USS Everglades AD-24
The USS Everglades (AD-24) was a key player in the U.S. Navy's auxiliary fleet, built to serve as a destroyer tender. Her construction kicked off during World War II, with the keel laid down on 2 October 1944 at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Tacoma, Washington. She was launched on 28 March 1945 and commissioned on 25 May 1946. This ship was a testament to America's industrial strength and shipbuilding prowess, showcasing the nation's dedication to a strong and versatile naval force.
Named after the Everglades, a vast wetland in Florida, the ship carried a name that symbolized resilience and a crucial role in the ecosystem, much like her mission to support the fleet. The USS Everglades wore this name with pride, embodying the strength and endurance needed to support naval operations worldwide.
The USS Everglades was packed with repair and maintenance facilities. As a destroyer tender, she had machine shops, foundries, and electronic repair stations, allowing her to handle a wide range of maintenance tasks for destroyers and smaller vessels. This was vital for keeping the fleet ready, especially during long deployments. She also had advanced medical facilities, offering essential healthcare to the crew and other personnel.
The legacy of the USS Everglades in the Navy is significant. Throughout her service, she played a crucial role in maintaining the destroyer fleet's operational effectiveness. By providing timely repairs and maintenance, she helped extend the service life of many vessels, boosting the Navy's overall combat readiness. Her contributions were especially important during the Cold War, when a strong and ready fleet was crucial.
The USS Everglades was part of the Dixie-class of destroyer tenders, designed to offer comprehensive support to destroyers. These ships served as mobile repair and supply bases, operating in forward areas where shore facilities weren't available. This allowed the Navy to project power effectively and maintain a presence in strategic regions. The Dixie-class ships were known for their versatility and robustness, qualities exemplified by the USS Everglades.
The commissioning of the USS Everglades marked the start of a distinguished Navy career. Assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, she quickly became an indispensable asset. Over the years, she participated in numerous operations and exercises, providing critical support to the fleet and proving the value of destroyer tenders in modern naval warfare. Her commissioning was a milestone, ushering in a new era of naval support capabilities.
USS Everglades AD-24: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Everglades (AD-24) was a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender, a ship designed to keep destroyers in fighting shape. Picture a floating garage, but for warships. At 492 feet long, with a beam of 69 feet 6 inches, and a draft of 27 feet 6 inches, she was a hefty vessel. Fully loaded, she displaced about 15,200 tons. Built with high-tensile steel, she was tough enough to handle long missions. Her superstructure was packed with repair facilities—machine shops, foundries, and electronic repair stations. The Everglades was a one-stop shop for fixing just about any problem a destroyer might face at sea.
Tech-wise, the Everglades was ahead of her time. She had cutting-edge radar and communication systems, essential for coordinating repairs and staying alert in dangerous waters. Her repair tools were top-notch, with lathes, milling machines, and welding gear. She even had special facilities for fixing electronic systems like sonar and radar, crucial for the destroyers she supported. This tech meant the Everglades could handle complex repairs that would otherwise need a trip back to shore.
Though not a combat ship, the Everglades was armed to defend herself and the ships she helped. She had two twin 5-inch/38 caliber gun mounts, ready to take on both air and surface threats. Smaller anti-aircraft weapons, like 40mm Bofors and 20mm Oerlikon cannons, added to her defenses. This armament was all about keeping her safe so she could keep doing her job, even in hostile waters.
The crew of the Everglades was as vital as her equipment. They were skilled in both repairs and defense. Regular drills kept them sharp, ready to tackle threats from the air, surface, or below the waves. This mix of strong defenses and a capable crew made the Everglades a key player in the Navy's operations. She was more than just a ship; she was a lifeline for destroyers, ensuring they stayed ready for action.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Everglades (AD-24) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, as evidenced by the numerous guestbook posts shared by those who served aboard the ship. These recollections span from the early 1950s to the late 1960s, painting a vivid picture of life aboard this distinguished vessel.
Gary Adams, who served as an ET1 in 1968, not only contributed to the ship's operations but also took on the role of the USS Everglades Ships Historian and Web Master, organizing reunions and maintaining the ship's legacy. Alvin Brake, a SN3 in 1954, fondly remembers his time as a staff photographer and his camaraderie with a shipmate named Frank, a welder or pipe fitter.
Richard Frank, a RM3 in 1951, humorously recalls his nickname "Dirty Pierre" and mentions writing a novel that includes his experiences in the radio shack. Lee Hoeft, another RM3 from 1952, speaks highly of the ship and its crew, expressing a desire to reconnect with old shipmates while enjoying his retirement in Minnesota.
Herb Jordan, who served as a SN in 1970, recounts the ship's brief underway period to Mayport and his involvement in the initial decommissioning crew. Edwin Thomas, a QM2/E-5 in 1966, highlights the ship's involvement in the CTG-65 Salvage Ops (Palomares) and the eligibility for the Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.
Daniel Thurow, a FN in 1959, is on a quest to find his shipmates from the E-Division, specifically D. Ruggs and D. Blackman. Chester Adkins, an EN3 in 1968, shares his experience of being assigned to the Repair 6 Division in Malta and later taking on the role of Mess Decks Master at Arms.
James Bruce, a PH3 in 1966, managed the Photo Lab after the ship's return from a two-year duty tour in Naples, Italy, and recalls the ship's shakedown in Guantanamo Bay. Larry Butler, an ET1 in 1966, describes his work in the Calibration Lab and his time as a "lab rat" sealed into the hull.
Dan Caesar, a RM2 in 1958, is trying to locate his shipmates from the radio shack, while Gary Dahl, a HN in 1961, transitioned from radio to medical and fondly remembers his time in Charleston. Archie Darling, a FT3 in 1951, humorously notes his brief promotion to 2nd class and his long-term sobriety.
Vince Gulisano, a MM2 in 1968, worked in the evaporators and steam heat before transferring to the AC & R Shop, cherishing the lifelong friendships he made. Bill Hickman, a SFP2 in 1966, recalls his transition from the mess decks to the R-1 Division and his four years of service as the best time of his life.
Art Hopkins, an ETN-3 in 1962, was present during the FRAM period and the installation of the DASH helicopter deck, making a memorable Mediterranean cruise. George Huntington, a TM2 in 1961, reminisces about his time in the Torpedo Shop and playing various sports for the ship's teams.
W.W. Johnson, a ME2 in 1951, provides a detailed account of the ship's commissioning in San Diego and its operations off the West Coast before transiting the Panama Canal. Michael Lopes, a GMT3 in 1962, worked in the Torpedo Shop and transferred from the USS Sellers DDG-11 after the Cuban Blockade.
Ray Miller, a FTM2 in 1965, shares a vivid memory of a wrestling match that left him with a scar, while Harold Moreash, a MM/3 in 1958, recalls his first duty station and the sight of mothballed ships. Larry Pierson, a SF3 in 1961, fondly remembers his time in the sheet metal shop and the camaraderie of the R1 Division.
Paul Richards, a Seaman in 1966, is searching for his friend Don McManus from the personnel department. Tannie Riordan-Phillips, the daughter of Kevin Riordan, a SFM2 in 1962-65, shares her father's desire to reconnect with his Navy friends.
Francesco Scrivano, a Fireman E3 in 1964, reminisces about his transfer to the USS Compass Island and his time in Brooklyn Navy Yard. David Staley, a DC2 in 1968, recalls his brief stint on the ship while waiting for his own ship to return from Vietnam.
Rudy Sullivan, a DP1 in 1967, proudly mentions installing the first computer on the Everglades, a Univac 1500. William Tallman, a FTG3/FTG2 in 1968, cherishes his memories of the 1968 Mediterranean cruise and his friendships with shipmates Clark, Barber, and Woolery.
Gerald Victor, a MM3 in 1963, worked on the Evaporator flats and auxiliary equipment, while William Walkden, a LISN in 1960, enjoyed his time in the print shop and working with the photo shop. John White, a RM3 in 1960, recalls his adjustment from a destroyer to the AD and meeting a radioman who had survived Pearl Harbor.
Lastly, Louis E. Wood, a LCDR in 1965, is remembered by his daughter, who seeks stories and pictures to share with her brother and her father's grandchildren, preserving the legacy of his service.
These memories collectively capture the essence of life aboard the USS Everglades, highlighting the camaraderie, adventures, and lasting friendships formed during their service.
USS Everglades AD-24: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Everglades (AD-24) was a remarkable ship in the U.S. Navy, serving as a destroyer tender. Commissioned in 1951, it was designed to provide maintenance and logistical support to destroyers and other small warships. Over its service life, the Everglades received several upgrades, including advanced radar systems and improved communication equipment. These enhancements ensured it could support newer classes of destroyers and other vessels effectively.
The Everglades was more than just a support ship; it was a vital part of the fleet. Its primary role was maintenance and repair, but it could do so much more. Equipped with machine shops, foundries, and electronic repair facilities, it could perform a wide range of repairs at sea. It also supplied fuel, ammunition, and other essentials, acting as a floating lifeline for naval forces. This capability to perform complex repairs and resupply missions without needing a port was crucial for the fleet's operational readiness.
During the Cold War, the USS Everglades was indispensable. As tensions with the Soviet Union grew, having a ready naval presence was crucial. The Everglades played a key role in keeping destroyers and other warships operational, essential for patrolling and securing strategic maritime routes. Its ability to provide on-the-spot repairs and resupply allowed naval forces to stay deployed longer, enhancing the Navy's strategic flexibility.
The Everglades also shone in humanitarian and peacetime missions, highlighting the importance of auxiliary ships. Whether it was disaster relief, joint exercises with allies, or supporting scientific research, the Everglades showed the multifaceted role of support ships. Its long service and diverse missions underscore the critical role of auxiliary vessels in maintaining a capable and responsive naval force. The legacy of the USS Everglades AD-24 is a testament to the enduring value of support ships in the U.S. Navy.
USS Everglades AD-24: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Everglades (AD-24) was a powerhouse in keeping the U.S. Navy's ships ready for action. Commissioned in 1951, she was all about repair and maintenance for destroyers and smaller vessels. She traveled to key spots like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic. These trips were crucial. They kept the fleet in top shape, ready to tackle any threats. Her ability to fix ships at sea made the Navy more flexible and effective.
During the Korean War, the Everglades was a behind-the-scenes hero. She didn't see combat, but her work was vital. She repaired and serviced destroyers, getting them back in action fast. This kept the Navy's pace up. She didn't just fix things; she also provided parts and materials. Her work showed how important support ships are in modern warfare. Keeping combat ships running is just as crucial as the battles themselves.
In the Cold War, the Everglades was a key player. As tensions with the Soviet Union rose, she often headed to the Mediterranean with the Sixth Fleet. This was part of a strategy to show American naval strength and deter Soviet moves. Her presence was a support base for the fleet, ensuring they could operate effectively. Her role highlighted how repair ships are essential for a strong naval presence.
The Everglades' service was recognized with several awards. She earned the Navy Occupation Service Medal for post-World War II work in Europe, the National Defense Service Medal for the Korean War, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Cold War deployments. These honors reflect her big contributions to the Navy. Her history is a testament to the crucial role of auxiliary ships in keeping the fleet ready and effective.
USS Everglades AD-24 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Klondike Class Destroyer Tender |
| Commissioned | May 25, 1951 |
| Displacement | 11,944 tons |
| Length | 492 feet |
| Beam | 69 feet |
| Draft | 24.4 feet |
| Speed | 18.4 knots |
| Complement | 826 |