USS Downes (DD-375) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids History
Builder	Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Rebuilder:	Mare Island Naval Shipyard
Laid down	15 August 1934
Launched	22 April 1936
Commissioned	15 January 1937
Decommissioned	20 June 1942
Recommissioned	15 November 1943
Decommissioned	17 December 1945
Fate	Sold for scrap 18 November 1947
General characteristics
Class and type	Mahan-class destroyer
Displacement	1,500 tons
Length	341 ft 4 in (104.04 m)
Beam	35 ft (11 m)
Draft	9 ft 10 in (3.00 m)
Speed	37 knots (69 km/h)
Complement	158 officers and crew
Armament	As Built: 1 × Gun Director above bridge 5 × 5"(127mm)/38cal DP (5x1), 12 × 21 inch (533 mm) T Tubes (3x4), 4 × .50cal (12.7mm) MG AA (4x1), 2 × Depth Charge stern racks, c1944: 1 × Mk37 Gun Fire Control System, 4 × 5" (127mm)/38cal DP (4x1), 12 × 21 inch (533 mm) T Tubes (3x4), 2 × Mk51 Gun Directors, 4 × Bofors 40 mm AA (2x2), 6 × Oerlikon 20 mm AA (6x1), 2 × Depth Charge roll-off stern racks, 4 × K-gun depth charge projectors

The USS Downes (DD-375) was a type of warship called a Mahan-class destroyer. It served in the United States Navy before and during World War II. This ship was named after John Downes, an important officer in the US Navy.

Life Before World War II

The Downes was built at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. It was launched on April 22, 1936. Miss S. F. Downes, a relative of Captain John Downes, helped launch the ship. The Downes officially joined the Navy on January 15, 1937. Commander C. H. Roper was its first commanding officer.

The ship arrived in San Diego, California on November 24, 1937. From there, it took part in training exercises. These exercises happened along the west coast, in the Caribbean Sea, and near the Hawaiian Islands. In April 1940, Pearl Harbor became the Downes's home port. In early 1941, it sailed on a trip to Samoa, Fiji, and Australia. Later that year, it visited the west coast of the United States.

World War II Service

USS Downes survivor article: "Pat Kemp, Pearl Harbor Casualty Receives Treatment at Oak Knoll" on page 4 of issue "8 February 1947" of The Oak Leaf

Attack on Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The Downes was in a drydock for repairs. Two other ships, the Cassin and Pennsylvania, were also there. Japanese planes attacked them heavily. A 250 kg bomb hit between the two destroyers. This caused huge fires, made worse by oil from a broken fuel tank.

Even with heavy machine gun fire from the planes, the crews fought back. They used their ship's guns to try and stop the attacks. To put out the fires, the drydock was filled with water. But the burning oil floated on top of the water. When the ammunition and torpedoes on the destroyers started exploding, the crews had to leave the ships.

Later, the Cassin fell off its support blocks and leaned against the Downes. Both ships were too damaged to be repaired. However, their engines and other important parts were saved. These parts were sent to the Mare Island Naval Shipyard. There, new ships were built using the salvaged equipment. These new ships kept the names and hull numbers of the wrecked ones. The Downes was officially taken out of service on June 20, 1942.

Returning to Duty

The Downes was put back into service at Mare Island on November 15, 1943. It left San Francisco, California on March 8, 1944. Its job was to protect groups of ships, called convoys, traveling to Pearl Harbor and then to Majuro. It arrived there on March 26.

The ship was then sent to help blockade, or block off, the Japanese stronghold of Wotje Atoll. This lasted until April 5. After getting more supplies at Pearl Harbor, it arrived at Eniwetok on May 6. Here, it helped control ships entering the harbor and patrolled the waters nearby. During this time, the Downes rescued a pilot in the lagoon at Eniwetok. It also saved four crewmen near Ponape in the Caroline Islands.

In July, the Downes began escorting convoys from Eniwetok to Saipan. This was to support the operations in the Mariana Islands. It then patrolled near Tinian during its invasion. The ship also provided fire support at Marpi Point, Tinian. It also attacked Aguijan Island with its guns. On October 9, it helped bombard Marcus Island. This was a distraction for aircraft carriers launching planes to attack the Ryukyu Islands.

Final Missions

The Downes left Saipan on October 14. Two days later, it joined a special group of ships. They were looking for Japanese ships that Admiral William F. Halsey hoped to draw out. The group returned to Leyte to support the landings there on October 20. The Downes was supposed to go to Ulithi but was called back. It had to protect the aircraft carriers during air strikes on the Japanese Fleet in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On October 27, it was finally sent to Ulithi for more supplies.

The Downes then went to Pearl Harbor for maintenance. It returned to Ulithi on March 29, 1945, escorting another convoy. Then it sailed to Guam. From April 5 to June 5, it patrolled the Marianas. It also helped with air-sea rescue, submarine training, and escort duties. From June 9, it did similar work at Iwo Jima.

When the war ended, the Downes was ordered back to the United States. It left Iwo Jima on September 19, carrying servicemen heading home. It stopped at San Pedro, California. It also visited Beaumont, Texas, for Navy Day celebrations. The ship arrived in Norfolk on November 5.

The Downes was taken out of service for the last time on December 17, 1945. It was sold for scrap metal on November 18, 1947.

Awards and Recognition

The Downes earned four battle stars for its service during World War II. This shows its important contributions to the war effort.