USS Fletcher (DD-445)

History of USS Fletcher (DD-445)

Destroyers were originally developed as "torpedo boats" that directly threatened capital ships of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In fact, this new type of warship was originally called the "Torpedo Boat Destroyer" before being simply called the "Destroyer".

During the development of the navy, their designs became based on speed, maneuverability and range, allowing them to operate independently of or alongside the main force.

During World War II (1939-1945), the Fletcher class formed the bulk of US Navy destroyers in the Pacific Rim. Likewise, these ships were designed for speed, good inherent endurance, and maximum displacement firepower, all qualities necessary to counter the mighty Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN).

The class was spearheaded by the USS Fletcher (DD-445) itself, and the new class succeeded the Benson class, which in part contributed to the development of the "small" shipbuilding industry in the United States.

Even before the Benson class completed its plans, the design had limitations as it was associated with destroyer operations in the deep Pacific, which led to an improved design that would later become the Fletcher class. A total of 175 ships in the class will be completed, and in addition to serving with the U.S. Navy during World War II, the group will be operated by foreign countries in the ensuing period.

The last example was only decommissioned in 2001, while this one was decommissioned with the Mexican Navy.

The aircraft carrier USS Fletcher was built by the Commonwealth Shipbuilding Company (founded 1917) in Carney, NJ, and laid on October 2, 1941. She officially went to sea on May 3, 1942. They belonged to the United States at the time and were at war with Japan and Germany following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (Hawaii) on December 7, 1941.

The warship was officially commissioned on June 30, 1942.

Viewed from the side, the ship has a double funnel in the center. The bridge structure remains at the front and behind a pair of turrets. Closer to the stern was a secondary superstructure and three other turrets for a powerful broadside attack.

When complete, the USS Fletcher has a displacement of 2,100 tons (standard), a barrel length of 365.5 feet, a beam of 39.7 feet, and a draft of 13.9 feet. Power comes from a geared steam turbine producing 60,000 hp on 2 shafts. In ideal conditions, the speed reaches 36 knots and the range is 6,500 nautical miles.

273 crew members were promoted.

Armament is concentrated on 5 x 5" (130 m)/38 caliber dual-purpose (DP) main guns mounted in five single gun turrets, two forward and three rear midships. Anti-aircraft consists of 2 x 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns (AA) plus 6 x 20mm Oerlikon air defenses in addition to 10 x 21" (530mm) torpedo tubes, 6 x K guns and 2 x depth charge racks - the latter essential for hunting operations.

Fletcher, who was on duty in 1942, arrived in New Caledonia off the east coast of Australia in November and was immediately assigned to patrol and escort duties, particularly during the Allied advance at the Battle of Guadalcanal (August 1942 to February 1943). Since then, she has been involved in many major and minor war operations throughout her career, including the preservation of the Solomon Islands and the Philippines.

She can effectively use her artillery, melee and torpedo weapons, and claims to have several warships, aircraft and submarines used by the enemy.

She completed her term during World War II on the West Coast of the United States during a scheduled overhaul before being retained in August 1946. He officially retired in January of the following year. In 1949, she was recommissioned to serve as an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform with the necessary modifications for the role: RUR-4 weapon Alpha rocket launcher replaced the original torpedo tube fitting, five double-barreled main guns Three of the turrets were removed and 4 x 3" guns replaced the original Bofors/Oerlikons. Due to her role change, her design type was changed from DD-445 to "DDE-445".

She joined in May 1950 The 7th Fleet in Pacific waters is in.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula then erupted in total war, sparking the year-long Korean War (1950-1953), in which Fletcher became a veteran. She arrived in the area in early July 1950 and served as part of the troops in the Battle of Inchon (10-19 September 1950). Her last stop in Southeast Asia was in November 1953, and from 1954 to 1962 she joined the 7th Fleet and continued to train the crew in ASW fine arts. She was last decommissioned on October 1, 1969, when her name was removed from the Naval Register.

In February 1972 the dismantled hull of the USS Fletcher was sold.

Overall, USS Fletcher was awarded 20 Battle Stars for its service in World War II (15) and the Korean War (5), with a career spanning two major war. This record alone is not enough to save this legendary warship from scrapping.

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