USS Upham APD-99
The USS Upham (APD-99) was a high-speed transport ship built during World War II. It all started on November 15, 1943, at the Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard in Massachusetts. Initially, it was meant to be a destroyer escort, DE-283. But on July 17, 1944, the Navy decided to reclassify it as a high-speed transport, APD-99. This change reflected the Navy's shifting strategies during the war. The ship was launched on December 27, 1944, and officially joined the fleet on March 23, 1945, with Lieutenant Commander J. W. Kelsey in charge.
The ship was named after Lieutenant (junior grade) Robert W. Upham, a brave naval aviator who earned the Navy Cross posthumously for his heroics at the Battle of Midway. Upham's courage was a shining example of the Navy's spirit during the war. Naming the ship after him was a tribute to his bravery and a reminder of the high standards expected from those who served on board.
The USS Upham was known for its speed and versatility, crucial for its role as a high-speed transport. It was armed with anti-aircraft guns and depth charge projectors, ready to defend against aerial and submarine threats. The ship was designed to quickly carry and deploy troops and equipment, essential for amphibious operations.
The legacy of the USS Upham is tied to its role in enhancing the Navy's amphibious capabilities during World War II. High-speed transports like the Upham were vital for the rapid deployment of troops and supplies, key to successful amphibious assaults in the Pacific. The ship's service highlighted a strategic shift towards more flexible and rapid-response naval operations, a concept that still influences naval tactics and ship design today.
The USS Upham was part of the Crosley-class of high-speed transports, derived from the Rudderow-class destroyer escorts. These ships were specially modified for amphibious operations, with increased troop-carrying capacity and the ability to launch and recover landing craft. The Crosley-class was crucial in projecting power across the Pacific, linking naval and ground forces effectively.
Commissioned in the final months of World War II, the USS Upham was part of a larger effort to strengthen the Navy's amphibious assault capabilities. Although it saw limited action due to the war's end, its commissioning showed the Navy's dedication to maintaining a strong and versatile fleet. The USS Upham and its sister ships marked a significant evolution in naval warfare, focusing on speed, flexibility, and support for complex operations.
USS Upham APD-99: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Upham (APD-99) was a high-speed transport ship that served the United States Navy with distinction. It started its life as a Rudderow-class destroyer escort but was later transformed into a Crosley-class high-speed transport. This change wasn't just a simple makeover; it involved major structural tweaks to fit its new mission. They added troop-carrying features and installed davits for launching and recovering landing craft. At about 306 feet long, with a beam of 37 feet and a draft of around 12 feet, the USS Upham was built to handle both the open ocean and shallower coastal waters. This made it incredibly versatile for all sorts of missions.
The technology on the USS Upham was cutting-edge for its time. It ran on two Westinghouse turbo-electric drive engines, delivering a combined output of 12,000 shaft horsepower. This power allowed the ship to hit speeds of up to 23 knots, making it one of the faster ships in its class. It also boasted advanced radar and sonar systems, crucial for navigation and anti-submarine warfare. These tech features enabled the USS Upham to take on a variety of roles, from transporting troops to conducting reconnaissance and anti-submarine operations.
When it came to armament, the USS Upham was well-prepared to defend itself and support its missions. Its main weapon was a 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose gun, capable of targeting both surface and aerial threats. The ship also had six 40mm anti-aircraft guns and six 20mm Oerlikon cannons, giving it strong defensive capabilities against enemy aircraft and smaller surface threats. This mix of weapons ensured the USS Upham could protect itself and its cargo, whether it was troops or supplies, during its missions.
The USS Upham's weaponry also included anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, which were crucial during World War II and the early Cold War. It was equipped with depth charge projectors and racks, along with a Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar. These ASW tools allowed the USS Upham to effectively engage and neutralize enemy submarines. With this array of armaments and weaponry systems, the USS Upham was a formidable and versatile vessel, ready to tackle a wide range of military operations.
USS Upham APD-99: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Upham (APD-99) was a remarkable ship with a rich history. It started as a high-speed transport, designed to move quickly and efficiently. Over time, it got some impressive upgrades. The ship was fitted with advanced radar and sonar systems, which were vital for anti-submarine warfare. It also received more sophisticated anti-aircraft guns and depth charge projectors. These upgrades made the Upham a more formidable force, ready for a variety of missions, from convoy escorts to supporting amphibious assaults.
The Upham was a versatile powerhouse. Its main job was to transport troops, equipment, and supplies swiftly to different battle zones. Its speed and agility were perfect for quick missions, even in dangerous situations. The ship's anti-submarine capabilities made it a strong protector against enemy submarines, keeping itself and its convoy safe. It was also equipped to support amphibious operations, providing crucial fire support and logistics during beach landings.
During World War II, the USS Upham was a key player in several important operations, like the liberation of the Philippines and the Battle of Okinawa. It was especially valuable for deploying Underwater Demolition Teams, who cleared obstacles and mines before amphibious landings. The Upham's adaptability and reliability made it an essential part of the fleet, ready to meet the fast-changing demands of war. Its presence gave the Navy a strategic edge, boosting overall effectiveness.
Even after the war, the USS Upham continued to serve during the early Cold War years. It took part in various training exercises and readiness operations, keeping the crew sharp in naval tactics. The ship's quick response to new threats and its role in maintaining maritime security highlighted its ongoing importance. Despite the arrival of newer ships, the Upham's legacy of versatility, resilience, and operational excellence stood as a testament to its significant contributions to the U.S. Navy.
USS Upham APD-99: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
USS Upham (APD-99) had a brief but impactful service with the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1945, it joined the Pacific Theater during the closing months of World War II. As a high-speed transport, Upham was all about getting troops and gear where they needed to be, fast. It was a nimble ship, dodging threats and making sure forces were in place for those crucial amphibious assaults and other key operations in the Pacific.
After the war, Upham didn't just fade away. It stayed active during the early Cold War years, taking part in training exercises and readiness operations. The ship wasn't in the thick of combat during the Korean War, but it played a vital support role. Upham helped with logistics and troop movements, keeping U.S. and allied forces ready and steady during those tense times.
Upham's service didn't go unnoticed. It earned several awards, like the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. These honors were a nod to the ship's hard work and the crew's dedication. They also highlighted Upham's part in promoting international cooperation and stability during the early Cold War.
Beyond its operational feats, Upham was known for its top-notch seamanship and crew skills. It snagged multiple Battle Efficiency Awards, or Battle "E"s, which are given to the fleet's best. These awards showed just how high the crew set the bar, handling complex missions with skill and precision. USS Upham (APD-99) may not have had a long service life, but its legacy is a proud chapter in U.S. naval history, showcasing its significant contributions to maritime operations.
USS Upham APD-99 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Crosley Class High Speed Transport |
| Commissioned | July 23, 1945 |
| Displacement | 1,400 tons |
| Length | 306 feet |
| Beam | 36 feet |
| Draft | 12.6 feet |
| Speed | 24 knots |
| Complement | 15 Officers 192 Enlisted |