USS Calcaterra DE-390
The USS Calcaterra (DE-390) was a Cannon-class destroyer escort built during World War II. Her keel was laid down on July 19, 1943, at the Brown Shipbuilding Company in Houston, Texas. She was launched on September 23, 1943, and officially commissioned into the United States Navy on December 17, 1943. These destroyer escorts were vital in the Navy's rapid expansion to meet the demands of the war, playing a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare and convoy protection.
The ship was named in honor of Ensign Anthony F. Calcaterra, a naval aviator who was killed in action during the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942. His bravery and sacrifice were emblematic of the courage shown by many young servicemen during the war. Naming the vessel after him was a tribute to his heroism, ensuring his legacy would be remembered by future generations of sailors.
The USS Calcaterra was equipped with three 3-inch/50 caliber guns, several 40mm and 20mm anti-aircraft guns, and three 21-inch torpedo tubes. She also featured depth charge projectors and hedgehog anti-submarine mortars, making her well-suited for her primary role in anti-submarine warfare. Her design emphasized speed and maneuverability, allowing her to effectively escort convoys and engage enemy submarines.
The legacy of the USS Calcaterra within the US Navy is marked by her active service during World War II and the post-war period. She participated in numerous convoy escort missions across the Atlantic, ensuring the safe passage of vital supplies and personnel. Her contributions to the war effort were significant, as destroyer escorts like the Calcaterra played a key role in countering the German U-boat threat. After the war, she continued to serve in various capacities, including training exercises and reserve fleet duties, before being decommissioned.
The Cannon-class destroyer escorts, to which the USS Calcaterra belonged, were designed to be versatile and cost-effective warships. Their primary purpose was to provide protection for convoys against submarine and air attacks. These ships were smaller and less heavily armed than destroyers, but their specialized equipment and tactics made them highly effective in their designated roles. The class was named after Lieutenant Cannon, a naval aviator who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Midway.
The commissioning of the USS Calcaterra on December 17, 1943, marked the beginning of her active service in the US Navy. The ship's crew, composed of both seasoned sailors and new recruits, quickly adapted to their roles and responsibilities. The commissioning ceremony was a moment of pride and anticipation, as the vessel was formally introduced into the fleet and prepared to undertake her mission. Over the course of her service, the USS Calcaterra proved to be a valuable asset to the Navy, demonstrating the effectiveness and resilience of the Cannon-class destroyer escorts.
USS Calcaterra DE-390: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Calcaterra (DE-390) was an Edsall-class destroyer escort, a class celebrated for its sturdy and adaptable design during World War II. At 306 feet long, with a beam of 36.58 feet and a draft of 9.5 feet, it was compact yet powerful. Built with welded steel, the ship was both strong and quick to produce. Its superstructure was crafted for maximum visibility and efficiency, with a bridge offering a sweeping view of the seas. The layout was perfect for anti-submarine warfare, with plenty of deck space for weapons and sonar gear.
Technologically, the Calcaterra was ahead of its time. It ran on two Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines, delivering a total of 6,000 horsepower. This setup let the ship hit speeds of up to 21 knots, making it nimble enough to escort convoys and tackle enemy subs. It boasted advanced radar and sonar systems, like the SL surface search radar and the QHB sonar, crucial for spotting and tracking enemy vessels. These tools made the Calcaterra a highly efficient anti-submarine warrior.
When it came to armament, the Calcaterra was ready for anything. It had three 3-inch/50 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of taking on both surface and air threats. These were backed by anti-aircraft weapons, including two 40mm Bofors guns and eight 20mm Oerlikon cannons. This anti-aircraft arsenal was a strong defense against enemy planes, a real danger during its service. The ship also had three 21-inch torpedo tubes for launching Mark 15 torpedoes at larger surface targets.
The Calcaterra's anti-submarine prowess was boosted by its depth charge projectors and hedgehog anti-submarine mortar. It carried eight K-gun depth charge projectors and two depth charge tracks, allowing it to unleash a barrage of depth charges to take out enemy subs. The hedgehog mortar, a forward-throwing weapon, could launch 24 small bombs ahead of the ship, upping the chances of hitting a submerged target. This mix of depth charges and hedgehog mortars made the Calcaterra a tough opponent for enemy submarines, keeping the convoys it protected safe and sound.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Calcaterra (DE-390) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, each recounting unique experiences and significant events during their service. These recollections paint a vivid picture of life aboard the ship, from routine operations to extraordinary missions.
Timothy Davern, who served as a Radioman Second Class (RM2) in 1972, recalls the ship's challenging period in the Jacksonville Yards. The Calcaterra faced a significant setback when it failed an engine inspection, necessitating a tow by a tugboat to Pascagoula, Mississippi, for dry dock repairs. This memory highlights the technical difficulties and the resilience required to keep the ship operational.
Edward Potts, a Radioman Third Class (RM3) in 1966, reflects on his time aboard with a sense of nostalgia and curiosity about his fellow radiomen and their current whereabouts. His memory underscores the camaraderie and lasting bonds formed among the crew, even as specific names and faces fade over time.
Kevin Burke's service spanned several critical operations, including Operation Deep Freeze in 1967-68 and the Havana guard patrol for the USNS Sgt. Mueller, an intelligence vessel, from 1968-70. He also notes the ship's refitting for intelligence operations at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1970 and its eventual decommissioning around 1973. Burke's account provides a timeline of the ship's strategic roles during the Cold War era.
Adrian Wilkins, who served as the Damage Control and Repair Officer, emphasizes the ship's correct designation as DER-390, a radar picket destroyer. He participated in Operation Deep Freeze during 1965-66, a mission that involved navigating the treacherous waters of the Antarctic. Wilkins' memory highlights the ship's specialized functions and the critical importance of accurate historical records.
Charles Ortenzio, a Disbursing Clerk Second Class (DK2), served from October 1964 to January 1967. He also participated in Operation Deep Freeze in 1965-66 and recalls the ship's move to Key West, Florida, in the summer of 1966. Ortenzio's service concluded with the ship's return to inactive duty in January 1967, following a stint in dry dock in Jacksonville, Florida. His detailed recollection includes a New Year's Eve event at Gator Bow on December 31, 1966, adding a personal touch to the ship's operational history.
William Munson served aboard the Calcaterra in 1964 as a sonar trainee alongside Larry Slicker and Jesse Dudoit. He remembers their radar picket assignment off Dog Rocks, monitoring for Russian jets flying out of Cuba. Munson's naval career continued with transfers to the USS Little Rock, the USS Goldsborough (DDG-20) during Operation Sea Dragon in Vietnam in 1968, and the USS Turner. He left the Navy after ten years of service in June 1973. Munson's journey reflects the broader scope of naval operations during the Cold War and the Vietnam War.
These collective memories from the crew of the USS Calcaterra (DE-390) offer a rich tapestry of naval history, marked by technical challenges, strategic missions, and enduring friendships. Each account contributes to a deeper understanding of the ship's legacy and the experiences of those who served aboard her.
USS Calcaterra DE-390: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Calcaterra (DE-390) was a remarkable ship that saw many changes during its time with the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1943 as an Edsall-class destroyer escort, it was initially outfitted with cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare (ASW) gear, like depth charge projectors and hedgehog mortars. As naval technology advanced, Calcaterra got regular updates to its radar and sonar systems, boosting its ability to detect and track threats. These upgrades were vital, especially during the Cold War when Soviet submarines were a major concern.
Calcaterra's missions were varied and adapted to the Navy's shifting needs. Built for convoy escort duties in World War II, it protected Allied ships from German U-boats in the Atlantic. After the war, it shifted to peacetime roles, including training, fleet maneuvers, and goodwill visits to foreign ports. During the Cold War, its focus returned to ASW, taking part in many NATO exercises to counter Soviet subs. Calcaterra's flexibility allowed it to handle different missions, from escorting aircraft carriers to solo patrols.
The ship's contributions were significant, especially in ASW. It played a key role in protecting transatlantic convoys during World War II, ensuring troops and supplies reached their destinations safely. Its presence in the Atlantic and Mediterranean helped deter enemy subs, aiding the success of naval operations. In the Cold War, Calcaterra's involvement in NATO exercises and patrols helped maintain sea power balance, showing the U.S. Navy's commitment to security and deterrence.
Beyond its operational achievements, Calcaterra was a training ground for many sailors, teaching skills and experiences that shaped their naval careers. The crew was known for their professionalism and excellence, embodying the high standards of the U.S. Navy. Calcaterra's legacy isn't just in its direct contributions but also in the lasting impact on those who served aboard. It stands as a symbol of dedication and resilience, representing the spirit of the U.S. Navy through decades of maritime challenges.
USS Calcaterra DE-390: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
USS Calcaterra (DE-390) was a key player in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the early Cold War. Commissioned in 1943, she was mainly active in the Atlantic, escorting convoys across the dangerous North Atlantic. These convoys were vital for keeping supply lines open between the U.S. and Europe. Calcaterra's main job was to shield these convoys from German U-boats, a constant menace. With advanced sonar and radar, plus a skilled crew, she was a tough opponent for enemy subs.
During WWII, Calcaterra took part in several important missions, including the Normandy Invasion in June 1944. As part of the naval forces for D-Day, she provided crucial anti-submarine and anti-aircraft support. Her presence helped ensure troops and supplies reached Normandy's beaches safely, aiding one of history's most significant military operations. After the invasion, Calcaterra continued escort duties, protecting convoys and supporting Allied efforts in Europe until the war's end.
After the war, Calcaterra was reactivated during the Korean War, showing the ongoing need for capable ships in times of conflict. While she didn't see direct combat in Korea, she participated in training exercises and patrols, keeping the Navy ready for any threats. Her service during this time highlighted the versatility and importance of destroyer escorts in maritime security. Her readiness and adaptability were crucial for her continued deployment in the early Cold War years.
Throughout her service, USS Calcaterra earned several awards, recognizing the ship and crew's dedication and effectiveness. These included the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal. These honors underscored her significant contributions to the Allied war effort and her role in ensuring the success of many naval operations. They also testified to the bravery and professionalism of Calcaterra's crew, who operated under challenging and often dangerous conditions to complete their mission.
USS Calcaterra DE-390 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Edsall Class Destroyer Escort |
| Commissioned | November 17, 1943 |
| Displacement | 1,590 tons |
| Length | 306 feet |
| Beam | 36.8 feet |
| Draft | 12.3 feet |
| Speed | 21 knots |
| Complement | 209 |