USS Price DE-332
The USS Price (DE-332) was a destroyer escort built during World War II, a time of rapid naval growth and tech leaps. Her keel was laid on August 1, 1943, at the Consolidated Steel Corporation shipyard in Orange, Texas. This shipyard was one of many across the U.S. that played a key role in the wartime shipbuilding boom, cranking out ships at an incredible pace to meet the demands of the global conflict. The USS Price was launched on October 30, 1943, and commissioned on February 12, 1944, marking the start of her active duty in the U.S. Navy.
The ship was named in honor of Lieutenant (junior grade) John D. Price, a naval aviator who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism during the Battle of the Coral Sea. Lt. Price's bravery and sacrifice were a testament to the courage and dedication of naval personnel, making him a fitting namesake for a ship designed to protect and serve. Naming the USS Price was a tribute to his legacy and a reminder of the personal sacrifices made by service members during the war.
The USS Price had some standout features typical of the Edsall-class destroyer escorts. She was armed with three 3-inch/50 caliber guns, anti-aircraft guns, depth charge projectors, and torpedo tubes, making her a versatile and formidable opponent against submarines and aircraft. The Edsall-class design focused on anti-submarine warfare, with sonar and radar systems that were cutting-edge for the time. These features enabled the USS Price to perform her primary role of escorting convoys and protecting them from enemy submarines and aircraft.
The legacy of the USS Price in the U.S. Navy is significant, as she represents the broader contributions of destroyer escorts during World War II. These ships were crucial in safeguarding vital supply lines across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, ensuring that troops, equipment, and supplies reached their destinations. The USS Price, like many of her sister ships, played a key role in the success of Allied naval operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of destroyer escorts in anti-submarine warfare and convoy protection. The lessons learned and technologies developed during this period had a lasting impact on naval strategy and ship design in the post-war era.
The USS Price was part of the Edsall-class of destroyer escorts, a class specifically designed to tackle the growing threat of German U-boats during World War II. These ships provided a more economical and efficient solution for convoy escort duties compared to larger destroyers. The Edsall-class ships were smaller, more maneuverable, and could be produced quickly and in large numbers. This class of ships was instrumental in turning the tide of the Battle of the Atlantic, as they significantly reduced the losses inflicted by enemy submarines on Allied shipping.
The commissioning of the USS Price on February 12, 1944, marked her official entry into the U.S. Navy's active fleet. Under the command of Lieutenant Commander Charles F. Hooper, the ship embarked on her mission to protect Allied convoys and support naval operations in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. The commissioning ceremony was a moment of pride and anticipation, as the crew prepared to take on the challenges of wartime service. The USS Price would go on to serve with distinction, contributing to the overall success of the Allied naval efforts during World War II.
USS Price DE-332: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Price (DE-332) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort, a class celebrated for its sturdy and adaptable design during World War II. It measured 306 feet in length, with a beam of 36.75 feet and a draft of 9 feet 5 inches, making it compact yet formidable. The hull was made from welded steel, providing both strength and flexibility, crucial for enduring the challenges of naval warfare. Its superstructure was crafted to maximize visibility and operational efficiency, featuring a bridge that offered a commanding view of the surrounding seas. The ship's layout was optimized for quick access to various combat stations, ensuring the crew could respond rapidly to any threat.
Technologically, the USS Price was equipped with cutting-edge systems for its time. It was powered by two General Electric turbo-electric drive engines, delivering a combined output of 12,000 shaft horsepower. This propulsion system allowed the ship to reach speeds of up to 24 knots, making it agile enough for a variety of escort and anti-submarine duties. The ship also boasted advanced radar and sonar systems, including the SL surface search radar and the QHB sonar, crucial for detecting enemy submarines and surface vessels. These technologies enabled the USS Price to serve effectively in both offensive and defensive roles, enhancing its operational versatility.
When it came to armament, the USS Price was well-prepared for a range of combat scenarios. Its primary armament consisted of two 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of engaging both surface and aerial targets. These guns were complemented by a variety of secondary weapons, including three 21-inch torpedo tubes and two depth charge tracks, essential for anti-submarine warfare. The ship also featured a Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar, a forward-throwing weapon that launched a pattern of explosives designed to detonate on contact with a submarine. This combination of weaponry made the USS Price a formidable adversary against both surface ships and submarines.
The ship's defensive capabilities were further enhanced by its anti-aircraft armament. The USS Price was outfitted with two twin 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns and ten 20mm Oerlikon cannons. These weapons provided a layered defense against enemy aircraft, allowing the ship to protect itself and the vessels it escorted from aerial attacks. The Bofors guns were particularly effective due to their rapid rate of fire and accuracy, while the Oerlikon cannons offered close-range protection. Together, these systems ensured that the USS Price could defend against a variety of airborne threats, making it a well-rounded and resilient vessel in the US Navy's fleet.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Price (DE-332) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, as evidenced by the memories shared in its guestbook. Alan Taylor, who served aboard the ship in 1958 as an Engineman Third Class (EN3), provides a vivid snapshot of life on the vessel. His recollections paint a picture of camaraderie, adventure, and the challenges faced by those who served on this esteemed destroyer escort.
Taylor fondly remembers the "great bunch of sailors" he served with, highlighting the strong bonds formed among the crew. This sense of brotherhood was a cornerstone of his experience, suggesting that the relationships built aboard the USS Price were both meaningful and enduring. The shared experiences of the crew, from daily duties to moments of leisure, created a tight-knit community that Taylor clearly cherishes.
One of the standout aspects of Taylor's memories is the "good liberty times" he enjoyed with his fellow sailors. Liberty, or time off from duties, provided the crew with much-needed respite and opportunities to explore ports of call. These moments of freedom allowed the sailors to unwind, forge deeper connections, and create lasting memories outside the confines of the ship. Taylor's mention of these times underscores the importance of balance between work and relaxation in maintaining morale and camaraderie among the crew.
However, life aboard the USS Price was not without its challenges. Taylor recalls the "rough seas & cold weather" that the crew had to endure. These harsh conditions tested the resilience and adaptability of the sailors, demanding both physical and mental fortitude. The experience of navigating through turbulent waters and braving the elements was undoubtedly a formative one, contributing to the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with serving on a naval vessel.
In summary, Alan Taylor's reflections on his time aboard the USS Price DE-332 in 1958 offer a glimpse into the life of a sailor during that era. His memories of camaraderie, liberty, and the challenges of rough seas and cold weather encapsulate the essence of the naval experience. These shared moments, both joyful and trying, helped to forge a strong sense of community and resilience among the crew, leaving an indelible mark on those who served.
USS Price DE-332: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Price (DE-332) was a remarkable ship that saw some impressive upgrades during its time. Commissioned in 1944, it was initially outfitted with cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tech, like depth charge projectors and hedgehog mortars. As naval warfare changed, so did the Price. In the early 1950s, it got a major refit with better sonar and radar systems, boosting its ability to detect and track threats. These upgrades kept the Price a key player in anti-submarine operations during the Cold War.
The USS Price was built for versatility. It started as a destroyer escort, mainly protecting convoys from submarines in World War II. Its strong ASW capabilities made it crucial for keeping Allied shipping lanes safe in both the Atlantic and Pacific. After the war, the Price took on more varied missions, like coastal patrols, search and rescue, and training exercises. During the Korean War, it showed its flexibility by escorting larger ships and helping with blockade operations.
The Price's contributions were significant. In World War II, it played a vital role in the Battle of the Atlantic, helping to counter the U-boat threat to Allied supply lines. Its success in ASW operations earned it commendations and a solid reputation as a reliable escort. After the war, the Price continued to shine, taking part in NATO exercises and joint operations with allied navies. These activities highlighted its role in promoting international naval cooperation and readiness.
Throughout its service, the USS Price was a testament to the adaptability and resilience of US Navy destroyer escorts. Its continuous upgrades and evolving missions kept it relevant and effective across different eras of naval warfare. By staying ready and versatile, the Price not only met its immediate goals but also supported the broader strategic aims of the US Navy. Its legacy shows the lasting value of well-designed and well-maintained ships in ensuring maritime security and projecting naval power.
USS Price DE-332: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Price (DE-332) was a remarkable ship with a rich history. Commissioned in 1944, it was initially outfitted with cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare (ASW) technology, like depth charge projectors and hedgehog mortars. As naval warfare changed, so did the Price. In the early 1950s, it got a major upgrade with better sonar and radar systems, boosting its ability to detect and track submarines. These improvements kept the Price a key player in anti-submarine operations during the Cold War.
The Price was versatile, adapting to the Navy's evolving needs. It started as a destroyer escort, protecting convoys from submarines in World War II. Its strong ASW capabilities were crucial in keeping Allied shipping lanes safe in both the Atlantic and Pacific. After the war, the Price took on new roles, like coastal patrols, search and rescue, and training exercises. During the Korean War, it showed its flexibility by escorting larger ships and helping with blockade operations.
The USS Price made significant contributions to the fleet. In World War II, it was vital in operations like the Battle of the Atlantic, helping to counter the U-boat threat. Its success in ASW missions earned it commendations and a reputation as a reliable escort. After the war, the Price continued to shine, taking part in NATO exercises and joint operations with allied navies. These activities highlighted its role in promoting international naval cooperation and readiness.
Throughout its service, the USS Price embodied the adaptability and resilience of US Navy destroyer escorts. Its continuous upgrades and changing mission profile kept it relevant and effective across different eras of naval warfare. By staying ready and versatile, the Price not only met its immediate goals but also supported the broader strategic aims of the US Navy. Its legacy is a testament to the enduring value of well-designed and well-maintained ships in ensuring maritime security and projecting naval power.
USS Price DE-332 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Edsall Class Destroyer Escort |
| Commissioned | January 12, 1944 |
| Displacement | 1,590 tons |
| Length | 306 feet |
| Beam | 36.8 feet |
| Draft | 12.3 feet |
| Speed | 21 knots |
| Complement | 209 |