did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic?

First (Deck), Second (Guns), and Fox (Fire Control, Sonar, and Anti-Submarine Armament). Others carried trainable Hedgehogs. During his 30 year naval career he held two ship commands and served a total of 8 years on naval material inspection boards, during which he conducted trials and inspections aboard over 200 naval vessels. 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 Fletcher class including The Sullivans are regarded as the backbone of the navy and know to be the best destroyer in the world. Some naval historians will tell you that the Fletcher class destroyer was the most successful ship of World War 2 . Many of the ships were sold to other navies during the mid-1950s, including: Any remaining were broken up in the 1970s. Great series of articles!. A Naval vessel had three conditions of damage control readiness, X-RAY, YOKE, and ZEBRA. The Fletcher class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. (My papers had been submitted but not received for 1st Class TM before we were sunk.) The pace of US destroyer construction accelerated with the wartime Fletcher class. All records of boiler water treatment and fuel usage were kept in an office referred to as the Oil Shack. George W. Stewart is a retired US Navy Captain. Their crew are active Officers of Hellenic Navy. 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." and . Thanks for sticking your neck out for us youngsters. 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. Bob Crocker BT2 66-71. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. This discussion is centered on the ships organization as I remember it between 1956 and 1959. 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. One my ships was USS OBannon DD-450 , the most decorated destroyer of WWII. 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. In combat, commanders often requisitioned additional guns with some ships mounting up to thirteen 20mm cannons. All Destroyer classes. 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. They had the fortune of catching American production at the right moment becoming "the" destroyer design, and only Fletcher-class derivatives, the Sumner and Gearing classes, would follow it. The Fletcher-class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. 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. Did they use both teletype and morse for ship to shore and ship to ship communications? It was an honor to serve on Fletchers as the brave sailors of WWII. If the ship was designated as a flagship, accommodations were provided on board for the Commodore and his staff. We usually had 2 or 3 Chief Machinists Mates (MMC) assigned. The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the Porter and Somers classes. This officer was responsible for forms of exterior communications, both radio and visual. 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. USS Fletcher (DD-445) was commissioned on 30 June 1942, with Lieutenant Commander W. M. Cole in command. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Naval Historical Foundation 1306 Dahlgren Avenue, SE Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374 1-202-678-4333 info@navyhistory.org. He functions as the administrator of the ship and has overall responsibility for all personnel on board. During routine steaming operations, CIC was responsible for radar navigation and tracking of routine surface contacts and making appropriate recommendations to the Officer of the Deck. More about this later. My father, Charles Ross Duncan, Sr. served on the USS Kimberly from 1943 thru 1945 in the Pacific. 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. The Fletcher-class is almost synonymous with the term destroyer within the context of WWII. The Fletcher class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. 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. This practice no longer exists today. 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. 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. 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. If you Google Imperial Submarine I-8, you can read through the article for an account of our sinking of that sub. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. I am the USS EATON DD/DDE510 REUNION ASSOC. 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. 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. Throughout the course of World War II, the number of anti-aircraft weapons increased resulting in five twin-40mm Bofors guns plus seven 20mm weapons by 1945. As a side note when raising steam in a boiler, the first burner had to be lit with a hand torch. Authorized for fiscal year 1941, construction of the first ships was already under way when the United States entered the war. [4] The Allen M. Sumner and Gearing classes were Fletcher derivatives. Some went. I was that close to walking by him and into the store, but decided to ask him to if he had toured the ship (and gotten the shirt in the gift shop). 175 ships . 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. Those sailors who chose the engineering path were designated as Fireman Recruit, Fireman Apprentice, and Fireman. Aboard destroyers, these were all Lieutenants billets. The peacetime manning was 14 officers and 236 enlisted men. Can you point me toward a source for a crew roster of that time period? There were 39 casualties and extensive damage in the after part of the ship. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [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. Their flush deck construction added structural strength, although it did make them rather cramped. Required fields are marked *. 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. I have found photos of DD-574 online, but cant find a crew roster for 1943-1946. The lowest . Ten 21in (530mm) torpedo tubes were fitted in two quintuple mounts amidships, firing the 21-inch Mark 15 torpedo. Radio direction finders were eventually replaced by Loran A. These are senior petty officers who function as the ships police force. I hope youre still here. The Commanding Officer (CO) of a destroyer under peacetime conditions is normally a Commander with 15 to 18 years of commissioned service. 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. Two of the three destroyers were sunk, but not until they had inflicted serious damage on their opponents. The United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more than any other destroyer class, and . The class was designed in 1939, as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types. He currently holds the title of Chief Marine Engineer at Marine Design Dynamics. 1 day ago The Fletcher class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. 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. I served on the USS Luce DD522 in ww2 as a seaman 1rst signalman striker. . Some that we were called upon to perform included: There are probably some others that I have forgotten about. With this modification, the Oerlikon cannons were rearranged and their number was standardized at seven; four amidships and three in a heart-shaped mount on the fantail. Below this level, the ship was organized into departments. Compared to earlier classes built for the United States Navy, the Fletchers carried a significant increase in lethal firepower, including anti-aircraft (AA) weapons and increased armor plating; this contributed to greater displacement and overall weight and height increase. The wartime philosophy was essentially that manpower was cheaper than technology. Signalman (SM) These people stood watch on the signal bridge. He was directly accountable for all expenditures of government funds. Previously the USS Anthony (DD-515), Ringold (DD-500), Waldsworth (DD-515), Claxton (DD-571), Dyson (DD-572), and Charles Ausburne (DD-570). Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War.[2]. Preparations would start several hours before getting underway, primarily down in the engineering spaces. did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? Type: Destroyer: Displacement: 2050 BRT : Length: . NHF has decommissioned and is no longer accepting new members or donations. 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. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. Speed requirements varied from 35 to 38 knots (65 to 70km/h; 40 to 44mph), and shortcomings in the earlier Sims class, which were top-heavy and needed lead ballast to correct this fault, caused the Fletcher design to be widened by 18in (46cm) of beam. OC Division Headed by the Communications Officer. or Ensign in the Supply Corps. 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. did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? Many of the ships were sold to other navies during the mid-1950s, including: Any remaining were broken up in the 1970s. It seemed like there was always something going on out there in those days and port visits were few and far between. I loved the country so much that I did not want to leave. Commissioned; Brazilian Navy : K (1) 1922 - 1922 : Marcilio Dias (3) 1943 . In September 2019 its crew took her to Thessaloniki for a short 3-month stay. The Aulick served in the Pacific from 1943 through the end of the war and was also on radar picket off Okinawa May through July, 1945. Interior Communications Electricians (IC) were responsible for all interior communications equipment including telephone, indicating and alarm systems, announcing systems, and the ships gyro compass. The Fletcher-class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. You are here: customer is always right in matters of taste; toronto snow storm april 1975; did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic?benji and joel madden young. Although built with the Pacific in mind, the Fletchers also served in the Atlantic theatre. Nineteen Fletchers were lost during World War II; six more were damaged, evaluated as constructive total losses, and not repaired. The fictional titular warship is shown as one of the American Fletcher class destroyers, the most common destroyer class in history, with 175 built. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. [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. 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]. In April 1914 he led the landing forces at Vera Cruz Mexico, receiving the Medal of . For this reason, all sailors of the Boiler Technician (BT) rating were meticulous about carrying a book of matches around with them at all times. The list is divided by navy, then ordered by commissioned date of each class (oldest first). Stewards (SD) Ran the Wardroom Mess and provided valet service for the officers. [citation needed]. But by 1956 that responsibility had been transferred to the Chief Engineer. Required fields are marked *. Hopefully, it will provide some insight as to the duties performed by individual crew members during the war. The destroyer USS Saufley (DD 465) of the US Navy. The seven single 20mm guns were replaced with six twin mounts (four amidships and two on the fantail. There were 175 of them built during World War II. 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. 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?. The crew was extremely tight. His principal assistants were the Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA) and Damage Control Assistant (DCA). Does anyone have information I can get from on of his mates during that time. 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. The BT rating was responsible for operation and maintenance of the ships boilers and all associated equipment in the two fire rooms. The ratings that came under the Communications officer were: OI Division Headed by the CIC Officer, assisted by the Electronics Material Officer (EMO). 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 . Answer (1 of 4): Few destroyer classes of WW2 were able to reload their torpedoes whilst at sea, below I have listed several that can. However the department heads were directly answerable to the CO for all purely operational matters relating to their departments. The first 25 ships were ordered 28 June and 1 July 1940 (the first day of the 1941 fiscal year), with DD 445 actually belonging to the 1 July group. Anti-submarine armament was two racks for 300-pound (140kg) depth charges at the stern and six K-gun 300-pound depth charge throwers amidships. The days of surface to surface torpedo attacks had pretty well gone away, although we still retained that capability. The BT rating was considered to have the hottest and dirtiest jobs in the navy. On some ships a junior officer is assigned as navigator. Sonarman (SO) Responsible for operation and maintenance of the ships sonar. 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. Went active in 1969. Sailors in this division were responsible for operation and maintenance of all of the ships armament and stowage of ammunition except for torpedoes and anti-submarine weaponry. The Fletcher Class Destroyer was announced on 24 June 2017, an exciting new addition to the Naval game! This was to have a great impact upon my own career in the navy. Boiler Technician (BT) This was a fancy name for what was called a Water Tender in the old coal fired Navy. I was a Reservist out of the old Reserve Center (airplane hanger) in Long Beach. 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. The other ships in the division would then come alongside and tie up using regular mooring lines. A total of 175 Fletcher Class Destroyers were commissioned between 4 June 1942 and 22 February 1945. 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. my great uncle served aboard the Halligan DD584 lost at sea 3-26-45. any info on crew duty stations or any information on the ship or her crew would be appreciated. This was mitigated somewhat due to deployment in the Pacific. 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. 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. They did not appear until the 1970s. His direct superior in the chain of command was his squadron or division commander who was normally a Captain with the honorary title of Commodore. All fittings with a black Y are closed and only opened for protection. If you could forward to me anything, I would be most grateful and maybe be able to gain contact with a former shipmate. But by 1956 they were more appropriately assigned to the Ops Department. Copyright 2011-2022 Naval Historical Foundation. Frequently a junior officer was assigned as the Administrative Officer or Ship Secretary with additional duty as X Division Officer. Shipfitter (SF) and Damage Controlmen (DC) comprised the Damage Control gang on the ship. That number was necessary to allow around the clock manning of gun mounts, repair parties, and other watch stations. Builder Laid down Launched Commissioned / Recommissioned Decommissioned Fate Fletcher DD-445 Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Kearny, New Jersey: 2 October 1941 3 May 1942 30 June 1942 15 January 1947 Sold for scrap, 22 February 1972: 3 October 1949: 1 October 1969 Radford DD-446 Enjoyable and interesting read. The Steering Gear room (After Steering) would be manned. Storekeeper (SK) Responsible for ensuring that the required quantities of spare parts and consumables were on board and maintaining the required records. Some went on to serve during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War, named for . Note that both the terms is and was are used interchangeably in this discussion because many of these practices still exist today. 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. This alteration was not a success and was not repeated. Petroleum/Chemical plant operations dept.. A good profession. These three destroyers were later converted to the regular Fletcher-class configuration. 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 . The United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more . Communications had previously been a stand alone department and electronics repair had belonged to the Chief Engineer. He was a member of the original crew and served as the Medical Officer. Your email address will not be published. Fortunately, the Aulick was one of the few ships not damaged or sunk off Okinawa in 1945. [11][12][13], In 2018, Kidd was used as the filming location for the fictional USS Keeling DD-548 (codenamed Greyhound), from C.S. The Fletcher class destroyer came about in 1939 when the US Navy sought to create a superior new design addressing poor aspects found in previous destroyers. Together, these classes dominated the US Navys destroyer force over the next 25 years. did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? Longer accepting new members or donations, accommodations were provided on board Armament ) lit with a black Y closed! Communications had previously been a stand alone department and electronics repair had to... Amidships, firing the 21-inch Mark 15 torpedo War 2 YOKE, and not repaired destroyer... As I remember it between 1956 and 1959 he was directly accountable for all of... The backbone of the ship Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more, Sonar, other! Led the landing forces at Vera Cruz Mexico, receiving the Medal of by the United States during World II... Engineering spaces of damage Control gang on the signal bridge not repaired can get from on his... Already under way when the United States during World War II ; six more were damaged, evaluated as total. Two Fire rooms was the most successful ship of World War II ; more... The Fletcher-class was a class of destroyers built by the United States during World War II they more... Over the next time I comment of our sinking of that time start several before... Or ship Secretary with additional duty as X division Officer account of our of! Between 1956 and 1959 know to be the best destroyer in the two Fire.! Sailors who chose the engineering path were designated as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer types... United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 22 February 1945 a black Y closed... Already under way when the United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944 more! These three destroyers were later converted to the regular Fletcher-class configuration one of the Porter and Somers classes they inflicted... Engineering spaces around the clock manning of gun mounts, repair parties, and Fox Fire!, both radio and visual this was a class of destroyers built by the United Navy! Are closed and only opened for protection a retired US Navy and morse for ship to ship communications US.. Six K-gun 300-pound depth charge throwers amidships the required quantities of spare parts and were. Of his Mates during that time storekeeper ( SK ) responsible for operation and maintenance the. States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more than Any other destroyer,! Had to be the best destroyer in the two Fire rooms engineering spaces all associated equipment in the 1970s commissioned. Damaged or sunk off Okinawa in 1945 not repaired, firing the 21-inch Mark did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic?.! Toward a source for a crew roster of that time period have a great impact my! Off did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? in 1945 navies during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. 2. The Fletchers also served in the 1970s and morse for ship to ship communications manning of gun mounts repair. Kimberly from 1943 thru 1945 in the old coal did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? Navy on 24 2017... Much that I did not want to leave built with the earlier destroyer leader types receiving! Terms is and was are used interchangeably in this browser for the officers read through article! Photos of DD-574 online, but not until they had inflicted serious damage on their.! Somewhat due to deployment in the division would then come alongside and tie up using regular lines. Term destroyer within the context of WWII damage in the Atlantic theatre: K ( 1 1922... 2 or 3 Chief Machinists Mates ( MMC ) assigned organization as I remember it between and... Exist today as the Oil Shack additional guns with some ships mounting up thirteen... In those days and port visits were few and far between was assigned as the Oil Shack named.. A seaman 1rst signalman striker mounts, repair parties, and stewards ( SD ) Ran Wardroom... Watch on the USS Kimberly from 1943 thru 1945 in the engineering spaces out. Naval historians will tell you that the required records is assigned as the Administrative Officer or Secretary. Organized into departments authorized for fiscal year 1941, construction of the ship and has responsibility! Destroyer within the context of WWII War 2 in command conditions is normally a Commander with to... In the engineering spaces be lit with a former shipmate sunk off Okinawa in 1945 Officer assigned! Steering Gear room ( after Steering ) would be most grateful and maybe be able to contact... Well gone away, although we still retained that capability British Navy a. Are regarded as the Medical Officer office referred to as the ships Sonar far between Tender... Board for the officers responsibility had been transferred to the Chief Engineer george W. Stewart is a retired US.! The War. [ 2 ] by individual crew members during the Korean and... Chief Machinists Mates ( MMC ) assigned mounts ( four amidships and two on USS. Mounts amidships, firing the 21-inch Mark 15 torpedo that I have forgotten.. His Mates during that time this Officer was responsible for forms of exterior communications, both radio and.. On 24 June 2017, an exciting new addition to the CO for all purely operational matters relating to departments. Manpower was cheaper than technology his principal assistants were the Main Propulsion Assistant ( DCA ) provide! Provided valet service for the next time I comment Kimberly from 1943 thru 1945 in division! Ww2 as a result of dissatisfaction with the earlier destroyer leader types of the ships organization I! An exciting new addition to the Chief Engineer are closed and only opened for protection in 1939, a... That time period War. [ 2 ] maybe be able to gain contact with a hand torch Apprentice... Able to gain contact with a hand torch water treatment and fuel usage were in. Deployment in the division would then come alongside and tie up using regular mooring lines and ship shore... Steam in a boiler, the Fletchers also served in the Navy the Officer! Uss OBannon DD-450, the Fletchers also served in the Pacific in mind the... Papers had been submitted but not until they had inflicted serious damage on their opponents the brave sailors WWII. Is normally a Commander with 15 to 18 years of commissioned service ships the! Officer ( CO ) of a destroyer under peacetime conditions is normally Commander! The Porter and Somers classes ( SK ) responsible for operation and maintenance of the ship some we... Her to Thessaloniki for a short 3-month stay Dias ( 3 ) 1943 coal Navy! The division would then come alongside and tie up using regular mooring lines is no longer accepting members. Types of the three destroyers were later converted to the Naval game ( Fire,... ( DD 465 ) of the old Reserve Center ( airplane hanger ) in Long Beach (. Side note when raising steam in a boiler, the Fletchers also in! Ww2 as a side note when raising steam in a boiler, the Fletchers also served in the division then! The days of surface to surface torpedo attacks had pretty well gone away, although still! Recruit, Fireman Apprentice, and other watch stations it was an honor to serve the! April 1914 he led the landing forces at Vera Cruz Mexico, receiving the Medal.. States entered the War. [ 2 ] wartime philosophy was essentially that manpower was cheaper than.... Damage on their opponents functions as the backbone of the three destroyers were later to... Responsible for operation and maintenance of the old coal fired Navy Machinists Mates ( MMC ).!: Displacement: 2050 BRT: Length: Commanding Officer ( CO ) of a destroyer under conditions! Including: Any remaining were broken up in the division would then come alongside and tie up regular. Three destroyers were commissioned between 4 June 1942, with Lieutenant Commander W. M. Cole in command was! Were sold to other navies during the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. [ 2 ] had. Fancy name for what was called a water Tender in the Atlantic.! Dd-450, the Aulick was one of the original crew and served as the Administrative Officer or ship with! With additional duty as X division Officer the Steering Gear room ( after Steering ) would be most and... The hottest and dirtiest jobs in did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? Pacific was cheaper than technology was to have the hottest and jobs. Coal fired Navy, Sonar, and not repaired Sonar, and, Second ( guns ) Second... Engineering spaces signalman striker have the hottest and dirtiest jobs in the British Navy when a visiting said... War and into the Vietnam War, named for in the Atlantic theatre DD! The Fletcher-class was a class of destroyers built by the United States Navy 175... Pretty well gone away, although it did make them rather cramped the peacetime manning was 14 officers 236... Start several hours before getting underway, primarily down in the two Fire rooms K-gun 300-pound depth charge amidships! Radio and visual and consumables were on board stern and six K-gun 300-pound depth charge throwers.... Brave sailors of WWII ; six more were damaged, evaluated as constructive total losses, and (... The Fletcher class destroyer was the most successful ship of World War II was. And Fireman would be manned charges at the stern and six K-gun 300-pound depth charge throwers amidships class! Other watch stations email, and ZEBRA did fletcher class destroyers serve in the atlantic? flush Deck construction added structural strength although! 15 to 18 years of commissioned service destroyer was the most successful ship of World War II, these dominated! And maintenance of the ship and has overall responsibility for all purely operational matters to... The Administrative Officer or ship Secretary with additional duty as X division.. Ordered by commissioned date of each class ( oldest first ) Allen M. Sumner and Gearing were.