USS Mccaffery DD-860
The USS McCaffery (DD-860) was a Gearing-class destroyer built for the United States Navy in the mid-20th century. Her keel was laid down on October 1, 1944, at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. She was launched on March 12, 1945, and officially commissioned on October 26, 1945. This ship was part of a broader effort to strengthen the US Navy's capabilities during and after World War II, highlighting the strategic importance of destroyers in naval warfare.
Named in honor of Lieutenant John McCaffery, a brave naval officer who served with distinction during World War II, the ship carries a legacy of valor. Lt. McCaffery was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, where he showed extraordinary bravery and leadership. Naming the vessel after him was a tribute to his sacrifice and a reminder of the courage and dedication of those who serve in the US Navy.
The USS McCaffery boasted advanced radar and sonar systems, cutting-edge for her time. She was armed with six 5-inch/38 caliber guns, twelve 40 mm anti-aircraft guns, and eleven 20 mm anti-aircraft guns, making her a formidable force against both surface and aerial threats. Her sleek, streamlined hull enhanced speed and maneuverability, allowing her to perform a variety of missions, from escorting larger ships to engaging enemy submarines.
The legacy of the USS McCaffery in the US Navy is marked by her extensive service during the Cold War era. She participated in numerous operations, including anti-submarine warfare exercises, patrols in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, and support missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Her versatility and reliability made her a valuable asset to the Navy, playing a crucial role in maintaining maritime security and projecting American naval power worldwide.
As a Gearing-class destroyer, the USS McCaffery was part of a class designed to be the workhorses of the Navy's destroyer fleet. The Gearing-class improved upon the previous Allen M. Sumner-class, featuring a longer hull and increased fuel capacity, which extended operational range. These destroyers primarily provided anti-aircraft and anti-submarine protection for larger vessels, such as aircraft carriers and battleships, and conducted offensive operations against enemy surface ships.
The commissioning of the USS McCaffery on October 26, 1945, marked the start of her distinguished service career. The commissioning ceremony was a significant event, attended by naval officials, dignitaries, and the crew's families. Her entry into active service came at a time when the US Navy was transitioning from World War II to the Cold War, and the USS McCaffery quickly adapted to the changing strategic landscape. Over the years, she underwent several modernizations to keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring she remained an effective and vital component of the Navy's fleet until her decommissioning.
USS Mccaffery DD-860: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS McCaffery (DD-860) was a Gearing-class destroyer, a class celebrated for its sturdy design and adaptability. At 390 feet long and 41 feet wide, it was a solid platform for various naval missions. Built with high-tensile steel, the hull was tough enough to handle combat's harsh conditions. Its superstructure housed advanced radar and communication systems, making sure the McCaffery could coordinate smoothly with other ships and command units. The ship's layout was smartly designed for both attack and defense, with compartments and bulkheads to contain damage and protect vital systems.
Technology-wise, the McCaffery was cutting-edge for its time. It had advanced radar systems like the SPS-10 for surface search and the SPS-6 for air search, giving it a full picture of its surroundings. These radars were key for spotting enemy aircraft and ships, allowing quick responses to threats. The ship also had sonar tech, including the SQS-4 system, to detect and track submarines. This tech made the McCaffery a strong player in anti-submarine warfare and surface combat.
When it came to armament, the McCaffery was well-equipped for its destroyer role. It had six 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of hitting both surface and air targets. These guns were in three twin turrets, offering a wide firing range. For anti-aircraft defense, the ship had twelve 40mm Bofors guns and eleven 20mm Oerlikon cannons, strategically placed for overlapping fields of fire. This setup boosted the ship's ability to fend off aerial attacks, ensuring it could tackle a variety of threats.
The McCaffery also had a strong anti-submarine arsenal. It featured two depth charge racks and six depth charge projectors to target enemy submarines. Plus, it had two triple-tube torpedo launchers for firing Mark 15 torpedoes, designed to pack a punch against both surface ships and subs. With these anti-submarine weapons and its sonar capabilities, the McCaffery was a crucial asset in protecting naval task forces from underwater threats. Its mix of advanced tech, solid structure, and powerful armament made sure the McCaffery was ready for a wide range of naval operations.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS McCaffery (DD-860) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, spanning decades of service and numerous significant naval operations. The guestbook posts from these veterans paint a vivid picture of life aboard the "Mighty Mac," highlighting both the camaraderie and the challenges faced during their time at sea.
Chuck DuMars recalls his service in 1972 as a Boiler Technician Fireman (BTFN), particularly noting the Vietnam combat activities and the punishment duties that were part of his experience. Douglas Hackett, who served as a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) in 1961, fondly remembers his role as the First Lieutenant and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer (ASWO), and expresses his enthusiasm for attending reunions and reconnecting with former sonar crew members.
Ronald Trippett, a Yeoman Third Class (YN3) in 1961, shares his efforts in organizing a significant reunion in 2010, aiming to make it the largest gathering to date. Bob Watts, a Radioman Third Class (RM3) in 1969, reflects on his transition from deck duties to radio operations, the frequent deployments, and the exciting yet demanding Westpac and Vietnam cruises of 1972-1973.
Michael Bealer, a Commissaryman Third Class (CS3) in 1968, expresses a sense of nostalgia and a wish that he had stayed in the Navy, despite some interpersonal challenges. He hopes that a fellow crew member, "Smitty," advanced to Chief Petty Officer. Corrie Borst, a Boiler Technician Third Class (BT3) in 1961, reminisces about the Mediterranean cruises and the Cuban Missile Crisis, noting that he would have re-enlisted if not for issues with a Chief Petty Officer.
David Bowers, a Torpedoman's Mate Third Class (TM3) in 1960, recounts his experiences during the FRAM overhaul, sea trials with the USS Enterprise, and various significant events like the Texas Tower collapse and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He fondly remembers his role as helmsman and his admiration for Captain Fisher.
Denis Bowron, a Machinist's Mate Second Class (MM2) in 1957, speaks highly of his time in the forward engine room and the camaraderie among his fellow crew members. George Burgess, a Boatswain's Mate Third Class (BM3) in 1968, cherishes his two years on the McCaffery, including a Gitmo cruise and a NATO cruise, and values the experiences and friendships formed during that time.
Nicholas Frilling, a Signalman Third Class (SM3) in 1971, proudly mentions his participation in Operation Linebacker II, the last fully engaged surface gunnery battle in U.S. Navy history. Bill Glasgow, a Seaman Radio Man First Class (SRM1) in 1946, shares his memories of touring the Pacific Islands, China, and transporting U.S. Marines back to the States amidst communist threats.
Alfred Gunselman, a Machinist's Mate Second Class (MM2) in 1963, is remembered by his family, who seek to connect with his former shipmates for stories and pictures. Darryl Johnson, a Yeoman E3 in 1972, recalls his initial fear and the memorable experiences as an 18-year-old on his first ship, having never been to Florida or out of California before.
Ronald Jones, a Signalman Second Class (SM2) in 1962, takes pride in his service during the Cuban Missile Crisis and his creation of the "Mighty Mac" flag. Phil Klinefelter, a Machinist's Mate Second Class (MM2) in 1960, reflects on his time in the engine room, the FRAM overhaul, and various cruises, emphasizing the importance of reunions.
Jerry Potts, an E-5 in 1964, is remembered by his family, who are compiling a book about his life and seek stories from his shipmates. Hal Raish, an Electronics Technician Third Class (ET3) in 1949, recounts a round-the-world trip, including stops in Korea, Greece, and Japan, and his participation in Task Force 77.
Dennis Razmus, a Fire Control Technician Second Class (FTG2) in 1965, details his involvement in various operations, including the first WestPac cruise, Operation Hickory, and Operation Sea Dragon in Vietnam. Carroll Rogers, a Machinist's Mate Second Class (MM2) in 1959, is remembered by his family, who seek photos and stories from his time on the ship.
Carl Semenec, a Boatswain's Mate Second Class (BM2) in 1966, recalls the good and bad times, including a memorable incident involving an anchor chain. Larry Shields, a Machinist's Mate Second Class (MM2) in 1954, expresses his wish to have seen the "Mighty Mac" meet a more honorable end than being scrapped.
Gerald Sweeting, a Quartermaster Third Class (QM3) in 1971, highlights his participation in the 1972 Indian Ocean cruise, a Caribbean cruise, and the 1973 Vietnam WestPac cruise, earning the titles of Golden Shellback and Red Dragon Shellback. Ray Theiling, a Radioman Third Class (RM3) in 1961, fondly remembers the learning experiences, the various cruises, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Hollie Tiedemann, a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) in 1960, recounts his involvement in Task Group BRAVO ASW operations, the FRAM overhaul, and significant events like the Texas Tower collapse and the Cuban Missile Crisis. James Werchan, a Radarman Third Class (RD3) in 1968, shares his experiences during the NATO task force cruise, the Mid-East and Africa cruise, and his desire to reconnect with his CIC shipmates from 1968-1971.
These memories collectively illustrate the rich history and enduring legacy of the USS McCaffery (DD-860), as remembered by those who served aboard her.
USS Mccaffery DD-860: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS McCaffery (DD-860) was a Gearing-class destroyer that served the U.S. Navy with distinction. Commissioned in 1945, it was initially equipped with cutting-edge radar and sonar systems, along with a powerful array of guns and torpedoes. But as naval technology advanced, so did the McCaffery. In the 1960s, it underwent significant upgrades under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. This included new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) equipment, improved radar and sonar, and better living quarters for the crew. These changes kept the ship relevant and effective for many years.
The McCaffery's mission capabilities grew alongside its technological improvements. Originally built for anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare, its role expanded over time. The FRAM upgrades added the ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) system, allowing it to target enemy submarines from a distance. It also got the DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) system, which added a new layer to its ASW abilities. These advancements meant the McCaffery could handle a variety of missions, from convoy escort and fleet screening to search and rescue and shore bombardment during amphibious assaults.
The USS McCaffery made significant contributions during its service. In the Korean War, it provided essential naval gunfire support and took part in blockade operations, showcasing its versatility and firepower. During the Vietnam War, the McCaffery was part of Operation Sea Dragon, conducting naval gunfire missions against North Vietnamese targets. It also played a crucial role in search and rescue operations, saving downed pilots and others in dangerous situations. These missions highlighted the ship's adaptability and the vital support it offered to U.S. military efforts.
Beyond combat, the McCaffery was active in peacetime operations and international diplomacy. It took part in numerous goodwill visits and joint exercises with allied navies, promoting international cooperation and demonstrating American naval strength. Its presence in global hotspots acted as a deterrent to adversaries and reassurance to allies. The McCaffery's long and distinguished service record is a testament to the effectiveness of its upgrades and the dedication of its crew, making it a valuable asset to the U.S. Navy for over three decades.
USS Mccaffery DD-860: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS McCaffery (DD-860) was a Gearing-class destroyer that saw many changes over its lifetime. Commissioned in 1945, it started with cutting-edge radar and sonar systems, plus a strong set of guns and torpedoes. But as time went on, the Navy made sure the McCaffery kept up with the latest tech. In the 1950s, it got a big makeover under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. This included new anti-submarine warfare gear, better radar and sonar, and nicer living spaces for the crew. These updates kept the ship relevant and ready for action.
The McCaffery's missions grew as its technology did. It was initially built for anti-aircraft and anti-submarine tasks, but its role expanded. Thanks to the FRAM upgrades, it got the ASROC system, which let it hit enemy subs from farther away. It also got DASH systems, adding a new layer to its anti-submarine abilities. With these tools, the McCaffery could do everything from escorting convoys and screening fleets to search and rescue and even shore bombardment during amphibious assaults.
The ship's contributions were impressive. During the Korean War, it provided key naval gunfire support and took part in blockade operations, showing off its versatility and firepower. In the Vietnam War, the McCaffery was part of Operation Sea Dragon, where it targeted North Vietnamese logistics and transport networks. It also played a crucial role in search and rescue, saving downed pilots and others in danger. These missions highlighted the ship's adaptability and the vital support it gave to U.S. military efforts.
But the McCaffery wasn't just about combat. It also took part in peacetime operations and international diplomacy. The ship made numerous goodwill visits and joined exercises with allied navies, helping to build international cooperation and show off American naval strength. Its presence in global hotspots acted as a deterrent to potential foes and reassured allies. The McCaffery's long service record speaks to the success of its upgrades and the dedication of its crew, making it a key part of the U.S. Navy for over three decades.
USS Mccaffery DD-860 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Gearing Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | July 26, 1945 |
| Displacement | 3,460 tons |
| Length | 391 feet |
| Beam | 41 feet |
| Draft | 14.3 feet |
| Speed | 37 knots |
| Complement | 11 Officers 325 Enlisted |