USS Lofberg DD-759
The USS Lofberg (DD-759) was a remarkable ship in the United States Navy, built during a time of rapid naval growth and technological progress. She was laid down on March 4, 1944, at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation's shipyard in San Francisco, California. Her construction was part of a larger effort to strengthen the Navy during World War II, highlighting the urgency and scale of wartime shipbuilding. The Lofberg was launched on September 12, 1944, and commissioned on March 26, 1945, marking the start of her service.
The ship was named in honor of Lieutenant (junior grade) Gus Brynolf Lofberg, Jr., a naval aviator who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism during the Battle of Midway. Lt. Lofberg's bravery and sacrifice were a testament to the valor and dedication of naval personnel during the war. Naming the ship after him was a tribute to his legacy, and the USS Lofberg carried this legacy forward, embodying the spirit of courage and commitment that Lt. Lofberg represented.
The USS Lofberg was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, known for its armament and design. She was equipped with six 5-inch/38 caliber guns, twelve 40 mm anti-aircraft guns, and eleven 20 mm anti-aircraft cannons, providing formidable firepower. The ship also featured ten 21-inch torpedo tubes and depth charge projectors, making her a versatile and potent asset in both surface and anti-submarine warfare. Her design emphasized speed, maneuverability, and firepower, enabling her to perform a variety of roles in naval operations.
The legacy of the USS Lofberg in the US Navy is marked by her active participation in several key conflicts and her contributions to naval strategy and tactics. During her service, she saw action in the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The Lofberg's involvement in these conflicts demonstrated the adaptability and resilience of the vessel and her crew. Her operational history provided valuable lessons in naval warfare, influencing the development of future naval strategies and ship designs.
As an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, the USS Lofberg was part of a class of ships designed to meet the evolving needs of the Navy during World War II. The Sumner-class destroyers were an improvement over the previous Fletcher-class, featuring increased anti-aircraft capabilities and enhanced stability. The primary purpose of the USS Lofberg and her sister ships was to provide escort and protection for larger vessels, conduct anti-submarine operations, and engage enemy surface ships. The versatility and effectiveness of the Sumner-class destroyers made them a critical component of the Navy's fleet during and after the war.
The commissioning of the USS Lofberg on March 26, 1945, marked the beginning of a distinguished career that spanned over three decades. Her commissioning ceremony was a significant event, symbolizing the readiness of the vessel to join the fleet and contribute to the war effort. Throughout her service, the USS Lofberg exemplified the qualities of dedication, resilience, and excellence that are hallmarks of the United States Navy. Her storied history and enduring legacy continue to be remembered and honored by those who served aboard her and by naval historians.
USS Lofberg DD-759: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Lofberg (DD-759) was a Gearing-class destroyer, not a Sumner-class. These ships were known for their robust design and versatility. At 390 feet long and with a beam of 41 feet, the Lofberg was a solid platform for various naval operations. Built with high-tensile steel, it was durable and ready for combat. Its superstructure housed advanced radar and communication systems, ensuring it could effectively coordinate with other vessels and command units. The ship had multiple decks, each with specific functions like crew quarters, command centers, and storage for munitions and supplies.
Technologically, the USS Lofberg was ahead of its time. It featured advanced radar and sonar systems crucial for detecting enemy vessels and submarines. The radar allowed for long-range detection and tracking, while the sonar provided underwater surveillance. The ship also had electronic warfare systems to intercept and jam enemy communications. These advancements made the Lofberg a formidable opponent in both surface and anti-submarine warfare. Its robust communication suite enabled seamless coordination with other naval assets and command centers.
When it came to armament, the USS Lofberg was heavily armed for its role as a destroyer. It had six 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns in three twin turrets, capable of engaging both surface and air targets. This provided versatile offensive and defensive capabilities. The ship also featured twelve 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns and eleven 20mm Oerlikon cannons, essential for close-in air defense. These weapons were strategically placed to offer 360-degree coverage, ensuring the Lofberg could defend itself from aerial threats from any direction.
The Lofberg's weaponry extended beyond guns to include torpedoes and depth charges, making it a potent anti-submarine platform. It was equipped with ten 21-inch torpedo tubes for launching Mark 15 torpedoes against enemy ships and submarines. Additionally, the destroyer carried depth charge projectors and racks to target and neutralize underwater threats. These anti-submarine warfare capabilities were enhanced by its sonar systems, allowing for precise targeting of enemy submarines. The combination of advanced technology and diverse weaponry made the USS Lofberg a versatile and powerful asset in the U.S. Navy's fleet.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Lofberg (DD-759) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, each recounting unique experiences that paint a vivid picture of life aboard the ship. These recollections span from the ship's early days in the mid-1940s to its decommissioning in the early 1970s, capturing moments of camaraderie, adventure, and the harsh realities of naval service.
**Oscar Forbes (1966, SH2)** recalls serving under LtJg Ed Wilson and is seeking information about Wilson's death, indicating a bond that extended beyond their service years.
**James Ganoe (1970, SN)** reflects on his final tour and the decommissioning of the USS Lofberg. He is particularly interested in the dates of a search and rescue mission for a downed pilot and a memorable time when the ship anchored in an inlet for swimming.
**Joe Godinez (1968, SN)** shares a somber memory of being on the fantail with Bergadine, Joe Baker, and Steve Camacho when a fellow fireman committed suicide. He was the last to see the fireman alive and is seeking contact with others who remember the incident.
**Larry Horst (1967, B-3)** is looking for details about a mission where the ship went up a river in Vietnam to conduct shore bombardment and then backed out at night to anchor in the bay.
**Jack King (1945, SK3)** reminisces about his regular contact with Warren Moorehead, a plank supply officer, until the 1980s. He also remembers the medical officer from his time aboard.
**Don Meyers (1969)** spent 40 years wondering about the fate of Edwin Peterson, who was lost at sea while Meyers was in Korea.
**Jim Rogers (1961, SOG3)** notes a discrepancy in the hull number listed for him, which affects the alphabetical order of the crew list.
**Brady Bailey (1962, SN)** is remembered by his widow, who is seeking any of his navy buddies. Brady passed away from lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
**Mike Correia (1968, FIREMAN/MM3)** fondly recalls boarding the ship in Hong Kong, buying a Kawasaki 500 in Yokohama, and attending the 1970 World's Fair in Yokosuka. He is searching for MM3 Walter Jackson.
**Roger Dollar (1962, MM3)** is looking for anyone who was on board when the ship rammed the dock in San Diego, especially Don Brucken or Mike Dietrich.
**Roger Usborne (1969)** served as Operations Officer after completing Destroyer School until the ship was decommissioned.
**Paul Kirkpatrick (1955)** served in the Deck Force before transferring to the Engineering Department, where he advanced to MM2. He later transferred to the Arnold J. Isbell (DD-869) and advanced to MM1 under Cmdr Elmo Zumwalt.
**Rich Sonderegger (1970)** served as a midshipman from July to September 1970 and rode the ship back to San Diego on its final transpacific crossing.
**Annette Clements** is seeking information for her father, John Robert Latham, who served on the USS Lofberg around 1968-1970. She hopes to connect with his former shipmates.
**Charlie Boyd (1970-1971, QMSN)** recalls his time on the USS Lofberg fondly, noting it was his first ship and that he still keeps in touch with some old shipmates.
**Farrell Sellars (1966-1969)** served as a boiler man and describes the challenging conditions in the sleeping quarters under the #3 gun mount, especially during firing missions off the coast of Vietnam.
**Larry Pollard (1964-1965, BT-3)** is seeking information for an Agent Orange claim, specifically whether the ship was within the 12-mile limit during that time.
**Richard Wachholtz (1964-1966, BM3)** reflects on his time aboard as a life-changing experience, joining as an SA in the 1st Division and leaving as a BM3.
These memories collectively highlight the diverse experiences of the USS Lofberg's crew, from the excitement of foreign ports and the camaraderie of shipboard life to the somber moments of loss and the enduring bonds formed during their service.
USS Lofberg DD-759: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Lofberg (DD-759) was a Sumner-class destroyer that saw some impressive upgrades over its service life, keeping it a key player in the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1946, the Lofberg started with cutting-edge radar and sonar systems for its time, plus a solid lineup of anti-aircraft and anti-submarine weapons. In the 1950s, it got its first big overhaul, with better radar and fire control systems. These changes were vital for staying effective during the early Cold War, a time of fast-paced tech changes and new naval tactics.
In the 1960s, the Lofberg went through the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. This was a big deal for extending the life of World War II-era destroyers. The Lofberg got new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tools, like the ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) system and the DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) system. These upgrades made it much better at finding and fighting enemy subs, which was crucial during the Cold War with the constant threat of Soviet subs. The FRAM program also improved the ship's living spaces and propulsion, keeping it running smoothly and effectively.
The Lofberg's missions were varied and changed with the times. It started with anti-aircraft and anti-submarine roles but soon took on shore bombardment, search and rescue, and escort duties for bigger ships like aircraft carriers. During the Korean War, the Lofberg provided gunfire support for United Nations forces, showing off its versatility and firepower. In the Vietnam War, it was part of Operation Sea Dragon, hitting North Vietnamese targets and supporting ground troops. The Lofberg's ability to handle different missions made it a valuable multi-role destroyer.
The USS Lofberg made significant contributions to the U.S. Navy. Over its three decades of service, it took part in many key operations and exercises, boosting the Navy's combat readiness and strategic reach. Its presence in the Pacific and joint exercises with allied navies helped strengthen international maritime partnerships and deter potential threats. The ship's tech upgrades and mission flexibility set a standard for future destroyer classes, influencing the design and capabilities of new naval vessels. The legacy of the USS Lofberg highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation in maintaining naval superiority.
USS Lofberg DD-759: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Lofberg (DD-759) had a remarkable service record, marked by numerous deployments and active participation in major conflicts. Commissioned in 1946, the Lofberg was a Sumner-class destroyer that quickly became a key part of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet. In its early years, the ship was involved in post-World War II operations, including patrolling and training exercises in the Pacific Ocean. When tensions rose in Korea, the Lofberg was sent to the Korean Peninsula, where it played a crucial role in naval gunfire support, anti-submarine warfare, and escort duties. Its versatility and readiness made it a valuable asset during the Korean War, significantly contributing to United Nations efforts in the region.
The Lofberg's involvement in the Vietnam War further cemented its reputation as a reliable and effective combat vessel. Deployed multiple times to the waters off Vietnam, the destroyer provided naval gunfire support for ground troops, conducted search and rescue operations, and participated in coastal interdiction missions aimed at disrupting enemy supply lines. The ship's advanced radar and sonar systems enabled it to perform anti-submarine patrols, ensuring the safety of carrier strike groups and other naval assets. The Lofberg's presence in the Gulf of Tonkin during the early stages of the conflict highlighted its strategic importance, as it helped establish naval dominance in the region.
Throughout its service life, the USS Lofberg earned numerous awards and commendations, reflecting its exceptional performance and dedication to duty. The ship received several battle stars for its service in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, recognizing its participation in key operations and engagements. Additionally, the Lofberg was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its outstanding performance during specific missions, highlighting the crew's professionalism and bravery under challenging conditions. The ship's consistent excellence in gunnery, seamanship, and overall operational readiness also earned it the Battle Efficiency "E" award on multiple occasions, a testament to the high standards maintained by its officers and crew.
The legacy of the USS Lofberg (DD-759) is one of steadfast service and unwavering commitment to the defense of the United States and its allies. From its early days patrolling the Pacific to its active roles in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Lofberg demonstrated the critical importance of naval power in modern warfare. The ship's numerous deployments and commendations reflect not only the strategic value of the vessel itself but also the dedication and skill of the men who served aboard her. As a symbol of American naval strength and resilience, the USS Lofberg remains a proud chapter in the history of the U.S. Navy.
USS Lofberg DD-759 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Allen M Sumner Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | April 26, 1945 |
| Displacement | 3,218 tons |
| Length | 376.5 feet |
| Beam | 40.7 feet |
| Draft | 14.2 feet |
| Speed | 36.5 knots |
| Complement | 345 |