USS The Sullivans (DD-537)

History

USS The Sullivans (DD-537) was a significant Fletcher-class destroyer battleship commissioned in 1943 during World War II and later served in the Korean War. Named after the Sullivan brothers, it became known as the "Fighting Sullivan Brothers" and played a crucial role in Pacific Theater operations, surviving the war with 11 Battle Stars—9 from World War II and 2 from the Korean War. The destroyer, known for its speed but limited armor protection, featured a distinctive external design with ten guns, including a 5" main gun, anti-aircraft guns, torpedo launchers, and depth charge launchers.

Powered by four Babcock & Wilcox oil-fired boilers and two GE geared steam turbines, the USS Sullivan had a top speed of 35 knots and a range of 6,500 nautical miles. With a crew of 336, the ship contributed significantly to wartime efforts. After retiring in 1946, it was recommissioned in 1951 for the Korean War and later served as a training ship until decommissioned in 1965. The ship, along with USS Little Rock (CG-4), found a new purpose as floating museum ships in Buffalo, New York, showcasing its historic contributions.

USS The Sullivans' legacy is marked by its heroics in two major conflicts, the preservation of its historic significance as a museum ship, and the recognition it earned through the 11 Battle Stars awarded for its service in World War II and the Korean War. The ship's unique design, powerful armament, and the bravery of the Sullivan brothers continue to be remembered and honored at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Parks.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1943

Origins: United States

Decommissioned: 7 January 1965

Builder: Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation

Operators: United States

Characters

Sea Bombing: Maritime bombardment/attack of surface targets/areas primarily through ship-based ballistic weapons.

Land Assault: Littoral attacks against surface targets primarily through ship-based missiles/missile weapons.

Sea Patrol: Active patrolling of critical waterways and sea areas; also serves as a local deterrent against air and maritime threats.

Airspace Denial/Deterrence: Neutralization or deterrence of flying elements by airborne missile weapon ballistics.

Fleet Support: Provide support (fire or materiel) to major surface fleets in blue water environments.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 376.5 feet (114.76 m)

Ray: 39.7 feet (12.10 m)

Draft: 17.8 feet (5.43 m)

Shift: 2,080 t

Power and Performance

Installed Power: 4 x Babcock & Wilcox boiler units power 2 x GE gear steam turbines producing 60,000 hp driving 2 x axles.

Speed: 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph)

Range: 6,500 nmi (12,000 km; 7,500 mi) at 15 kilometres (9.3 mi)

Weapons

5 x 5 in (130 mm)/38 caliber main guns in five single gun turrets.

10 x 40 mm Bofors automatic anti-aircraft guns in five positions with two guns 7 x 20 mm Oerlikon AA automatic guns in seven single gun positions 10 x 21" (530 mm) torpedo tubes in two quintuplets Loaded in launcher.

6 x K-Gun Depth Charge Launcher.

2 x Depth Charge Tracer