USS Hickox DD-673
The USS Hickox (DD-673) was a Fletcher-class destroyer built during World War II, a time of rapid naval growth and tech leaps. Her keel was laid on March 30, 1943, at the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey. This shipyard was known for its speed and quality, playing a big part in the Navy's wartime efforts. She was launched on July 4, 1943, a date full of patriotic spirit. By September 10, 1943, she was commissioned with Commander Ralph S. Wentworth leading the charge, ready to join the Pacific Fleet against the Axis powers.
The ship was named after Lieutenant Commander Ralph Hickox, a brave naval officer who served with distinction. He was known for his leadership, especially during the Battle of the Coral Sea, where he helped stop Japanese expansion. Naming the destroyer after him was a tribute to his courage and a reminder of the dedication needed in naval service. His legacy lived on through the ship, inspiring the crew to uphold high standards.
The USS Hickox boasted impressive armament and advanced radar systems for her time. She had five 5-inch/38 caliber guns, ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, and numerous anti-aircraft guns, making her a versatile and powerful asset. The Fletcher-class design focused on speed, maneuverability, and firepower, allowing the Hickox to escort larger vessels and engage enemy submarines and aircraft. Her radar and sonar capabilities were top-notch, providing critical awareness in the vast Pacific waters.
The USS Hickox's legacy in the Navy is marked by her exemplary service during World War II and beyond. She took part in key operations, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf, one of the largest naval battles ever. Her contributions were significant, earning her multiple battle stars and commendations. The Hickox showed the effectiveness of the Fletcher-class design, influencing future destroyers and highlighting the importance of versatile ships in naval strategy. Her service record is a testament to the bravery and skill of her crew and the foresight of her designers.
As a Fletcher-class destroyer, the USS Hickox was part of a class that became the backbone of the Navy's destroyer force during the war. These ships were larger, faster, and more heavily armed than earlier classes, capable of a wide range of missions. The primary role of the Hickox and her sister ships was fleet protection, anti-submarine warfare, and shore bombardment support. Their versatility made them invaluable in both offensive and defensive operations.
The commissioning of the USS Hickox on September 10, 1943, marked the start of her distinguished service. The ceremony was a moment of pride as the crew prepared for wartime challenges. The process involved rigorous testing and training to ensure readiness for combat. Once commissioned, the Hickox quickly joined the Pacific Fleet, playing a crucial role in major campaigns. Her performance highlighted the effectiveness of the Fletcher-class design and underscored the importance of destroyers in modern naval warfare.
USS Hickox DD-673: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Hickox (DD-673) was a Fletcher-class destroyer, a class famous for its sturdy design and versatility during World War II. It measured 376 feet 6 inches in length and had a beam of 39 feet 8 inches. This size gave it a solid platform for both offensive and defensive operations. Built with high-tensile steel, the ship struck a balance between durability and weight, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 35 knots. Its sleek superstructure was designed to minimize radar detection, improving its chances of survival against enemy forces.
The Hickox was packed with cutting-edge technology for its time. It boasted advanced radar and sonar systems, crucial for navigation, target acquisition, and anti-submarine warfare. The SG surface search radar and SC air search radar provided comprehensive situational awareness. The QHB sonar was key in detecting and tracking submarines, a vital skill given the threat of enemy U-boats. The ship also featured a Mark 37 Gun Fire Control System, which combined radar and optical data to boost the accuracy of its main guns.
Armament-wise, the USS Hickox was a powerhouse, designed for multiple missions. It had five 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of taking on both surface and air targets. These guns were mounted in single turrets, offering a wide firing arc and quick response to threats. The ship also carried anti-aircraft weapons, including ten 40mm Bofors guns and seven 20mm Oerlikon cannons, essential for defending against enemy aircraft during Pacific Theater operations.
Beyond its guns, the Hickox was equipped with torpedoes and depth charges, boosting its anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities. It had ten 21-inch torpedo tubes in two quintuple mounts, launching the effective Mark 15 torpedo against surface ships and submarines. For anti-submarine warfare, it featured two depth charge racks and six K-gun depth charge projectors, creating a deadly underwater barrier against enemy subs. This mix of weaponry ensured the USS Hickox could handle a wide range of missions, from convoy escort to direct combat with enemy forces.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Hickox (DD-673) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, as evidenced by the heartfelt memories shared in its guestbook. These recollections span from the ship's early days in the 1940s to its later years in the 1950s, painting a vivid picture of life aboard this storied vessel.
Walter Brundrett, who served as an Electrician's Mate First Class in 1943, is still alive and recently celebrated his 98th birthday. His family is eager to connect with anyone who remembers him from his time in the Pacific.
John Gluchman, also aboard in 1943, served in multiple roles including Electrician, Rear Steering, and Rear Gunner's Loader for the 20mm gun during General Quarters. He is currently residing in Des Plaines, Illinois, and his daughter has provided her email for any former shipmates wishing to get in touch.
David Blanchard's stint on the USS Hickox was brief but memorable. Serving as a Seaman First Class ET in 1955, he spent three weeks on the ship, during which he performed mess cook duties and helped hoist flags during ship maneuvers while riding out a hurricane at sea.
John Cardinale, who worked in the engine room in 1942, is remembered fondly by his grandson. Although John has passed away, his pride in serving on the Hickox is still palpable through the stories he shared with his family.
Charles McKenney, who served as a TMI in 1943, is now 90 years old. His family is keen to hear from his old shipmates and has provided contact information for anyone wishing to reconnect.
Don Musselman, who served in 1951, went on to have a distinguished academic career after his naval service. He earned multiple degrees and is currently a professor at Union College in Kentucky. He resides in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Charles Connolly, who served in 1954, also pursued a career in academia. Now retired, he lives in Arvada, Colorado, with his wife Anne. They enjoy a fulfilling life surrounded by their five children and nine grandchildren.
Dolphus Henry, a Machinist Mate from 1955 to 1957, recalls his time on the Hickox as the best years of his life. He traveled the world and is eager to reconnect with any former shipmates who shared those experiences with him.
These memories collectively highlight the camaraderie, pride, and enduring connections formed aboard the USS Hickox. Each story adds a unique thread to the rich tapestry of the ship's history, reflecting the diverse experiences of those who served on her.
USS Hickox DD-673: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Hickox (DD-673) was a Fletcher-class destroyer that saw some serious action and upgrades during its time. Commissioned in 1943, it started with five 5-inch/38 caliber guns, ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, and a mix of anti-aircraft weapons. As naval warfare changed, so did the Hickox. During World War II, it got better radar and sonar systems, which helped it spot enemy submarines and aircraft more effectively. After the war, it received more advanced anti-aircraft artillery and electronic warfare systems, keeping it a strong player in the fleet.
The Hickox was a jack-of-all-trades when it came to missions. It was built for anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare but did so much more. It escorted bigger ships, provided naval gunfire support, and went after enemy submarines and surface ships. In World War II, it was part of big operations like the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Okinawa campaign. Its versatility and firepower were key to the Allies' success. The Hickox was a real asset to the US Navy because it could handle so many different tasks.
Besides its combat roles, the Hickox was a reliable workhorse for the fleet. It often screened aircraft carriers and battleships, keeping them safe from enemy air and submarine threats. Its speed and agility meant it could quickly tackle new threats, making it a vital part of any naval task force. The ship's solid design and adaptability meant it could work well in all kinds of environments, from the open ocean to coastal waters, boosting the fleet's overall readiness.
The legacy of the USS Hickox is all about its steady service and big contributions to naval operations. Throughout its active years, it showed how important it is to keep upgrading and adapting to stay on top. The Hickox's role in critical battles and its wide range of missions highlighted the strategic value of Fletcher-class destroyers in the US Navy. By evolving with the times and consistently delivering on its mission capabilities, the USS Hickox not only strengthened the fleet's operational effectiveness but also left a lasting mark on naval history.
USS Hickox DD-673: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Hickox (DD-673) was a real powerhouse during its time, especially in World War II and the Korean War. This Fletcher-class destroyer was commissioned in 1943 and quickly found itself in the heart of the action in the Pacific. It was right there in the thick of things at the Battle of Leyte Gulf, one of the biggest naval battles ever. The Hickox was crucial, providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine support, keeping the bigger ships safe, and helping the Allies succeed. It was a nimble and powerful ship, also taking part in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, where it offered bombardment support and protected aircraft carriers.
When the Korean War broke out, the USS Hickox was recommissioned and sent back into action. It was deployed to the Korean Peninsula, where it took on various roles like shore bombardment, escort duties, and anti-submarine warfare. The ship's flexibility and the crew's dedication were key in operations like the Inchon Landing, which was a game-changer for the United Nations forces. The Hickox showed it could handle anything thrown its way, proving its worth as a multi-role destroyer capable of executing a wide range of missions with precision.
The USS Hickox's service didn't go unnoticed. During World War II, it earned five battle stars, a testament to its active and effective participation in major naval engagements. In the Korean War, it added two more battle stars to its record. These awards highlight the ship's consistent excellence and the bravery of its crew. The Hickox's career is a proud chapter in U.S. naval history, showcasing the resilience and capability of Fletcher-class destroyers.
Besides the battle stars, the USS Hickox was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its outstanding performance during specific operations. This prestigious award is given to units that show exceptional heroism in action against an enemy. The commendation highlighted the ship's exceptional service and the crew's unwavering commitment to their mission. The legacy of the USS Hickox is one of valor, versatility, and dedication, serving as a lasting example of the vital role destroyers play in naval warfare.
USS Hickox DD-673 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Fletcher Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | November 15, 1968 |
| Displacement | 2,924 tons |
| Length | 377 feet |
| Beam | 40 feet |
| Draft | 13.8 feet |
| Speed | 38 knots |
| Complement | 9 Officers 264 Enlisted |