USS Shelton DD-790
The USS Shelton (DD-790) was a Gearing-class destroyer built for the United States Navy in the mid-20th century. Her keel was laid down on 31 October 1945 at Todd-Pacific Shipyards in Seattle, Washington. She was launched on 8 June 1946 and commissioned on 21 June 1946. The USS Shelton was part of a post-World War II effort to strengthen the US Navy's fleet, ensuring a strong naval presence during the early Cold War years.
Named after Ensign James A. Shelton, a naval aviator who died in the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942, the ship honored his bravery and sacrifice. Ensign Shelton's courage was a testament to the dedication of US Navy personnel during World War II. Naming the destroyer after him was a tribute to his heroism and a reminder of the sacrifices made by many servicemen and women during the war.
The USS Shelton boasted advanced radar and sonar systems for its time. Armed with 5-inch/38 caliber guns, anti-aircraft guns, and torpedo tubes, she was a formidable force in both surface and anti-submarine warfare. Gearing-class destroyers were known for their speed and agility, reaching speeds up to 35 knots. This made them versatile, capable of escorting larger vessels and engaging enemy submarines and aircraft.
The USS Shelton's legacy includes active service during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. She provided crucial support in operations like shore bombardments, anti-submarine patrols, and escort missions. Her versatility and reliability made her an invaluable asset, reflecting the strategic importance of destroyers in mid-20th-century naval warfare.
As part of the Gearing-class, the USS Shelton was among the last destroyers designed during World War II. This class evolved from the Allen M. Sumner-class, featuring an extended hull for more fuel and improved range. Gearing-class destroyers were multi-role vessels, performing tasks from anti-submarine warfare to surface combat and convoy escort duties. Their versatility was vital to the US Navy's fleet during the Cold War.
The commissioning of the USS Shelton on 21 June 1946 marked the start of a distinguished career spanning decades. The ceremony was a significant event, attended by naval officials, dignitaries, and the crew's families. Her entry into active service symbolized the United States' commitment to maintaining a powerful and adaptable naval force ready to respond to global threats. Throughout her service, the USS Shelton exemplified resilience, adaptability, and strength, hallmarks of the US Navy's destroyer fleet.
USS Shelton DD-790: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Shelton (DD-790) was a Gearing-class destroyer, a class celebrated for its robust design and versatility during the mid-20th century. It stretched 390 feet long and had a beam of 41 feet, making it a solid platform for various naval operations. Built with high-tensile steel, the hull was both durable and resilient, ready to face harsh maritime conditions. The superstructure housed advanced radar and communication systems, ensuring the USS Shelton could effectively coordinate with other vessels and command units. Inside, multiple decks served specific functions like crew quarters, operational command centers, and storage for supplies and munitions.
Technologically, the USS Shelton was ahead of its time. It boasted advanced radar and sonar equipment, crucial for navigation, target acquisition, and anti-submarine warfare. The radar systems allowed it to detect and track enemy aircraft and surface vessels from afar, while the sonar systems provided underwater detection capabilities. Additionally, electronic warfare systems were on board to intercept and jam enemy communications, boosting both defensive and offensive capabilities. These technologies made the USS Shelton a formidable presence in naval engagements, ready for offensive strikes and defensive maneuvers.
The armament of the USS Shelton was comprehensive, reflecting its role as a multi-mission 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 against enemy aircraft and kamikaze attacks. These anti-aircraft weapons were strategically placed around the ship to create overlapping fields of fire, ensuring maximum coverage and protection.
Beyond its gun armament, the USS Shelton was equipped with torpedoes and depth charges, enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. It carried ten 21-inch torpedo tubes in two quintuple mounts, ready to launch torpedoes at enemy submarines and surface ships. For anti-submarine warfare, it was fitted with depth charge projectors and racks, allowing it to deploy explosive charges designed to detonate at specific depths and neutralize underwater threats. This combination of weaponry ensured the USS Shelton could effectively engage a wide range of targets, from enemy aircraft and surface vessels to submarines lurking beneath the waves.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Shelton (DD-790) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, spanning decades of service and numerous significant events. The guestbook posts from these sailors provide a vivid tapestry of life aboard the ship, from the mundane to the extraordinary.
1950s: Early Years and Korean War
Barney Cull, who served in 1951, recalls a harrowing typhoon in the China Sea that lasted four long days, during which the ship lost life rafts and a depth charge broke loose. Herbert Chaffin, a pipefitter striker in 1954, spent his time in the forward fireroom as a burner changer, a hot and demanding job. Richard Petrowich, who came aboard toward the end of the Korean conflict, served until 1957 and has been actively involved in organizing reunions since 2000. Bobby Humphrey, who served in 1956, witnessed Operation Redwing at Bikini Atoll and visited several exotic locations, including Australia, Hong Kong, Hawaii, and Japan.
1960s: Vietnam War and Modernization
The 1960s were marked by significant events and modernization efforts. Dale Barthel, who served in 1960, fondly remembers the typhoon of 1959 and his subsequent transfer to the USS Oklahoma City. Raymond Perry, who reported aboard in 1960, recalls the ship being painted terra cotta red after a FRAM I modification, making it difficult to identify initially.
The Vietnam War era brought its own set of challenges and memories. F. Neal Beard, who served in 1964, reminisces about the good times in Hong Kong and the inevitable experiences in Vietnam. Leroy Curtis, a midshipman in 1964, had a memorable senior cruise following the Constellation and Kitty Hawk around Yankee Station and received special permission to stay aboard for the return to San Diego via Australia.
Clifford Holland, who served from 1968 to 1971, transitioned from running the paint locker to becoming the ship's postal clerk during three West Pac tours. Donald Lockwood, who served in 1968, eagerly anticipated the ship's reunion in 2014. John Erickson, also aboard in 1968, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren after his service. Lorenzo Jaimes, who joined the ship at Yankee Station in 1968, completed three combat tours in Vietnam and was discharged in San Diego.
1970s: Final Years and Decommissioning
The 1970s saw the USS Shelton's final years of service. David Griffiths, who served in 1971, expressed pride in the ship and its ongoing legacy. Ascencion Banuelos, who reported aboard for the last WestPac in 1972, participated in a battle on August 4, 1972, and later in the ship's decommissioning detail in San Diego. Donald Cochrane, also aboard in 1972, vividly remembers the bombardment just before the ship left for the states. Ron Wrolson, who was on the bridge during the August 4th, 1972, attack, credits James R. Wright for steering the ship through the bombardment.
Marc Gibson, who served in 1971, had duties involving auxiliary diesels, pumps, and the motor whale boat. He recalls both good and bad times aboard the ship. Chris Goodwin, who served in 1973, was part of the last WestPac and remained on board during the ship's decommissioning before being discharged.
Personal Reflections and Connections
Many crew members expressed a desire to reconnect with their shipmates. Jerry Sullivan, who served from 1962 to 1964, fondly remembers his time in the ship's office and various significant events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and a goodwill tour to Africa. Michael Kreider, who served from 1969 to 1973, misses his fellow crew members but not the job or being away from home. Paul Lambert, who served as a BT in 1962, later served on the USS Ingersoll and at the Inactive Ships Facility in San Diego.
The guestbook posts also highlight the camaraderie and lifelong friendships formed aboard the USS Shelton. Ken Frazier, who served in 1970, made great friends from all over the US while working as a machinery repairman. Reuben Martinez, who served in 1970, enjoyed his time at sea and met many interesting characters. Walter Muller, who served in 1970, transitioned from first division to supply as a cook and later retired after a long career at the Marathon refinery.
Conclusion
The memories shared by the crew members of the USS Shelton (DD-790) paint a rich and diverse picture of life aboard the ship. From the challenges of typhoons and combat to the camaraderie and friendships formed, these recollections provide a valuable glimpse into the experiences of those who served on this storied vessel.
USS Shelton DD-790: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Shelton (DD-790) was a Gearing-class destroyer that served the U.S. Navy with distinction. Commissioned in 1946, this ship was a powerhouse of its time, equipped with cutting-edge radar and sonar systems, 5-inch guns, anti-aircraft artillery, and torpedo tubes. Over the years, it underwent several upgrades to keep pace with the changing demands of naval warfare.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the USS Shelton received a major overhaul under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. This included the addition of advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) equipment like the SQS-23 sonar and the ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) system. These upgrades made the Shelton a formidable hunter of enemy submarines, a crucial role during the Cold War era.
Beyond its ASW capabilities, the Shelton was also fitted with improved missile systems. The RIM-24 Tartar missile system was added to bolster its defense against aerial threats. Although the ship did not receive Harpoon missiles, its existing armament allowed it to effectively engage surface targets. This versatility made the Shelton a key player in missions ranging from convoy escort to offensive operations against enemy vessels.
The USS Shelton proved its mettle in various conflicts. During the Korean War, it provided vital naval gunfire support for United Nations forces, excelling in shore bombardment and close support roles. In the Vietnam War, the Shelton took part in Operation Sea Dragon, carrying out interdiction and bombardment missions along the North Vietnamese coast. Its advanced systems and weaponry enabled it to perform these tasks with precision.
Throughout its service, the USS Shelton was a testament to the power of adaptation and modernization. It played a significant role in the U.S. Navy's strategic objectives, showcasing the importance of staying ahead of technological advancements. The dedication of its crew ensured that the Shelton remained a potent force, ready to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving maritime landscape.
USS Shelton DD-790: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Shelton (DD-790) was a remarkable ship with a rich history. Commissioned in 1946, this Gearing-class destroyer quickly became a key player in the Western Pacific, helping stabilize the region after World War II. During the Korean War, the Shelton was right in the thick of things, providing crucial naval gunfire support, hunting submarines, and escorting other ships. It was a vital presence in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea, supporting United Nations forces and making a real difference in the conflict.
When the Vietnam War rolled around, the USS Shelton was ready to prove itself once more. It was deployed several times to Vietnam, where it carried out gunfire support missions, kept an eye out for enemy submarines, and protected aircraft carriers and other important ships. The Shelton played a significant role in Operation Sea Dragon, targeting North Vietnamese supply lines with precision. Its relentless efforts earned it respect and commendations from both friends and foes.
Throughout its service, the USS Shelton racked up numerous awards, a testament to its outstanding performance and dedication. It earned Battle Stars for its service in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and received the Navy Unit Commendation for its exceptional work during specific operations. These honors reflect the crew's commitment to excellence and their ability to handle complex and dangerous missions with skill and precision.
The legacy of the USS Shelton (DD-790) is one of honor and bravery. Its deployments across various conflicts showcased the ship's adaptability and the crew's resilience. The awards and commendations it received are not just reminders of past achievements but also symbols of its significant contributions to the U.S. Navy and national security. The USS Shelton's storied history continues to inspire future generations of naval personnel, embodying the spirit of dedication and sacrifice that defines the U.S. Navy.
USS Shelton DD-790 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Gearing Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | June 21, 1946 |
| Displacement | 3,460 tons |
| Length | 391 feet |
| Beam | 41 feet |
| Draft | 14.3 feet |
| Speed | 37 knots |
| Complement | 11 Officers 325 Enlisted |