USS Dennis J Buckley DD-808
The USS Dennis J. Buckley (DD-808) was a Gearing-class destroyer built for the U.S. Navy during the tail end of World War II. Her keel was laid down on June 1, 1944, at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, a shipyard famous for its speedy and top-notch shipbuilding. She was launched on November 18, 1944, and officially joined the fleet on February 2, 1945. This ship was part of a big push to strengthen the Navy with advanced destroyers ready for both attack and defense.
Named after Private Dennis J. Buckley, a U.S. Marine who earned the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroism at the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I, the ship carried his legacy. His bravery and sacrifice were the gold standard for military service, making him a perfect namesake for a ship meant to protect and serve. His spirit lived on through the ship, inspiring the crew to uphold courage and dedication.
The USS Dennis J. Buckley was packed with powerful weapons and cutting-edge radar systems for its time. She boasted six 5-inch/38 caliber guns, twelve 40mm anti-aircraft guns, and eleven 20mm anti-aircraft cannons, giving her serious firepower against surface and air threats. Her advanced sonar and radar systems boosted her anti-submarine and surface detection capabilities, making her a versatile and formidable force in the Navy.
The ship's legacy in the Navy is significant. She served with distinction in various conflicts, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War, showing her adaptability and resilience. Her service record is a testament to the Gearing-class design's effectiveness and the crew's skill and dedication. The USS Dennis J. Buckley not only contributed to mission successes but also helped shape naval tactics and strategies in the mid-20th century.
As a Gearing-class destroyer, she was part of a class designed to be the Navy's workhorses. The Gearing-class evolved from the earlier Allen M. Sumner-class, featuring a longer hull for more fuel storage, which extended her range. These destroyers were primarily tasked with escorting and protecting larger ships, conducting anti-submarine warfare, and performing shore bombardments. Their versatility and durability made them valuable in both peace and war.
The commissioning of the USS Dennis J. Buckley marked the start of a distinguished career spanning several decades. After joining the fleet, she underwent rigorous training and shakedown cruises to prep for her role in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Although the war ended soon after her commissioning, she quickly shifted to peacetime operations, taking part in various exercises and deployments. Her commissioning was a significant event, symbolizing the U.S. Navy's ongoing commitment to maintaining a powerful and capable fleet ready for any threat.
USS Dennis J Buckley DD-808: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Dennis J. Buckley (DD-808) was a Gearing-class destroyer, a class celebrated for its sturdy design and adaptability during the mid-20th century. This ship stretched 390 feet long and had a beam of 41 feet, making it a solid platform for various naval missions. Built with high-tensile steel, it was tough enough to handle the harsh conditions of combat. Its superstructure was crafted to house advanced radar and communication systems, ensuring seamless coordination with other ships and command centers. The ship's layout was smartly designed for both attack and defense, with compartments and bulkheads to contain damage and protect vital systems.
Technologically, the USS Dennis J. Buckley was ahead of its time. It boasted advanced radar systems like the SPS-10 surface search radar and the SPS-6 air search radar, giving it a keen eye on the battlefield. These radars were essential for spotting enemy aircraft and ships, allowing the destroyer to react quickly to threats. It also had sonar technology, such as the SQS-4 sonar system, to detect and track submarines. This tech made the USS Dennis J. Buckley a formidable force in anti-submarine warfare and surface battles.
The ship's armament was a balanced mix of offensive and defensive firepower. It had six 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of taking on both surface and air targets. These guns were mounted in three twin turrets, two at the front and one at the back, offering a wide firing range. For anti-aircraft defense, the ship was armed with twelve 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns and eleven 20mm Oerlikon cannons. These weapons provided layered protection against enemy aircraft, ensuring the ship and nearby vessels were safe from aerial attacks.
Beyond its guns, the USS Dennis J. Buckley was equipped with torpedoes and depth charges for anti-submarine warfare. It carried ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, capable of launching Mark 15 torpedoes. These torpedoes were effective against both surface ships and submarines, offering versatile offensive power. For anti-submarine operations, the ship had depth charge projectors and racks to deploy depth charges in patterns, targeting enemy submarines. This combination of weapon systems made the USS Dennis J. Buckley a well-rounded destroyer, ready to tackle a variety of threats in different combat scenarios.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Dennis J. Buckley (DD-808) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, each recounting their unique experiences aboard the vessel. These recollections span decades, from the ship's early years to its final days, painting a vivid picture of life on a naval destroyer.
Ralph Demel, who served as an E-3 in 1970, is eager to reconnect with shipmates who haven't attended reunions, highlighting the enduring bonds formed during their service. Similarly, George Rollins, an E-3 in 1968, reminisces about the Westpac cruises of 1968-1970 and notes the ship's bell now resides at St. Marks by the Sea Lutheran Church in Palm Coast, FL.
Vern Kincheloe, a FTG2 in 1966, shares his career trajectory post-service, having been selected for the Navy Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP) and eventually transitioning to nuclear submarines. Fred Roybal, an Operations Specialist/E-5 in 1969, is in search of fellow radarmen from 1969-1972, seeking assistance with a disability claim related to an injury sustained on board.
Jeffrey Burnett, a Lieutenant in 1972, recalls the initial tension upon his arrival due to Captain Dean's disdain for Dartmouth graduates, young lieutenants, and bearded officers. Despite these challenges, they reached an understanding. James Bush, a MM1 in 1959, recounts his transition to the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) and later SEALs, where he served for eight years before retiring.
Gary Carpenter, a BT-3 in 1965, fondly remembers his Westpac cruise under Captain George Edison, describing it as a great tour with many good friends. Jack Coelho, a MM3 in 1967, seeks to reconnect with fellow engineers and inquires about successful Agent Orange claims. James E. Coy, a SN/TM3 in 1962, recalls his brief tenure on the ship and his transfer to the USS Chandler (DD-717), mentioning a good friend named Kelly from Massachusetts.
Oran Daniels, a BM2 in 1970, reflects on his three years and three trips across the Pacific, including a memorable typhoon off Midway in 1971. He humorously notes the captain's nickname, "Captain Crunch," due to docking mishaps. Tommy Francis, a GMG3/GMG2 in 1968, shares his Westpac cruise experience and subsequent transfer to Swiftboats COSDIV 12 in 1969, cherishing the memories captured in his cruise book.
Vincent Gerace, a RM2 from 1964 to 1967, expresses a desire to reconnect with shipmates, while Robert Gilson, a TM3 in 1958, nostalgically recalls his time on the 'Buckley' as the most memorable of his Naval career. M.W. Pete Hickman, a RD3 in 1966, details his two Westpac cruises and transfer to the USS Waddell in Yokosuka, where he remained in Southeast Asia until 1969.
Bob Johnson, a BT3 in 1966, recounts his three Westpac cruises and discharge in Vietnam, returning home from Subic Bay. Ronald Sam Ksionsk, a RD2 in 1968, expresses his love for the "Dirty Denny" and its crew, reminiscing about their mission to assist the USS Pueblo in North Korea. Frank L. Kuenstler, a YN3 in 1946, fondly remembers his role as the Captain's Talker during general quarters and managing the ship's office.
P.J. Martin, a BMSN in 1971, describes his first ship cruise to Vietnam and his role in the decommissioning crew before transferring to the USS Dubuque (LPD-8). Steven Stage, a TM3 in 1964, recalls two Westpac trips and the intense gunfire support missions off the coast of South Vietnam, which he describes as life-changing.
Mike Van Wert, a RD3 in 1968, details his three Westpac cruises and separation from the Navy in 1972, only to re-enlist in 1974 and retire as an OSCS (SW) in 1994. Lastly, Michael Vosika, a BT3 in 1965, shares his journey from boot camp to his Westpac cruise, where he also took on the role of the ship's barber.
These collective memories from the crew of the USS Dennis J. Buckley (DD-808) offer a rich tapestry of naval life, camaraderie, and the enduring impact of their service.
USS Dennis J Buckley DD-808: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Dennis J. Buckley (DD-808) was a ship that saw a lot of action and change. Commissioned in 1945 as a Gearing-class destroyer, it was built to be tough and versatile. In the 1960s, it got a big makeover under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. This upgrade gave it new sonar and radar systems, better anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tools, and new weapons like the ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) launcher. These changes kept the ship relevant and ready for the challenges of the Cold War.
The Dennis J. Buckley was a jack-of-all-trades. It started with anti-aircraft and anti-submarine duties, armed with 5-inch guns, torpedoes, and depth charges. The FRAM upgrades made it even better at hunting submarines, a crucial task during its time. Its improved radar and communication systems also boosted its role in air defense and surface warfare. The ship took part in many training exercises and operations with allies, proving its flexibility and readiness to tackle any maritime threat.
Throughout its service, the USS Dennis J. Buckley played a key role in U.S. Navy operations. During the Korean War, it provided essential gunfire support and patrolled to enforce blockades. In the Vietnam War, its duties expanded to include naval gunfire support, search and rescue, and escort missions for larger ships. Its presence in these conflicts showed how important it was for maintaining naval strength and supporting U.S. military goals. The ship also participated in NATO exercises and goodwill visits, helping to build international alliances and promote security at sea.
The story of the USS Dennis J. Buckley is all about staying modern and adaptable. Its upgrades kept it a vital part of the fleet, ready to face new challenges. With its wide range of missions, from combat to humanitarian efforts, the ship showed the value of a versatile and advanced navy. The Dennis J. Buckley’s contributions highlight why destroyers are crucial for achieving maritime superiority and protecting national interests. It stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation in naval history.
USS Dennis J Buckley DD-808: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Dennis J. Buckley (DD-808) had quite the journey, filled with deployments and key roles in major conflicts. She was commissioned in 1945, just as World War II was wrapping up. Though the war ended soon after, she was vital in post-war operations, including occupation duties in Japan and patrolling the Western Pacific. These early missions laid the groundwork for her long and distinguished service.
During the Korean War, the USS Dennis J. Buckley was right in the thick of things. She provided crucial naval gunfire support during the Inchon landings, a game-changing assault for the United Nations forces. The ship also took on anti-submarine warfare patrols and escorted aircraft carriers, ensuring air operations over Korea went smoothly. Her versatility and readiness made her a standout in the Navy's fleet.
In the Vietnam War, the USS Dennis J. Buckley was back in action. She took part in Operation Sea Dragon, targeting North Vietnamese supply lines along the coast. The destroyer also offered naval gunfire support for ground troops, playing a critical role in several engagements. Her presence in the Gulf of Tonkin and involvement in search and rescue operations highlighted her wide-ranging capabilities. Throughout her time in Vietnam, she proved her worth time and again.
The USS Dennis J. Buckley earned numerous awards for her service, including the Korean Service Medal with five battle stars, the Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars, and the Navy Unit Commendation. These honors speak to the ship's dedication and the outstanding performance of her crew. Her legacy is a proud chapter in the US Navy's history, a testament to the bravery and commitment of those who served aboard her.
USS Dennis J Buckley DD-808 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Gearing Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | March 2, 1945 |
| Displacement | 3,460 tons |
| Length | 391 feet |
| Beam | 41 feet |
| Draft | 14.3 feet |
| Speed | 37 knots |
| Complement | 11 Officers 325 Enlisted |