USS Rowe DD-564
The USS Rowe (DD-564) 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 7, 1943, at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation in Seattle, Washington. She was launched on September 30, 1943, and commissioned on January 13, 1944. The Rowe was part of a big push to boost the U.S. Navy's strength against rising threats in the Pacific and Atlantic. Fletcher-class destroyers, like the Rowe, were known for their speed, versatility, and firepower, making them key players in many naval operations.
The ship was named after Lieutenant John Rowe, a brave naval officer who served with distinction. His courage, especially during the Battle of the Coral Sea, was legendary. The USS Rowe carried his legacy, reminding her crew of the values and sacrifices that define naval service. Her namesake was a source of pride, inspiring the crew to maintain high standards.
The USS Rowe was packed with impressive features. As a Fletcher-class destroyer, she boasted five 5-inch/38 caliber guns, ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, and a range of anti-aircraft weapons, including 40mm and 20mm guns. These made her a tough opponent in both surface and anti-aircraft battles. Her high-pressure steam turbines powered her to speeds of up to 35 knots. This mix of firepower and speed let the Rowe take on many roles, from escorting convoys and hunting submarines to engaging enemy ships and providing gunfire support.
The USS Rowe left a lasting mark on the U.S. Navy, showcasing the Fletcher-class destroyers' capabilities and versatility. She took part in critical operations like the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the invasion of Okinawa. Her actions highlighted the Fletcher-class design's effectiveness and the vital role of destroyers in modern naval warfare. The lessons from the Rowe and her sister ships helped shape future destroyer classes, keeping the U.S. Navy at the cutting edge of naval innovation.
Fletcher-class destroyers, including the Rowe, were crafted with a clear goal: to give the U.S. Navy a powerful, versatile platform for a wide range of missions. They were built to tackle threats from enemy submarines, aircraft, and surface ships. The design focused on speed, maneuverability, and firepower, allowing them to excel in various combat scenarios. The USS Rowe, like her sister ships, proved the success of this design, earning a distinguished service record.
The commissioning of the USS Rowe on January 13, 1944, kicked off her active service. Under Lieutenant Commander Harry A. Barnard, she went through shakedown cruises and training to ready her crew for combat. These early operations were key to ensuring the Rowe was prepared for wartime challenges. Once ready, she was sent to the Pacific Theater, playing a vital role in key battles and campaigns. Her commissioning was a milestone, marking the arrival of a formidable new asset in the U.S. Navy's arsenal.
USS Rowe DD-564: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Rowe (DD-564) was a Fletcher-class destroyer, a class famous for its sturdy design and versatility during World War II. These ships were built to be fast and nimble, reaching speeds up to 35 knots, thanks to their powerful steam turbines. The Rowe measured 376 feet 6 inches in length, with a beam of 39 feet 8 inches. Its hull was made from high-tensile steel, striking a balance between strength and weight, crucial for speed and maneuverability in various naval operations.
The Rowe was packed with cutting-edge technology for its time. It had advanced radar and sonar systems, vital for navigation and combat. The radar helped detect enemy aircraft and ships from afar, giving it a tactical edge. The sonar was key for anti-submarine warfare, allowing the Rowe to find and track enemy subs. Plus, it had a comprehensive communication suite to ensure smooth coordination with other ships and command units.
When it came to firepower, the USS Rowe was no slouch. It had five 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, perfect for taking on both surface and air targets. These guns were mounted in single turrets, offering a wide range of fire. For anti-aircraft defense, the Rowe was equipped with 40mm and 20mm anti-aircraft guns, crucial for fending off enemy planes. This mix of weapons made the Rowe a strong defender of itself and its task force.
Beyond its guns, the Rowe was armed with torpedoes and depth charges, boosting its anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities. It carried ten 21-inch torpedo tubes in two quintuple mounts, ready to unleash torpedoes on enemy ships. For hunting submarines, the Rowe had depth charge projectors and racks to deploy explosive charges designed to take out enemy subs. This diverse arsenal made the USS Rowe a versatile and formidable player in the US Navy's fleet during World War II.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Rowe (DD-564) guestbook posts provide a fascinating glimpse into the memories and experiences of its former crewmembers. These recollections span different years and roles aboard the ship, offering a rich tapestry of life on the USS Rowe.
James Pennington, who served as a Gunner's Mate Second Class (GM2) in 1953, is on a quest to find a matted and framed picture of the USS Rowe. He is particularly interested in a mat that lists the port stops and ribbons identifying battles, suggesting a deep sense of pride and nostalgia for his time aboard the ship.
George Reynolds, who served as a Sonarman Third Class (SoM3) in 1945, goes by his middle name, Wes. He extends an invitation to all World War II shipmates to attend their yearly reunions, which are typically held in September. His message underscores the importance of camaraderie and the enduring bonds formed during their service.
Joseph Rapp, who served as a Machinist's Mate Fireman Apprentice (MEFA) in 1958, shares his memories of fellow crewmembers. He recalls a Second Class pipefitter named Mooneyham, a Second Class metalsmith named Randolph, and a Third Class metalsmith named Abbott. Joseph himself made Third Class Shipfitter Metal (SFM) before being transferred to Washington, D.C. His recollections highlight the close-knit community and the various roles that contributed to the ship's operations.
These shared memories from James, George, and Joseph paint a vivid picture of life aboard the USS Rowe, reflecting the pride, camaraderie, and lasting connections formed during their service.
USS Rowe DD-564: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Rowe (DD-564) was a Fletcher-class destroyer that saw some serious action and upgrades during its time. Commissioned in 1944, it started with five 5-inch/38 caliber guns, ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, and a mix of anti-aircraft artillery. But as the nature of naval warfare changed, so did the Rowe. After World War II, it got some high-tech radar and sonar systems, boosting its ability to detect and track enemies. The anti-aircraft guns were also upgraded to more effective 40mm and 20mm versions, making it a tougher opponent against aerial threats.
The Rowe was a jack-of-all-trades for the Navy. Originally built for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and surface combat, its role expanded over time. With its new sonar and radar, it became a top-notch sub hunter. The torpedo tubes and depth charge projectors were key in these missions. Plus, with its beefed-up anti-aircraft guns, the Rowe was a solid escort for bigger ships, keeping them safe from enemy planes. During the Korean War, it showed off its versatility with shore bombardments, convoy escorts, and search and rescue missions.
The Rowe made a big impact during World War II and the Korean War. In WWII, it was part of major operations in the Pacific, like the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the invasion of Okinawa. It played a crucial role, providing gunfire support and taking on enemy ships and planes. The Rowe earned several battle stars and commendations for its efforts. In the Korean War, it continued to prove its worth, supporting UN forces with naval gunfire, patrolling the Korean coast, and ensuring supply convoys got through safely.
Throughout its service, the USS Rowe was a shining example of the adaptability and toughness of Fletcher-class destroyers. Its many upgrades and varied missions kept it a key player in the Navy for over 20 years. The Rowe's ability to shift from WWII to Cold War duties shows just how relevant and effective its design was. By constantly evolving to tackle new threats, the USS Rowe not only played a crucial role in numerous naval operations but also set a high bar for future destroyers in the U.S. fleet.
USS Rowe DD-564: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Rowe (DD-564) was a Fletcher-class destroyer that made its mark in some of the most intense conflicts of the 20th century. She was commissioned in 1944, right in the heat of World War II. The Rowe quickly found herself in the Pacific Theater, where she took part in the epic Battle of Leyte Gulf. This was one of the largest naval battles ever, and the Rowe was right there, providing vital anti-aircraft defense and shore bombardment. Her efforts helped the Allies secure strategic victories in the Philippines.
After World War II, the Rowe was decommissioned but wasn't out of action for long. She was recommissioned in 1951 for the Korean War. In this conflict, the Rowe was a jack-of-all-trades. She escorted aircraft carriers, bombarded shores, and hunted submarines. Her versatility and firepower were crucial in the United Nations' mission to push back North Korean and Chinese forces. The Rowe's operations in Korea showed just how important naval power was in modern warfare and proved her enduring capabilities.
Throughout her service, the USS Rowe earned a slew of awards and commendations. For her World War II service, she received five battle stars, a nod to her participation in major battles and her effectiveness in combat. During the Korean War, she picked up another battle star, solidifying her reputation as a formidable naval vessel. These honors speak volumes about the Rowe's operational excellence and the bravery of her crew.
Beyond battle stars, the Rowe was also recognized with several unit commendations and campaign medals. She earned the Navy Unit Commendation for exceptional service and performance, and the Korean Service Medal for her contributions to the Korean War effort. The Rowe's rich history of deployments and accolades highlights her significant role in mid-20th-century naval warfare and her lasting impact on the legacy of the United States Navy.
USS Rowe DD-564 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Fletcher Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | March 13, 1944 |
| Displacement | 2,924 tons |
| Length | 377 feet |
| Beam | 40 feet |
| Draft | 13.8 feet |
| Speed | 38 knots |
| Complement | 9 Officers 264 Enlisted |