USS Somers DD-947
The USS Somers (DD-947) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer built for the U.S. Navy during the Cold War. Her keel was laid on March 4, 1957, at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, a shipyard famous for crafting naval vessels. She launched on May 30, 1958, and officially joined the fleet on April 3, 1959. The Navy was modernizing its fleet, and the Somers was part of that push, designed to tackle the changing threats of the time.
Named after Richard Somers, a naval hero from the early 1800s, the ship carried a legacy of bravery. Somers was known for his courage during the First Barbary War, especially the daring mission of the USS Intrepid in 1804. Though the mission cost him his life, his spirit of valor lived on in the ship that bore his name, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made by those in the Navy.
The USS Somers was packed with cutting-edge weaponry and radar systems for her era. She boasted 5-inch/54 caliber Mark 42 guns, anti-submarine torpedoes, and later, the RIM-24 Tartar surface-to-air missile system. These features made her a powerful force at sea, ready to take on surface and aerial threats. Her advanced sonar and radar systems were crucial for spotting enemy submarines and aircraft, making her a versatile tool in the Navy's toolkit.
The impact of the USS Somers on the Navy was profound. She was part of a shift towards more advanced, multi-mission destroyers. The Forrest Sherman-class, including the Somers, was among the first to focus on speed, firepower, and versatility. This class paved the way for future naval designs, influencing how destroyers and other warships were built. The Somers showed how effective missile systems could be on destroyers, a concept that's now standard in modern naval warfare.
The Forrest Sherman-class, with 18 destroyers, was designed for a mix of anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and surface warfare. These ships were meant to escort larger vessels like aircraft carriers and conduct independent missions. Fast and agile, with speeds over 30 knots, they could quickly respond to threats. Their versatility made them key players in the Navy during the Cold War.
The USS Somers had a distinguished career spanning over three decades. She started with the Atlantic Fleet, taking part in numerous exercises and operations, both solo and with larger task forces. Her missions included anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and air defense. Over the years, she received upgrades to stay combat-ready and adapt to new tech. Her long service is a testament to the value of well-designed and maintained ships in keeping the Navy strong and effective.
USS Somers DD-947: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Somers (DD-947) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, a class celebrated for its robust design and versatility. It stretched 418 feet long with a beam of 45 feet, making it a solid platform for various naval operations. Built with high-tensile steel, the hull was tough and resistant to damage. The superstructure was crafted to minimize radar cross-section, a forward-thinking feature for its time. The ship's layout included spacious deck areas for advanced weaponry and sensor systems, along with ample living quarters for the crew, which typically numbered around 324 officers and enlisted personnel.
Technologically, the USS Somers was a marvel of its era. It was powered by four 1,200 psi boilers and two geared steam turbines, producing 70,000 shaft horsepower. This powerhouse enabled the ship to reach speeds of up to 33 knots. The propulsion system was not just powerful but also reliable, allowing the USS Somers to undertake extended missions without frequent maintenance. It was equipped with advanced radar and sonar systems, including the AN/SPS-10 surface search radar and the AN/SQS-23 sonar, boosting its capabilities in both surface and anti-submarine warfare.
When it came to armament, the USS Somers was initially outfitted with a formidable array of weapons. Its primary armament included three 5-inch/54 caliber Mark 42 dual-purpose guns, capable of engaging both surface and air targets with high accuracy. These were complemented by two twin 3-inch/50 caliber anti-aircraft gun mounts, providing extra defense against aerial threats. The ship also featured six 12.75-inch torpedo tubes for launching Mark 32 torpedoes, effective against submarines. This diverse armament allowed the USS Somers to perform a wide range of combat roles, from shore bombardment to anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare.
The weaponry of the USS Somers saw several upgrades throughout its service life to keep up with evolving naval warfare technologies. One of the most significant upgrades was the installation of the ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) launcher, providing long-range anti-submarine capability by delivering torpedoes or depth charges to distant underwater targets. Additionally, the ship was later equipped with the RUR-5 ASROC system, further enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. These advanced weapon systems ensured that the USS Somers remained a formidable force in the US Navy's fleet, capable of addressing a wide spectrum of maritime threats with precision and effectiveness.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Somers (DD-947) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, as evidenced by the memories shared in its guestbook. Ray Wasilewski, who served aboard the ship in 1962 as a Boiler Technician Second Class (BT2), fondly recalls his time on the vessel as the best among his many duty stations. His post reflects a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia, as he reaches out to reconnect with fellow "snipes" from that era, particularly Larry Vance, who served as a Boiler Technician First Class (BT1).
Bob Plante, who served on the USS Somers in 1964 as a Machinist Mate, also shares his connection to the ship. He currently serves as the Administrator of the USS Somers Crewmembers Association, a role that allows him to maintain and foster the community of former crew members. Bob encourages others to visit the association's website and Facebook page, providing platforms for former shipmates to reconnect and share their experiences.
These posts highlight the enduring bonds formed aboard the USS Somers and the efforts of its former crew members to keep those connections alive. The shared memories and ongoing communication through the association's online presence underscore the lasting impact of their service on the ship.
USS Somers DD-947: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Somers (DD-947), a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, was a powerhouse in the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1959, it boasted cutting-edge radar and sonar systems for its time, along with a strong arsenal of guns and torpedoes. But as technology marched on, so did the ship. In the early 1970s, Somers underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. This overhaul brought in new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) gear, better radar and communication systems, and the ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) launcher, giving it a serious ASW edge.
Somers wasn't just about hardware upgrades. Its mission capabilities got a boost too. Originally built for classic destroyer tasks like escorting larger ships and providing naval gunfire support, the ship's new ASW systems let it dive into specialized anti-submarine roles. The addition of the DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) system meant it could spot and tackle enemy subs from farther away. These upgrades turned Somers into a versatile platform, ready for anything from surface warfare and convoy escort to anti-submarine and anti-aircraft missions.
Throughout its service, the USS Somers played a key role in the Navy's readiness and strategic goals. During the Vietnam War, it offered naval gunfire support for troops, carried out search and rescue missions, and took part in naval blockades. Its presence in the Western Pacific was a warning to foes and a comfort to friends. The ship also joined in many training exercises and goodwill visits, building international maritime ties and showing off American naval strength. Somers' flexibility and dependability made it a priceless asset in both peace and war.
The USS Somers (DD-947) was a shining example of how naval warfare tech and strategy evolved. From its commissioning to its decommissioning in 1982, the ship adapted to the Navy's changing needs, staying a vital part of the fleet. Its efforts during the Vietnam War and its role in international maritime cooperation highlight its lasting impact. The USS Somers stood as a testament to naval engineering's ingenuity and resilience, and as a symbol of American naval power and dedication to global security.
USS Somers DD-947: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Somers (DD-947) had quite the journey during its service. Commissioned in 1959, this Forrest Sherman-class destroyer was a powerhouse in naval operations. It first headed to the Western Pacific, joining forces with allied navies in joint exercises. These early missions took it to the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, where it stood as a symbol of American naval strength. The crew gained invaluable experience, and the ship proved its versatility and endurance.
During the Vietnam War, the Somers was right in the thick of things. It played a key role in naval gunfire support and search and rescue operations. With its advanced radar and sonar, it was crucial in tracking enemy vessels and aircraft. The ship's firepower was especially vital during the Tet Offensive, providing precise support to ground troops. In the Gulf of Tonkin, the Somers took part in Operation Market Time, working to cut off supplies to North Vietnamese forces, highlighting its strategic importance.
But it wasn't all combat for the Somers. The ship also took part in humanitarian missions and peacetime operations. It was involved in rescuing downed pilots and evacuating civilians during natural disasters. Through goodwill visits and port calls, the Somers helped strengthen diplomatic ties worldwide. During the Cold War, it adapted to new roles, conducting surveillance and intelligence missions to keep an eye on Soviet naval activities.
The USS Somers' service didn't go unnoticed. It earned multiple battle stars for its Vietnam War efforts, along with the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation for outstanding performance. These honors reflect the ship's operational excellence and the dedication of its crew. The legacy of the USS Somers (DD-947) is a proud chapter in the story of the United States Navy.
USS Somers DD-947 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Forrest Sherman Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | April 9, 1959 |
| Displacement | 4,619 tons |
| Length | 418 feet |
| Beam | 44.9 feet |
| Draft | 22 feet |
| Speed | 33 knots |
| Complement | 324 |