USS Perkins DD-877
The USS Perkins (DD-877) was a Gearing-class destroyer built for the U.S. Navy during the final stages of World War II. Her keel was laid down on June 19, 1944, at the Consolidated Steel Corporation shipyard in Orange, Texas. She was launched on January 7, 1945, and commissioned on April 5, 1945. These destroyers were designed to be versatile, handling everything from anti-submarine warfare to surface combat and escort duties.
Named after Commodore George Hamilton Perkins, a Civil War hero known for his bravery at the Battle of Mobile Bay, the ship carried a legacy of courage and leadership. This name was meant to inspire the crew and uphold a tradition of naval excellence.
The USS Perkins was equipped with advanced radar and sonar systems for her time, including the AN/SPS-6 air search radar and the AN/SQS-4 sonar. Her armament was impressive, featuring six 5-inch/38 caliber guns, twelve 40mm anti-aircraft guns, and ten 21-inch torpedo tubes. This made her a formidable force in naval operations.
Throughout her service, the USS Perkins made a significant impact. She played a crucial role in the Korean War, offering naval gunfire support and participating in blockade operations. During the Vietnam War, she was actively involved in Operation Sea Dragon and other missions, showcasing the enduring value of Gearing-class destroyers. Her long service life highlighted the importance of destroyers in maintaining naval superiority.
The Gearing-class, to which the USS Perkins belonged, was an evolution of the earlier Allen M. Sumner-class. With an extended hull for more fuel capacity and better seakeeping, these destroyers were multi-mission platforms, capable of anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and surface warfare. They were a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy's destroyer fleet in the mid-20th century.
Commissioned just as World War II was ending, the USS Perkins quickly proved her worth in the post-war era. She adapted to the Navy's evolving needs, undergoing several modernizations over the decades. Her commissioning marked the start of a distinguished career, serving with distinction across multiple theaters and leaving a lasting mark on U.S. Navy history.
USS Perkins DD-877: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Perkins (DD-877) was a Gearing-class destroyer, a class celebrated for its sturdy design and adaptability. At 390 feet long and 40 feet wide, it was a solid platform for various naval operations. Built with high-tensile steel, the ship was tough and could handle rough seas. Its superstructure housed advanced radar and communication systems, allowing it to coordinate effectively with other ships and command units. With multiple decks for different functions, from crew quarters to command centers, the Perkins was ready for long missions at sea.
Technologically, the USS Perkins was ahead of its time. It had advanced radar and sonar systems crucial for spotting enemy submarines and surface ships. The AN/SPS-10 surface search radar and AN/SQS-23 sonar system were key assets that boosted the ship's situational awareness and combat readiness. It also had electronic warfare capabilities, including ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) to disrupt enemy radar and communications. These advancements made the Perkins effective in various combat scenarios, from anti-submarine warfare to surface engagements.
The armament of the USS Perkins was impressive, reflecting its role as a multi-mission destroyer. Initially, it was armed with six 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of engaging both surface and air targets. These guns were mounted in three twin turrets, offering a broad field of fire. The ship also had twelve 40mm anti-aircraft guns and eleven 20mm Oerlikon cannons, providing layered defense against aerial threats. With torpedo tubes for launching 21-inch torpedoes, it had both anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities. This diverse weaponry made the Perkins a versatile asset in the US Navy's fleet.
Throughout its service, the USS Perkins received several upgrades to enhance its weaponry. A significant modernization was the addition of the ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) system, offering long-range anti-submarine capabilities. This system could launch rockets with depth charges or torpedoes, extending the ship's reach in anti-submarine warfare. The ship also upgraded its anti-aircraft capabilities with the RIM-24 Tartar surface-to-air missile system, providing better defense against high-speed, high-altitude threats. These upgrades ensured the Perkins remained a powerful and relevant force, ready to meet the evolving challenges of naval warfare.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Perkins (DD-877) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, as evidenced by the numerous guestbook posts that recount their time aboard the ship. These memories span several decades, from the ship's early days in the mid-1940s to its later years in the early 1970s. Each post offers a unique glimpse into the camaraderie, challenges, and experiences that defined their service.
Robert Elsberry, who served as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in 1966, fondly recalls his time aboard and expresses a desire to reconnect with fellow officers and enlisted men. Similarly, Jesse Flores, a Petty Officer Third Class in 1955, reminisces about his days as a signalman and lists several shipmates he remembers, now residing in Dallas, Texas.
James Gober, a Petty Officer Second Class, cherishes the friendships he formed during his service, while John Marino, an E-3 in 1968, is actively seeking a former shipmate, B Wacalski, for an upcoming reunion in San Diego. Nelson Nawara, who served in 1954 as a Boatswain's Mate/Seaman, recounts harrowing experiences, including enduring several typhoons and taking fire from a shore battery while delivering water to Marines in Korea.
Gary Peters, an E-4 in 1966, is eager to reconnect with old friends and mentions specific individuals he is looking for. Richard Suggs, a Machinist's Mate First Class in 1969, contrasts his time on the USS Perkins with his previous service on a nuclear submarine, expressing a preference for the former.
Ronald Beckman, a Radioman Third Class in 1962, is interested in contacting shipmates and attending reunions, while John Blom, a Third Class Signalman in 1963, seeks anyone who remembers specific operations in Vietnam. Dennis Jones, a Radioman Third Class in 1972, reflects on his time aboard while the ship was homeported at Treasure Island and mentions a cruise to Esquimalt, BC.
Neil Leblanc's daughter, Karen, posts on behalf of her late father, who served as a Sonar Technician in 1964, seeking photos of him after losing everything in Hurricane Rita. Patrick Leibold, a Commissaryman Third Class in 1966, recalls the great times and good food, and is looking for several shipmates.
Mark Meinzer, an Electronics Technician Radar Second Class in 1968, served in the DASH crew and made two WestPac cruises, forming lasting friendships. John Melvin, a Radioman Third Class in 1970, wishes to reconnect with fellow radiomen and others from his time aboard.
George Mitchell, an E-3 in 1969, is searching for old shipmates, while Michael Mullins, a Fire Control Technician Guns Third Class in 1965, shares his unique experiences of coming aboard and leaving the ship. Gary Peters, who also served in 1968, mentions lifelong friendships formed on the ship and annual reunions with his best friends.
Rick Pfingsten, an E-3 in 1970, fondly remembers his roles as sea detail helmsman and ship's swimmer, as well as playing on the flag football team. Jerry Potter, a Boatswain's Mate Third Class in 1960, describes his time aboard as one of the most exciting periods of his life.
Richard Rose's post, written by a relative, recounts his service as a radioman during V-J Day, witnessing the Japanese surrender party. Herbert Sasser, a Disbursing Clerk Third Class in 1968, wonders if any former shipmates remember him, particularly Marcus Schrouse.
Douglas Smith, a Radarman Third Class in 1959, reflects on how he grew up on the ship and maintains contact with shipmates who are more like family. Jules Ventura shares that his father, a Lieutenant Junior Grade in 1944, served aboard the ship and left behind a picture from 1945.
Finally, Clayton Zimmerman, a Fire Control Technician Guns Second Class in 1962, recalls arriving aboard after the FRAM II refit sea trials, serving two tours in WestPac, and leaving the ship in San Francisco shipyards in 1966.
These collective memories paint a vivid picture of life aboard the USS Perkins, highlighting the strong bonds formed, the diverse experiences encountered, and the enduring impact of their service.
USS Perkins DD-877: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Perkins (DD-877) had quite a journey, evolving with the times and needs of the U.S. Navy. She started her life as a Gearing-class destroyer in 1945, a class known for its solid build and flexibility. In the 1960s, Perkins was chosen for the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. This was a big deal, aimed at giving World War II-era destroyers a new lease on life. During this overhaul, Perkins got a boost in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities with the AN/SQS-23 sonar system and the ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) launcher. These upgrades were crucial during the Cold War, making her a formidable submarine hunter.
But that wasn't all. Perkins also saw improvements in surface warfare and anti-aircraft capabilities. She got new radar and fire control systems, which made her quicker and more accurate in targeting. The addition of the RIM-24 Tartar surface-to-air missile system was a game-changer, giving her a strong defense against aerial threats. These upgrades kept her relevant and ready for anything, from convoy escorts to fleet air defense.
Perkins was a jack-of-all-trades, reflecting the multi-role nature of destroyers. She was involved in a variety of operations, from peaceful patrols and training exercises to combat missions. During the Vietnam War, she provided naval gunfire support, conducted search and rescue operations, and escorted carriers. Her versatility was her strength, whether she was hunting submarines, defending against aircraft, or supporting amphibious operations.
The impact of the USS Perkins was significant and long-lasting. Over her decades of service, she played a key role in maintaining maritime security and projecting naval power. Her participation in operations and exercises sharpened her crew's skills and boosted the fleet's readiness. Perkins was also a testbed for new technologies, helping to push naval warfare capabilities forward. By the time she was decommissioned in 1980, the USS Perkins had left a legacy of excellence and adaptability, embodying the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines the U.S. Navy.
USS Perkins DD-877: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Perkins (DD-877) was a remarkable ship with a rich history. Commissioned in 1945, this Gearing-class destroyer quickly became a key player in the Western Pacific after World War II. It was a time of rebuilding and reorganization, and the Perkins was right in the thick of it.
During the Korean War, the Perkins was a powerhouse. It provided naval gunfire support, hunted submarines, and escorted other vessels. The ship's presence in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea was crucial for the United Nations forces. The Perkins was versatile and always ready for action.
In the Vietnam War, the Perkins showed its strength again. It supported ground troops with precise naval gunfire, conducted search and rescue missions, and patrolled Vietnam's coastal waters. The ship was part of Operation Sea Dragon, targeting North Vietnamese supply lines. The crew's adaptability and the ship's firepower made it a vital asset.
Throughout its service, the Perkins earned numerous awards. It received several battle stars for its roles in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The ship also earned the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. These honors reflect the ship's outstanding performance and the dedication of its crew.
The USS Perkins was decommissioned in 1980, but its legacy lives on. Its history of deployments and the many awards it received highlight its significant role in the US Navy during the mid-20th century. The Perkins stands as a symbol of dedication, resilience, and excellence, embodying the spirit of the US Navy and its commitment to defending freedom and maintaining global security.
USS Perkins DD-877 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Gearing Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | April 4, 1945 |
| Displacement | 3,460 tons |
| Length | 391 feet |
| Beam | 41 feet |
| Draft | 14.3 feet |
| Speed | 37 knots |
| Complement | 11 Officers 325 Enlisted |