USS Foss DE-59
The USS Foss (DE-59) was a Buckley-class destroyer escort built during World War II. Her keel was laid down on December 4, 1942, at the Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard in Hingham, Massachusetts. This shipyard was one of many that ramped up production to meet the urgent demands of the war effort. The USS Foss was launched on February 10, 1943, and officially commissioned into the United States Navy on July 23, 1943. Her construction was part of a broader strategy to boost the Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities, crucial in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
The ship was named in honor of Chief Watertender Herbert L. Foss, a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Spanish-American War. Foss showed extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Santiago de Cuba on July 3, 1898, while serving aboard the USS Marblehead. His courageous actions under fire earned him the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. Naming the ship after Foss was a tribute to his valor and a reminder of the Navy's storied history of heroism.
One of the standout features of the USS Foss was her advanced anti-submarine warfare equipment, including depth charge projectors, hedgehog anti-submarine mortars, and sonar systems. She was also equipped with a variety of anti-aircraft guns, like 20mm Oerlikon cannons and 3-inch/50 caliber guns, to defend against aerial threats. The Buckley-class design emphasized versatility and adaptability, allowing the USS Foss to perform a range of duties from convoy escort to direct engagement with enemy submarines.
The legacy of the USS Foss in the US Navy is significant, as she exemplified the effectiveness of destroyer escorts in protecting convoys and hunting submarines. These ships played a crucial role in maintaining supply lines and ensuring the safe passage of troops and materials across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The USS Foss, like many of her sister ships, demonstrated the strategic value of smaller, more agile vessels in naval warfare, influencing future ship designs and naval tactics.
The Buckley-class destroyer escorts, to which the USS Foss belonged, were designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare. These ships were smaller and less heavily armed than destroyers but were faster and more maneuverable. The primary purpose of the Buckley-class was to provide protection for convoys against the threat of German U-boats and Japanese submarines. Their design included a long-range capability, which allowed them to escort convoys across vast ocean distances, a critical need during World War II.
The commissioning of the USS Foss on July 23, 1943, marked the beginning of her active service in the US Navy. Under the command of Lieutenant Commander John W. Schmidt, the ship quickly became an integral part of the Navy's efforts in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. The commissioning ceremony was a moment of pride and anticipation, as the crew prepared to take on the challenges of wartime service. The USS Foss would go on to serve with distinction, contributing to the overall success of the Allied naval operations during World War II.
USS Foss DE-59: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Foss (DE-59) was a Buckley-class destroyer escort, a class celebrated for its sturdy and adaptable design during World War II. It stretched 306 feet long with a beam of 36.75 feet and a draft of 9 feet 5 inches. Built with welded steel, the hull was both strong and flexible, perfect for the harsh conditions of naval warfare. Its low, sleek superstructure helped reduce its radar profile, making it a harder target for enemies. The design focused on durability and versatility, allowing the Foss to handle tasks from convoy escort to anti-submarine warfare.
The USS Foss boasted cutting-edge technology for its time. It ran on turbo-electric drive engines, reaching speeds up to 23 knots. This system was efficient and allowed for quick changes in speed, vital for dodging threats and responding swiftly. The ship's radar and sonar systems were top-notch, featuring the SL surface search radar and the QCE-1 sonar. These tools helped the Foss detect and track enemy submarines and ships more accurately, boosting its defensive and offensive prowess.
The armament on the USS Foss was a well-rounded mix of offensive and defensive firepower. It had three 3-inch/50 caliber dual-purpose guns, effective against both surface and air targets. These were backed by anti-aircraft weapons like twin 40mm Bofors and single 20mm Oerlikon cannons. This setup allowed the Foss to protect itself and its convoy from enemy aircraft, a frequent threat in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. The ship's fire control systems were advanced, with the Mark 51 director for the 40mm guns enhancing targeting precision.
For anti-submarine warfare, the USS Foss was well-prepared to tackle the U-boat threat. It was equipped with a Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar, capable of launching 24 bombs in a pattern ahead of the ship, increasing the chances of hitting a submerged submarine. The Foss also had depth charge tracks and projectors, enabling it to deploy depth charges in various patterns for maximum effect. These anti-submarine weapons, combined with its sonar capabilities, made the USS Foss a formidable opponent for enemy submarines, ensuring the safety of the convoys it protected.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Foss (DE-59) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, as evidenced by the memories shared in its guestbook. These recollections paint a vivid picture of life aboard the ship during the late 1950s, highlighting camaraderie, mischief, and the formative experiences that shaped their naval careers.
Gary Rikerd, who served as a Machinist's Mate Third Class (MM3) in 1957, reminisces about the times spent in the engine room and the escapades in Hong Kong. He fondly recalls the "dirty tricks" played on a fellow crew member, Kimitch, though he admits he might not have spelled the name correctly. Rikerd's memories are filled with the names and faces of his shipmates, including Mendiola, who wrote to him, and he expresses a desire to reconnect with J.A. Wilson and others from that period. His anecdotes reflect the close-knit bonds formed among the crew and the light-hearted pranks that added a touch of humor to their daily routines.
Doyle Yarbrough, who served as a Yeoman Seaman Apprentice (YNSA) in 1957, shares his experience of reporting to the USS Foss right after graduating from boot camp and Yeoman school. Although his time on the ship was brief, lasting only a few months before he was transferred, it marked the beginning of a long and distinguished 30-year naval career spanning from 1956 to 1986. Yarbrough's post underscores the significance of the USS Foss as the starting point of his journey in the Navy, a place where he took his first steps into a life of service and dedication.
Together, these memories offer a glimpse into the daily life and unique experiences aboard the USS Foss (DE-59). They highlight the importance of camaraderie, the impact of shared experiences, and the lasting connections formed during their time at sea. The guestbook serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the USS Foss and the indelible mark it left on those who served aboard her.
USS Foss DE-59: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Foss (DE-59) was a remarkable ship with a rich history. Commissioned in 1943, it was packed with cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tech for its time. It had depth charge projectors and hedgehog mortars, making it a real threat to enemy subs. As the war went on, the Foss got regular updates to its radar and sonar. These upgrades kept it sharp and ready, ensuring it could handle whatever the ocean threw its way.
Destroyer escorts like the USS Foss had a lot on their plate during World War II. They were mainly there to protect convoys crossing the Atlantic, keeping merchant and military ships safe from subs and aircraft. The Foss was a pro at this, thanks to its strong ASW capabilities. It could spot and take out enemy subs before they became a problem. Plus, it was ready to fend off air attacks, adding another layer of defense. The ship was versatile, too, handling search and rescue, coastal patrols, and even supporting amphibious landings.
The USS Foss made a big impact during the war. It was crucial in keeping supply lines open, ensuring troops and materials got where they needed to go. Its work in convoy operations helped keep the U-boat threat in check, a major worry for the Allies. The Foss also saw action in key naval battles, providing fire support and taking on enemy ships when needed. Its efforts protected valuable assets and helped achieve the Allies' strategic goals.
After the war, the USS Foss didn't just fade away. It continued to serve with distinction as the Navy faced new challenges during the early Cold War. Even as technology advanced and some of its systems became outdated, the Foss stood as a testament to the ingenuity of mid-20th-century naval engineering. Its legacy lives on in the evolution of destroyer escorts, which have built on the foundation laid by ships like the Foss.
USS Foss DE-59: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Foss (DE-59) was a remarkable ship with a rich history. Commissioned in 1943, it was initially outfitted with cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare (ASW) technology, like depth charge projectors and hedgehog mortars. As World War II progressed, the ship received updates to its radar and sonar systems, keeping it sharp and ready for action. These upgrades ensured the Foss stayed a step ahead of enemy submarines and surface threats, proving its worth time and again.
The Foss wasn't just about ASW, though. It had a range of mission capabilities that made it a key player during the war. Primarily, it served as a convoy escort, protecting merchant and military ships from submarine and air attacks during those risky transatlantic crossings. Its ASW prowess was a game-changer, allowing it to detect and neutralize threats before they could strike. The ship also had anti-aircraft defenses, providing a shield against enemy planes. Its adaptability meant it could handle search and rescue missions, coastal patrols, and even support amphibious landings.
The USS Foss made significant contributions to the fleet, especially during the critical phases of World War II. It was instrumental in safeguarding supply lines, ensuring troops and materials reached their destinations. By participating in convoy operations, the Foss helped counter the U-boat menace, a major concern for the Allies. The ship also took part in key naval battles, offering fire support and engaging enemy vessels when needed. Its efforts not only protected vital assets but also supported the broader strategic goals of the Allied forces.
After the war, the USS Foss continued to serve with distinction. It adapted to the evolving needs of the U.S. Navy during the early Cold War years, proving its versatility and reliability. While technological advancements eventually made some of its systems outdated, the Foss remained a symbol of mid-20th-century naval engineering ingenuity. Its legacy lives on in the history of naval warfare and in the evolution of destroyer escort vessels, which have built upon the foundation laid by ships like the USS Foss.
USS Foss DE-59 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Buckley Class Destroyer Escort |
| Commissioned | July 23, 1943 |
| Displacement | 1,740 tons |
| Length | 306 feet |
| Beam | 36.9 feet |
| Draft | 10.6 feet |
| Speed | 24 knots |
| Complement | 213 |