USS English DD-696
The USS English (DD-696) was a remarkable ship in the U.S. Navy, built during a crucial time in naval history. She was laid down on February 19, 1944, at the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey. Launched on July 27, 1944, she was commissioned on November 4, 1944, with Commander John Felix Wachter at the helm. The construction of the USS English was part of a massive effort to strengthen the Navy during World War II, highlighting the urgency and scale of wartime shipbuilding.
Named after Rear Admiral Robert Henry English, the ship honored a significant naval figure. Rear Admiral English was a decorated officer known for his leadership of submarine forces in the Pacific during World War II. Sadly, he died in a plane crash in 1943. Naming the destroyer after him was a tribute to his contributions and sacrifice, ensuring his legacy would inspire future naval personnel.
The USS English was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, known for its sturdy design and versatility. These ships had advanced radar and sonar systems, cutting-edge technology at the time. The Sumner-class destroyers boasted a dual-purpose main battery of 5-inch/38 caliber guns, effective against both surface and air targets. They also carried torpedoes, anti-submarine weapons, and anti-aircraft guns, making them formidable in various combat scenarios. The USS English, like her sister ships, was built to handle a wide range of missions, from escorting convoys to engaging enemy submarines and aircraft.
The USS English's legacy in the Navy is marked by active and varied service. During World War II, she took part in key operations in the Pacific, including the Battle of Okinawa and the bombardment of Japanese home islands. The destroyer earned four battle stars for her service in World War II, a testament to her effectiveness and the bravery of her crew. After the war, the USS English continued to serve with distinction during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and engaging in anti-submarine warfare. Her long and storied career exemplifies the versatility and resilience of the Sumner-class destroyers.
The Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers, including the USS English, were designed to provide the Navy with highly capable and versatile warships. These destroyers were meant to counter threats from enemy submarines and aircraft and support larger naval operations. The Sumner-class ships were an evolution of the earlier Fletcher-class destroyers, with improvements in armament, radar, and sonar capabilities. The USS English, with her advanced systems and robust design, was well-suited to these roles, contributing to the Navy's effectiveness during a critical period in history.
The commissioning of the USS English marked the start of an important chapter in her history. Upon entering service, she quickly became an integral part of the Navy's efforts in the Pacific. The crew underwent rigorous training to prepare for the challenges ahead, honing their skills in gunnery, navigation, and anti-submarine warfare. The USS English's commissioning wasn't just a ceremonial event; it was the beginning of an operational journey that saw the ship and her crew face numerous trials and triumphs. Her contributions to the war effort and continued service in the post-war years underscore the importance of her commissioning and the enduring legacy of the USS English.
USS English DD-696: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS English (DD-696) was a Fletcher-class destroyer, a class known for its sturdy design and versatility during World War II and beyond. It measured 376 feet 6 inches in length, with a beam of 39 feet 8 inches, and a draft of 17 feet 9 inches. This design allowed for a displacement of about 2,050 tons under standard load and up to 2,500 tons when fully loaded. Built with high-tensile steel, the hull struck a balance between durability and weight, crucial for speed and maneuverability. The superstructure housed advanced radar and communication systems, essential for fleet operations and anti-submarine warfare.
The USS English was packed with cutting-edge technology for its time. It featured the Mark 37 Gun Fire Control System, a big leap in naval gunnery. This system had radar and optical rangefinders for precise targeting of enemy ships and aircraft, even in tough conditions. The destroyer also had the SG surface search radar and the SC air search radar, providing comprehensive situational awareness. These technologies enabled the USS English to perform various roles, from escorting larger vessels to engaging enemy submarines and aircraft.
When it came to armament, the USS English was heavily armed for its multi-role capabilities. Its primary armament included five 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of engaging both surface and air targets. These guns were mounted in single turrets, with two forward and three aft, offering a broad field of fire. The ship also had ten 21-inch torpedo tubes in two quintuple mounts, a formidable weapon against larger enemy ships. Depth charge projectors and racks were essential for anti-submarine warfare.
The ship's weaponry was further enhanced by an array of anti-aircraft guns. Initially, it had ten 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns in five twin mounts and seven 20mm Oerlikon cannons. These weapons provided a layered defense against enemy aircraft, crucial during the intense aerial battles of World War II. Over time, as threats evolved, the anti-aircraft armament was upgraded to include more advanced systems. This combination of weapons made the USS English a formidable adversary, capable of defending itself and its fleet from a wide range of threats.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS English (DD-696) holds a special place in the hearts of many of its former crew members, as evidenced by the memories shared in its guestbook. These recollections span from its commissioning in 1944 to its decommissioning in 1970, capturing moments of camaraderie, significant historical events, and personal milestones.
Elbert Cullp, a plank member, recalls the pride of being among the first crew to commission the USS English in Brooklyn, New York, and the honor of entering Tokyo Bay at the end of World War II. This early period set the tone for the ship's storied history.
The 1950s brought both routine and extraordinary experiences. Edgar Murphy, who served from 1953, fondly remembers the ship as his first and the best duty station, highlighting the exceptional crew. Robert Abernethy recounts a dramatic incident in 1954 when the English rammed the USS Lynn, losing its bow during LANTFLEX 55. The event was significant enough to be featured on the Huntley-Brinkley Report, and Abernethy’s wife learned of it through the broadcast. Fred Steinman also recalls this collision and the challenges of Hurricane Carol, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of the crew.
The 1960s were marked by Cold War tensions and significant naval operations. Bruce Coburn and Douglas Fahle both served during the Cuban Missile Crisis, with Fahle noting the ship's role in plane guard duty for the USS Independence. Ronald Finet, who joined the English shortly after its return from the Mediterranean in 1963, cherishes the ship as his first, a sentiment echoed by many who served on her.
The ship's role as a reserve trainer in its later years is highlighted by David Ayler and Dan Wright. Ayler, who served in 1969, notes the ship's status as a reserve vessel, while Wright, a torpedoman from 1966 to 1970, describes the unique experience of working with a half-compliment crew supplemented by reservists during their two-week cruises. Wright's multifaceted duties, from torpedoes to gun mounts, reflect the diverse skills required aboard.
Personal milestones and friendships are a recurring theme. Bob Williams, who joined at 17 in 1964, recalls the friendships and hard work that defined his early naval career. Thomas Hile, who did his basic training on the English in 1969, also remembers the strong bonds formed and the valuable training received. Carl Mietchen, who transferred from the USS Barton in 1961, shares a broader life story, including his return to Colorado, marriage, and family life, all while cherishing his time on the English.
The ship's operational history is further enriched by accounts of Mediterranean cruises, as noted by Charles Blankenship and Carl Mietchen, and the ship's involvement in significant naval exercises and conflicts. Anthony Radarman and John Wirth both highlight the ship's role in the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis and its gunfire support at Guantanamo Bay.
In summary, the memories shared by the crew of the USS English (DD-696) paint a vivid picture of a ship that was more than just a vessel; it was a formative experience, a community, and a significant chapter in the lives of those who served aboard her. From World War II to the Cold War, from routine duties to extraordinary events, the USS English left an indelible mark on its crew members, who remember her with fondness and pride.
USS English DD-696: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS English (DD-696) was a proud member of the Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers. She was commissioned in 1944, right in the thick of World War II. Back then, she was cutting-edge, with radar and sonar systems that were top-notch for the time. Her armament was nothing to scoff at either, boasting dual-purpose 5-inch guns, anti-aircraft artillery, and torpedo tubes. In the 1950s, she got a makeover under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. This included new sonar systems, anti-submarine rocket launchers (ASROC), and better radar tech. These upgrades kept her sharp and ready during the Cold War.
The USS English was a jack-of-all-trades. She started out focusing on anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare. Her job was to escort bigger ships, keeping them safe from threats above and below the water. With her radar and sonar, she could spot and take on enemy subs and aircraft. The FRAM upgrades made her even better at hunting submarines, a key task during the Cold War when Soviet subs were a big concern. But she wasn't just about combat. She could do search and rescue, shore bombardment, and support amphibious assaults too.
Throughout her service, the USS English was a workhorse for the U.S. Navy. In World War II, she played a big role in the Pacific, especially during the Battle of Okinawa, providing anti-aircraft defense and shore bombardment. After the war, she stayed busy with training exercises and fleet maneuvers, keeping her crew sharp. During the Korean War, she was on patrol and escort duty, and she provided gunfire support for ground troops. Her presence in these conflicts showed just how important destroyers were for naval dominance and military success.
The legacy of the USS English is a testament to the adaptability and enduring value of the Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers. Her upgrades and versatile missions kept her a vital part of the Navy for over two decades. She played a key role in major conflicts and peacetime operations, highlighting the critical role of destroyers in maritime security and naval power. Her service record is a snapshot of how naval warfare evolved in the mid-20th century, showing the importance of tech advancements and strategic flexibility in keeping a strong and effective naval force.
USS English DD-696: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS English (DD-696) had a remarkable service record, marked by numerous deployments and active participation in major conflicts. Commissioned in 1944, she quickly found herself in the thick of World War II. During the final stages of the war, the USS English played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, providing vital support in the Battle of Okinawa. This destroyer was key in anti-aircraft defense, screening larger vessels from kamikaze attacks, and conducting shore bombardments to support ground troops. Her agility and firepower made her a formidable presence in the Pacific, contributing significantly to the Allied victory.
After World War II, the USS English continued to serve with distinction during the Korean War. Deployed to the Korean Peninsula, she was involved in several key operations, including the famous Inchon Landing in 1950. The destroyer provided naval gunfire support, which was critical in softening enemy positions and protecting advancing United Nations forces. The USS English's role in the Korean War underscored her versatility and effectiveness in various combat scenarios, from direct engagements to support missions. Her crew demonstrated exceptional bravery and skill, earning commendations for their efforts during this tumultuous period.
In the years that followed, the USS English was also active during the Cold War, participating in numerous NATO exercises and patrols aimed at countering the Soviet threat. Her deployments took her across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean, where she worked alongside allied navies to ensure maritime security and readiness. The destroyer was a key component of the US Navy's strategy to project power and maintain a robust presence in international waters. Her participation in these operations not only showcased her capabilities but also reinforced the importance of naval cooperation in maintaining global stability.
Throughout her service life, the USS English received several awards and commendations, reflecting her outstanding performance and the dedication of her crew. Among the most notable recognitions were the Navy Unit Commendation and multiple battle stars for her service in World War II and the Korean War. These honors were a testament to her resilience and the unwavering commitment of her sailors. The legacy of the USS English (DD-696) is one of valor and excellence, a proud chapter in the history of the United States Navy.
USS English DD-696 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Allen M Sumner Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | May 4, 1944 |
| Displacement | 3,218 tons |
| Length | 376.5 feet |
| Beam | 40.7 feet |
| Draft | 14.2 feet |
| Speed | 36.5 knots |
| Complement | 345 |