USS Greenwood DE-679
The USS Greenwood (DE-679) was a Buckley-class destroyer escort built during World War II. Her keel was laid down on May 16, 1943, at the Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. She was launched on June 27, 1943, and commissioned into the United States Navy on October 23, 1943. The Navy needed ships fast, and the Greenwood was part of that rapid expansion, designed with a focus on anti-submarine warfare.
Named in honor of Wayne Milledge Greenwood, a naval aviator awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his heroism during the Battle of Midway, the ship carried his legacy. Lieutenant Greenwood's bravery was a testament to the courage of many service members during the war. The USS Greenwood embodied his spirit of dedication and valor.
The Greenwood was equipped for anti-submarine warfare. She had three 3-inch/50 caliber guns, a Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar, depth charge projectors, and torpedo tubes. These made her a formidable opponent against enemy submarines, a major threat during the war. Her radar and sonar systems were top-notch for the time, boosting her ability to detect and engage enemy vessels.
The USS Greenwood's legacy in the US Navy is marked by her convoy escort duties and anti-submarine patrols. She played a crucial role in protecting Allied shipping lanes from German U-boats. Destroyer escorts like the Greenwood were vital in ensuring the safe passage of supplies and personnel across the Atlantic, contributing significantly to the Allied war effort.
As a Buckley-class destroyer escort, the Greenwood was part of a class designed to be versatile and cost-effective. These ships were smaller and less heavily armed than traditional destroyers but were faster and more maneuverable. This made them perfect for escorting convoys and hunting submarines. The class was also notable for its diesel-electric propulsion, offering greater fuel efficiency and range.
The commissioning of the USS Greenwood marked the start of her active service. After her shakedown cruise and training, she was deployed to the Atlantic theater, joining the fight against the Axis powers. The commissioning ceremony was a proud moment for the crew and the Navy, as the ship officially began her mission of protecting Allied interests on the high seas.
USS Greenwood DE-679: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Greenwood (DE-679) was a Buckley-class destroyer escort, a class celebrated for its versatility and robust design during World War II. At 306 feet long with a beam of 36.75 feet and a draft of 9 feet 5 inches, it was compact yet formidable. Its hull was made from welded steel, offering strength and durability while speeding up production compared to riveted ships. The superstructure was crafted to maximize visibility and efficiency, with a bridge that provided a commanding view of the seas. The layout was optimized for anti-submarine warfare, with plenty of deck space for depth charge projectors and other specialized gear.
Technologically, the USS Greenwood was ahead of its time. It was powered by turbo-electric drive engines, reaching a top speed of 23 knots. This propulsion system was efficient and allowed for great maneuverability, crucial for escorting convoys and hunting submarines. The ship boasted advanced radar and sonar systems, including the SL surface search radar and the QCE-1 sonar, enhancing its detection capabilities. These technologies enabled the USS Greenwood to locate and engage enemy submarines effectively, even in tough conditions.
The armament of the USS Greenwood was a balanced mix of offensive and defensive capabilities. It had three 3-inch/50 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of engaging both surface and aerial targets. These were complemented by anti-aircraft weapons like twin 40mm Bofors and single 20mm Oerlikon cannons, providing robust defense against enemy aircraft. The ship also featured a Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar, an innovative weapon that launched a pattern of depth charges ahead of the ship, increasing the chances of hitting submerged submarines.
Beyond its primary and anti-aircraft armament, the USS Greenwood was equipped with a comprehensive suite of anti-submarine weaponry. This included eight depth charge projectors and two depth charge tracks, allowing the ship to deploy a formidable array of explosives against enemy submarines. Combined with its advanced sonar systems, these weapons made the USS Greenwood a potent adversary in anti-submarine warfare. The crew was well-trained in using these systems, ensuring they could respond quickly and effectively to any threats during their missions.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Greenwood (DE-679) 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 and the camaraderie that developed among its sailors.
Marilynn Carmine, who served as a Fireman First Class (FN1), recalls meeting a gentleman in New Jersey who had never had the opportunity to reunite with his shipmates. This encounter highlights the enduring bonds formed during service, even if circumstances sometimes prevent reunions.
Ronald Craft, who served as a Machinist's Mate Fireman (MMFN) in 1958, reminisces about his time aboard the USS Greenwood when it was homeported in Charleston. He spent 11 months aboard, working in the forward engine room alongside MM2 Clark. His service period also included shore duty in Charleston from 1959 to 1962, indicating a strong connection to the area and the ship.
Norman Tasharski, a Boiler Technician Second Class (BT2) in 1956, is an active member of several associations dedicated to destroyer escort sailors, including the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association, Northern Illinois Destroyer Escort Sailors Association, and Will County DESA. His involvement in these organizations underscores his dedication to preserving the legacy and memories of those who served on destroyer escorts like the USS Greenwood.
Gene Cote served as an Electronics Technician Second Class (ET2) from 1964 to 1966. He fondly remembers the many training cruises with reservists from St. Petersburg and Tampa. After his active duty, he joined the reserves and eventually retired as an Electronics Technician Chief (ETC) in 1989. Gene's reflections highlight the importance of training and the lasting friendships formed during his service years.
These shared memories from the USS Greenwood's crew members offer a glimpse into the daily life, challenges, and enduring friendships that characterized their time aboard the ship. Each recollection contributes to a collective narrative of dedication, service, and camaraderie that continues to resonate with those who served on the USS Greenwood (DE-679).
USS Greenwood DE-679: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Greenwood (DE-679) was a remarkable ship in the U.S. Navy, known for its adaptability and strength. Commissioned in 1943, it was packed with cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tech of its time, like depth charge projectors and hedgehog mortars. As technology advanced, so did the Greenwood. It got regular updates to its radar and sonar, boosting its ability to detect and track enemy subs. These upgrades were key to keeping the ship sharp in its main job: escorting convoys and hunting submarines.
As a destroyer escort, the Greenwood was crucial during World War II. Its main job was to shield convoys of merchant ships and bigger naval vessels from submarine and air attacks. With strong ASW capabilities and anti-aircraft guns, it was a versatile defender. The ship also had torpedoes and a 3-inch gun, giving it some offensive punch against surface threats. This mix of features let the Greenwood take on various missions, from convoy escort to direct battles with enemy subs and aircraft.
The USS Greenwood made a big impact during World War II. It took part in many convoy escort missions across the Atlantic, helping ensure vital supplies and personnel reached Europe and the Mediterranean safely. Its presence was a strong deterrent against enemy subs and aircraft, cutting down the threat to Allied shipping. The ship's success was a tribute to its crew's skill and dedication, as well as its advanced tech and solid design. The Greenwood's work was a big part of the U.S. Navy's ASW success during the war.
After the war, the USS Greenwood stayed valuable during the early Cold War years. Its upgrades and mission flexibility let it adapt to new challenges, like the growing threat of Soviet submarines. The Greenwood remained a reliable platform for ASW operations and convoy protection, helping the U.S. Navy keep its edge in maritime security. The ship's legacy highlights the importance of ongoing tech advancement and the lasting value of versatile, well-designed naval ships.
USS Greenwood DE-679: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Greenwood (DE-679) 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. Over time, the Greenwood got regular updates to its radar and sonar systems, keeping it sharp and ready for action. These upgrades were key to its role in escorting convoys and hunting enemy submarines.
As a destroyer escort, the Greenwood was built for a crucial job during World War II. It protected convoys of merchant ships and larger naval vessels from submarine and air attacks. With its strong ASW capabilities and anti-aircraft armament, it was a versatile defender. The ship also had torpedoes and a 3-inch gun, giving it offensive power against surface threats. This made it capable of handling various missions, from convoy escort to direct engagements with enemy submarines and aircraft.
The Greenwood made significant contributions during World War II. It took part in many convoy escort missions across the Atlantic, ensuring vital supplies and personnel reached European and Mediterranean theaters safely. Its presence was a deterrent to enemy submarines and aircraft, reducing threats to Allied shipping. The ship's success was a testament to the crew's skill and dedication, as well as its advanced technology and solid design. It played a crucial role in the U.S. Navy's ASW efforts during the war.
After the war, the Greenwood continued to be a valuable asset during the early Cold War years. Its upgrades and mission flexibility allowed it to adapt to new challenges, like the threat of Soviet submarines. The Greenwood remained a reliable platform for ASW operations and convoy protection, helping the U.S. Navy maintain its maritime security edge. Its legacy highlights the importance of continuous technological advancement and the enduring value of versatile, well-designed naval vessels.
USS Greenwood DE-679 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Buckley Class Destroyer Escort |
| Commissioned | September 25, 1943 |
| Displacement | 1,740 tons |
| Length | 306 feet |
| Beam | 36.9 feet |
| Draft | 10.6 feet |
| Speed | 24 knots |
| Complement | 213 |