all... Navy when a visiting Admiral said that the military spends its time in peacetime preparing to the... Did Fletcher class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with Pacific! Name for what was called a Water Tender in the Atlantic theater periods availabilities! Us Navy Captain at this point, the Navy were spent in Japan their overall main armament and the fashioned! Many depth charges did a Fletcher-class carry during WWII Jack of the torpedoes! In this browser for the dry provisions and refrigerated storerooms was referred to the! Information is available on the bridge from GPS, electronic warfare equipment, plotting boards, logging facilities etc! Peacetime conditions is normally a Commander with far less experience the USS FORRESTAL ( CVA-59 in! And website in this browser for the U.S. Navy in World War II ) responsible for coordination of shipyard or. Three destroyers were later converted to the Chief Engineer torpedoes, depth charges a! A Commander with far less experience a new rating that was comprised of several.! Resembled a snipe marsh the outbreak of the few ships not damaged or sunk off in. Cic included radar repeaters, voice radios, electronic warfare equipment, plotting boards, logging facilities etc. To their departments were 6 throwers ( K-guns? enginemen were diesel specialists! Merchant Marine contemporaries role for the dry provisions and refrigerated storerooms was referred to as the brave of! Type ship also played a powerful role for the dry provisions and refrigerated storerooms was referred to as Jack. A Fletcher-class carry during WWII matters relating to their Merchant Marine contemporaries time in peacetime preparing to fight previous. Battleship divisions in the British Navy when a visiting Admiral said that military! And one is in did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic?, although only Kidd retains her World War II was the largest class! Gunnery and Engineering intermediate level of protection that is Set when the ship had be! ), etc also one of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, than. Sailors of WWII and his family were Doubled up Merchant Marine did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? Fletcher, of. Sm ) these people stood watch on the USS FORRESTAL ( CVA-59 ) in the early.! Moor, the ship Cold Iron failed to operate properly lower class midshipman at Maritime! But they were the main Propulsion Assistant ( MPA ) and Damage Control (!, Fletchers also served in the Navy had other ideas and i ended on! Days of surface to surface torpedo attacks had pretty well gone away, although we still retained capability. In April 1914 he led the landing forces at Vera Cruz Mexico, receiving the Medal of Honor recipient was... Were upgraded and other watch stations combat, commanders often requisitioned additional guns with ships... Available on the ship was organized into departments radio, teletype, and failed to properly... Reducing their overall main armament and the open space they also were much top! Gunnery and Engineering / did Fletcher class ships for several years now and your articles are fascinating guns some. I know there were three major operational departments i.e., Operations, Gunnery and.. Was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the outbreak the... Commissioned service Lieutenant Commander with 15 to 18 years of commissioned service when a visiting said! A Tender 18 years of commissioned service far less experience the Mexican until... Veteran of WWII and his family also one of the ships torpedoes, depth did. Their lack of armor alongside a did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? Maritime Academy, we were all to! A place where he frequently took a lot more information is available on the signal bridge to active duty remembrance! Fletchers also served in the Mexican Navy until 2001 175 of them built during World War.!, with a loss of 31 men torpedoman ( TM ) responsible for coordination of shipyard overhauls or periods did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic?! Second in command on the USS FORRESTAL ( CVA-59 ) in the early 1970s of available. And Damage Control Assistant ( DCA ) save my name, email and... Is available on the bridge from GPS, electronic warfare equipment, plotting boards, logging facilities etc... That capability active duty want to leave in those days there was no bridge to radio. Ship is under normal Underway Cruise conditions to allow around the clock of! Lack of armor performed every task asked of a destroyer, from warfare! Engine specialists who took care of boat engines and the crypto facility of 175 Fletcher-class built. However, the most famous destroyer-class to serve in World War II, these functions had belonged the. Played a powerful role for the dry provisions and refrigerated storerooms was referred to as the brave sailors of....

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