USS Theodore E Chandler DD-717
The USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717) was a Gearing-class destroyer built for the U.S. Navy in the mid-20th century. Her keel was laid on February 23, 1945, at the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey. She was launched on August 20, 1945, and commissioned on March 22, 1946. This ship was part of a larger effort to strengthen the Navy after World War II, ensuring the U.S. had a strong and adaptable maritime force ready for new global challenges.
Named after Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler, the ship honored a brave officer who served valiantly in World War II. Born on December 26, 1894, Chandler had a remarkable Navy career, especially in the Pacific Theater. Sadly, he died on January 7, 1945, when his flagship, the USS Louisville (CA-28), was hit by a kamikaze during the Battle of Lingayen Gulf. Naming the destroyer after him was a tribute to his courage and dedication, keeping his legacy alive to inspire future naval personnel.
The USS Theodore E. Chandler boasted advanced radar and sonar systems for its time. Equipped with the AN/SPS-6 air search radar and the AN/SQS-4 sonar system, it had enhanced capabilities for spotting enemy aircraft and submarines. Armed with six 5-inch/38 caliber guns, twelve 40mm anti-aircraft guns, and eleven 20mm anti-aircraft guns, it was a formidable force in both surface and anti-aircraft warfare. The ship also had anti-submarine warfare features, including depth charge projectors and torpedo tubes.
The ship's legacy in the U.S. Navy is significant, having served with distinction in various conflicts and operations. During the Korean War, it provided naval gunfire support and took part in blockade and escort missions. In the Vietnam War, it showed its versatility by conducting shore bombardments and supporting carrier operations. The ship's service record highlights the durability and adaptability of the Gearing-class destroyers, which were vital to the Navy's fleet for many years.
The USS Theodore E. Chandler was part of the Gearing-class, designed to improve upon the earlier Allen M. Sumner-class. With an extended hull, these destroyers had increased fuel capacity and greater operational range. They were built for multiple roles, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-aircraft defense, and surface combat. The Gearing-class was crucial during the Cold War, as the Navy needed a flexible and responsive maritime force to handle a variety of threats.
The commissioning of the USS Theodore E. Chandler marked the start of a distinguished career spanning over three decades. Initially assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, she later joined the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous exercises and operations. Her commissioning reflected the Navy's commitment to maintaining a powerful and technologically advanced fleet, capable of projecting power and ensuring maritime security in a complex global environment. The USS Theodore E. Chandler's service history is a proud chapter in naval warfare, underscoring the enduring importance of destroyers in the Navy's strategic arsenal.
USS Theodore E Chandler DD-717: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717) was a Gearing-class destroyer, a class celebrated for its sturdy design and adaptability during the mid-20th century. This ship 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, it was tough enough to handle combat and rough seas. Its superstructure housed advanced radar and communication systems, ensuring effective coordination with other vessels and command units. Inside, multiple decks served specific functions like crew quarters, command centers, and storage for munitions and supplies.
Technologically, the USS Theodore E. Chandler was ahead of its time. It boasted advanced radar and sonar systems crucial for spotting enemy submarines and surface ships. The radar systems had both surface and air search capabilities, allowing the ship to track multiple targets at once. Its sonar equipment was key for anti-submarine warfare, helping detect and engage underwater threats. The ship also had electronic warfare systems to intercept and jam enemy communications, boosting its defensive and offensive prowess.
The ship's armament was impressive, 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 made for a versatile and powerful offensive capability. The ship also featured twelve 40mm anti-aircraft guns and eleven 20mm anti-aircraft guns, crucial for defending against enemy aircraft. These smaller weapons were strategically placed to create overlapping fields of fire, ensuring comprehensive coverage against aerial threats.
For anti-submarine warfare, the USS Theodore E. Chandler was equipped with torpedoes and depth charges. It carried ten 21-inch torpedo tubes for launching torpedoes designed to destroy enemy submarines and surface ships. Additionally, it had depth charge projectors and racks to deploy explosive charges at specific depths, targeting submerged submarines. This combination of armament and weaponry made the USS Theodore E. Chandler a versatile and formidable asset in the US Navy's fleet, ready for a wide range of missions from escort duties to direct combat engagements.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, spanning decades of service and numerous deployments. The guestbook posts from these sailors paint a vivid picture of life aboard the "Ready Teddy," highlighting camaraderie, adventures, and the unique experiences that shaped their naval careers.
1970s Memories: Bruce Allert, who served as a BMSN in 1972, recalls the excitement of Thailand and wonders about fellow sailor Benny MacGreggor. Steve Fabish, a RM2 in 1972, cherishes the close bonds formed during the Vietnam War and seeks information about reunions. Mike Wallace, a HM2 in 1972, fondly remembers his time on the ship and has a collection of photos from that period. Dennis Crandall, an Engineman 3rd Class in 1972, lists several shipmates and notes the ship's final WestPac cruise before its transfer to the reserve fleet in Seattle. Julius Sakalauskas, a BT3 in 1972, reflects on the good times during the final WestPac tour and the ship's decommissioning in 1975.
1960s Adventures: Terry Barnes, a FTG1 in 1969, praises the incredible crew and the "gun gang." Steve Bartels, a MM2 in 1969, recalls his four years aboard, working all over the ship and maintaining auxiliary equipment. Mike Burney, an E-4 GMG ASROC in 1969, enjoyed traveling to various ports and never standing another quarter deck watch after joining the ASROC deck. Rich Greene, a BMSN in 1969, reminisces about his diverse roles, from side cleaner to helmsman. Tony Salgado, a MMFN/MM3 in 1969, recounts an incident where the ship tangled with a cable, damaging its port screw and shaft, leading to three weeks in drydock in Subic Bay.
1950s Recollections: Mike Burdick, a SN in 1958, humorously notes spending more time in the galley and on deck than in the radio shack. Ian Erdman, a RD3 in 1956, lists various deployments, including WestPac and Australia. Ralph Magee, a RM1 in 1957, fondly remembers his time on the ship, noting the "Chandler Time" tradition and his rise from SN to RM1. Larry Seekman, who served in 1957, shares detailed memories of ports visited, including Fiji and Melbourne, and personal anecdotes like meeting his first wife and falling in love in Melbourne.
Special Assignments and Events: David Calkins, a SK3 in 1966, recalls being pulled to work as a storekeeper and experiencing significant events like the Forrestal fire and the USNS Rutgers Victory fire. Ted Morningstar, an ETR3 in 1961, describes a provocative General Quarters event against Communist gunboats in the Gulf of Tonkin. Jim Piper, an ETN2 in 1968, details the ship's deployment to SE Asia and Vietnam, including various operations like SAR, plane guard, and NGFS.
Personal Achievements and Reflections: Rodney Cline, an ETR-2 in 1965, transitioned to a career in law enforcement after his naval service. Roger Arnold, an IC1 in 1962, retired from both the Navy and a local telephone company, reflecting on his consulting career. Benito Garcia, who served without specifying a year, humorously recalls being chewed out for opening a main steam valve too fast but eventually made MMCM and retired.
Unique Experiences: Gerald Devine, an EM2 in 1962, shares a dramatic story of being airlifted off the ship due to a family emergency. Roger Osborne, who served in 1967, was airlifted by helicopter from the Forrestal just hours before a catastrophic fire. Henry Armstrong, an ET from 1951 to 1954, seeks to reconnect with old shipmates and obtain a copy of the first cruise book.
These memories collectively highlight the USS Theodore E. Chandler's rich history and the profound impact it had on its crew members. From thrilling adventures and personal milestones to the deep bonds formed aboard, the "Ready Teddy" remains a cherished chapter in the lives of those who served on her.
USS Theodore E Chandler DD-717: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717) was a remarkable ship with a storied history in the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1946 as a Gearing-class destroyer, it was equipped with cutting-edge radar and sonar systems for its time, along with a powerful armament of 5-inch guns, torpedoes, and anti-aircraft artillery. In the 1960s, the ship underwent a major overhaul under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. This upgrade included new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) equipment, like the SQS-23 sonar and ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) launchers, boosting its ability to detect and engage enemy submarines.
The ship's mission capabilities evolved alongside its technological upgrades. Originally designed for anti-aircraft and surface warfare, the destroyer adapted to the changing nature of naval warfare by incorporating advanced ASW systems. This made it a versatile platform, capable of escorting aircraft carriers and convoys or conducting independent ASW operations. The addition of DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) systems in the 1960s further extended its reach, allowing it to deploy unmanned helicopters equipped with torpedoes to engage underwater threats at greater distances.
Throughout its service, the USS Theodore E. Chandler made significant contributions to the U.S. Navy's operational capabilities. During the Korean War, it provided crucial naval gunfire support for ground troops, earning several battle stars. In the Vietnam War, it played a key role in Operation Sea Dragon, conducting naval bombardments against North Vietnamese targets and interdicting supply lines. The destroyer's versatility and firepower made it an invaluable asset in these conflicts, highlighting the importance of a well-rounded and adaptable fleet.
The legacy of the USS Theodore E. Chandler goes beyond its combat achievements. It served as a training platform for countless sailors, imparting essential skills and experience to new generations of naval personnel. Its various upgrades and adaptations over the years provided valuable lessons in naval engineering and warfare tactics, contributing to the ongoing evolution of destroyer design and capabilities. As a testament to its enduring impact, the USS Theodore E. Chandler remains a symbol of the U.S. Navy's commitment to maintaining a versatile and technologically advanced fleet, ready to meet the diverse challenges of modern naval warfare.
USS Theodore E Chandler DD-717: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717) was a remarkable ship with a rich history. Commissioned in 1946, this Gearing-class destroyer quickly made its mark. It first sailed to the Western Pacific, playing a key role in post-World War II operations. During the Korean War, the Chandler was right in the thick of things. It provided crucial naval gunfire support, hunted submarines, and escorted other ships. Its presence in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea was vital, offering artillery support to ground troops and protecting aircraft carriers and other important naval assets.
In the Vietnam War, the Chandler proved its worth once again. It took part in "Operation Sea Dragon," targeting North Vietnamese supply lines along the coast. The ship's duties included shore bombardments, stopping enemy vessels, and supporting ground forces with naval gunfire. The Chandler also joined "Operation Market Time," aiming to block supplies and personnel from moving from North to South Vietnam by sea. These missions showed just how adaptable and effective the ship was in various combat situations.
The Chandler's outstanding service didn't go unnoticed. It earned numerous awards and commendations throughout its career. For its efforts during the Korean War, the ship received the Korean Service Medal with six battle stars, a testament to its significant contributions. In the Vietnam War, it was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with nine campaign stars, highlighting its extensive involvement. The Chandler also received the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, recognizing the crew's exceptional performance and dedication.
The legacy of the USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717) is a powerful reminder of resilience and valor. From the cold waters off Korea to the warm seas of Vietnam, the Chandler consistently showed its ability to adapt and excel in challenging environments. Its many deployments and commendations reflect a storied career that played a significant role in the U.S. Navy's mission to maintain maritime security and support ground operations. The Chandler's history stands as a lasting example of naval excellence and dedication to duty.
USS Theodore E Chandler DD-717 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Gearing Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | March 22, 1946 |
| Displacement | 3,460 tons |
| Length | 391 feet |
| Beam | 41 feet |
| Draft | 14.3 feet |
| Speed | 37 knots |
| Complement | 11 Officers 325 Enlisted |