Destroyers - Fletcher Class

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DesRon 55 ...

http://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/desron55/

Cassin Young arrived at Pearl Harbor 19 March 1944 to complete her training before sailing on to Manus, where she joined the massive Fast Carrier Task Force (then called TF 58, at other times called TF 38, depending on whether the overall organization was called 5th Fleet or 3rd Fleet). On 28 April, this force sortied for air attacks on Japanese strongholds at Truk, Woleai, Satawan, and Ponape, during which Cassin Young operated as a picket ship, assigned to warn her group of possible enemy counterattack.

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Happy Birthday to USS Kidd Plankowner ...

"Happy birthday to USS KIDD crew member and kamikaze attack survivor Maurice "Boy" Clements who turned age 92 today! Mr. Clements was kind enough to invite members of the KIDD Crew to his birthday party at his home. Mr. "Boy" was a plankowner aboard KIDD (one of the very first crew members) and he served aboard her as a Boatswain's Mate 1st class. His battle station was as gun captain in 5"/38-cal. Gun Mount 55 on the stern."

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USS Kidd gets its radar back on top ....

The bearing(s) in both the SG-1b surface array and the SC-2 air search array were lowered for repairs last Fall. One week later, the SC-2 went back up and has been in motion ever since. With the river levels on the rise and a window of opportunity for use of a crane barge, the SG-1b went aloft as well.

[SW4U]

The bearing(s) in both the SG-1b surface array and the SC-2 air search array were lowered for repairs last Fall. One week later, the SC-2 went back up and has been in motion ever since. With the river levels on the rise and a window of opportunity for use of a crane barge, the SG-1b went aloft as well.

Well done ! :-)

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Fletcher pride ...

It does appear that the Tin Can Sailors do take pride in their ships.
The size has something to do with it, too!
The USS Kidd has a strong work force in a moderate climate with the DD stationed on the lower Mississippi River.
The Sullivans has a wonder naval park on the shore of Lake Erie and a growing community support system.
Next months journey to the Cassin Young, Charlestown, MA, will provide the completion of a goal set 6 years ago to tour all 3- remaining Fletcher Class - DD's moored in the US of A.
More details to follow.....

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April 12, 1945 a tragic day aboard the Cassin Young ....

On April 12, 1945, during Japan's second mass kamikaze attack, Cassin Young and other ships at Radar Picket Station 1 shot down six enemy aircraft, but one kamikaze plane hit the destroyer's mast. When its bomb exploded about 50 feet above the ship and sprayed the decks with shrapnel and debris, one sailor was killed, and 59 others were wounded.

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34th anniversary .....

Thirty-four years ago on May 23, 1982, USS KIDD (DD-661) arrived at her final home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to begin a new career as a museum vessel and veterans memorial. Her appearance was not the best and a lot of equipment had been stripped from her. In the years since, over 90 tons of vintage equipment have been added back to her in excruciating detail, making her "the gold standard" of a WWII DD [Historic Fleet].

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Follow up ....

Thirty-four years ago on May 23, 1982, USS KIDD (DD-661) arrived at her final home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to begin a new career as a museum vessel and veterans memorial. Her appearance was not the best and a lot of equipment had been stripped from her. In the years since, over 90 tons of vintage equipment have been added back to her in excruciating detail, making her "the gold standard" of a WWII DD [Historic Fleet].

Picture of another Fletcher - DD that was a little long in the tooth ... ( Vintage 1974 )

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Re: Trifecta Day ...

Six years in the planning will result in Trifecta day occurring next Sunday.
The inspection of the USS Cassin Young, Charlestown, MA will complete the mission statement adopted in October 2010 to visit all three remaining Fletchers Class - DD's.
Weather looks to remain in the upper 60's, great for being on the water!

[Albany Rifles]

Enjoy...say hello to my home town while you are there!

And go check out Old Ironsides as well. It's in dry dock and shipwrights are working to restore her.

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Proper salute ...

We will "splice the main brace" in your honor ....

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Sortie on the morning tide ...

All set to start the journey to Charlestown.
Boston temps are the upper 60's .... while the Great Plains hover in the low 90's.
Should be great on the water front ....

[Ytlas]

Going to post pictures of the trip on your Facebook page, Tim? :)

[DonBelt]

Hope you have a great trip! PM me if you get lost or have any trouble getting around- not that anyone gets lost in Boston!

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Scouting ....

Hope you have a great trip! PM me if you get lost or have any trouble getting around- not that anyone gets lost in Boston!

So far so good Don.
The 1A is just as I remembered....