Most of the 175 destroyers in the Fletcher class were built between 1942 and 1944. They’re considered like one of the largest, heaviest, and potentially most successful warships created on either side during the war: In fact, 145 of the time-made destroyers became legendary over both theaters.
USS Fletcher (DD-445) was commissioned on 3 May 1942. She was thrust with unusual speed into the fray in the Pacific. Named for Medal of Honor recipient Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher, the ship served in the Battle of Guadalcanal through the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. It was that significant display of bravery that was demonstrated during the Guadalcanal campaign by sinking two Japanese destroyers and damaging the flagship battleship Hiei that was to be forever equated with the crew of the Fletcher.
In her service, Fletcher took part in many operations, from the bombardment of Munda airfield to supporting landings in the Russell Islands. She was awarded 15 battle stars for service during World War II and five during the Korean War. Although decommissioned in 1969 and expended in 1972, her memory remains very much alive in popular memory as a symbol of naval gallantry.
The USS The Sullivans (DD-537) was commissioned in 1943 and named in honor of the five Sullivan brothers who died aboard the USS Juneau (CL-52) in 1942. The destroyer of the Fletcher class was credited with eight Japanese aircraft while in service in the Pacific and earned battle stars for her participation in Iwo Jima and Okinawa bombardments. Her service extended through the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, earning a total of 11 battle stars.
Today, USS The Sullivans is berthed at the Buffalo Naval & Military Park, where she greets visitors from around the world as a historic landmark. doubly memorable because of the Sullivans’ sacrifice: Visitors may come aboard and experience life as a “Tin Can Sailor” and ponder the significance of the ship’s motto: “We Stick Together!”
The USS Kidd (DD-661) is the only destroyer of the Fletcher class restored to its configuration as of 1945. She was named after Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, Sr., who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Launched on February 28, 1943, the Kidd became known as the “Pirate of the Pacific” for its attacks and invincible spirit during World War II and the Korean War, which it fought.
Some of Kidd’s most notable work included the bombardment of Japanese positions and rescuing downed aviators. She now serves as a museum ship in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, giving the public a look inside her storied past and the heroism of her crew.
2023: The Last Surviving Fletcher-Class Destroyers Turn 80 Years Old: USS Kidd, USS The Sullivans, USS Cassin Young, And USS Charrette, Moved to The Greek Navy And Renamed Velos. Each ship’s commissioning date is celebrated and includes the flying of commemorative flags, accompanied by public displays of the ships’ histories.
These are celebrations of the lasting heritage of Fletcher-class destroyers and the tremendous contribution they have made to naval warfare. From their berths as museum ships, they continue to teach and inspire future generations to keep in memory the service personnel who sailed in these legendary vessels.
Fletcher-class destroyers today stand as a testament in the flesh to the resilience and gallantry of the U.S. Navy, with its memory cast eternally in the annals of military history by their deeds.