USS Fletcher DDE-445 Chronology 1955
A summary transcribed from the original deck logs by Commander Robert McCurley, USN retired
1955
(Editorial comment, During January and February, 1955, Chinese Communist and Chinese Nationalists battled over the offshore islands in the Taiwan Straits.)
Saturday January 1, USS Fletcher DDE 445 was moored in a nest in Berth 5, Yokosuka, Japan with USS Rupertus DD851, LST 901, and USS Rogers DD876. Rupertus got underway, and USS Walke DD723 moored in the nest.
Monday 3 January , Fletcher got underway and moored to Buoy 4 with USS Radford DDE446, USS O’Bannon DDE 450, and USS Carpenter DDE825.
Tuesday 4 January , CORTDESDIV 11 got underway and conducted ASW operations with USS Remora SS487, USS Rodgers DDR876, USS Hanna DE449, and USS Tang SS563 in Operation Area Oboe
Wednesday 5 January, Fletcher steamed overnight with O’Bannon in Sagami Wan, Honshu, Japan. In the morning, Fletcher and O’Bannon rendezvoused with USS Remosa SS487 and helicopters 912 and 913 from USS Princeton CVS37. In the afternoon relieved USS Hanna DE499 in OCE area one and conducted ASW operations with USS Tang SS653. Helicopter 912 had vertical rotor problems and both helicopters returned to the Princeton. USS Bausell DD845 relieved Fletcher of control of Tang.
Thursday 6 January, Steamed overnight in Sagami Wan, Honshu, Japan with O’Bannon. In the morning, conducted ASW with O’Bannon and USS Remora SS487. USS Agerholm DD826 relieved Fletcher of control of Remora. CORTDESDIV 11 then returned to Yokosuka, Honshu, Japan and moored in nest at Buoy 7. At 2203, the watch observed an explosion or flare off the port bow in the vicinity of the northeast breakwater, unable to identify, port authorities were notified.
Friday 8 January, Fletcher got underway and joined USS Rogers DDR 876, USS Agerholm DD826, USS Princeton CVS 37, USS Radford DDE 446, USS Naifeh DE 352, USS Hanna DE449, USS Bausell DD845, USS Carpenter DDE 825, and USS O’Bannon DDE 450 in formation. Anti Aircraft gunnery practice was conducted.
Saturday 9 January, O’Bannon, Bausell, and Agerholm conducted ASW exercises with USS Tang SS563. Fletcher Hanna, and Radford conducted ASW exercises with USS Tang SS563, and rejoined the formation. Various SAU were formed and ASW exercises conducted at darkened ship.
Sunday 10 January, Formation continued en route from Yokosuka Japan to Buckner Bay, Okinawa.
Monday 11 January, Fletcher refueled from Princeton. Later the formation continued to conduct weaving and sinuous steering clock courses. Fletcher received helicopter guard mail transfer. ASW exercises were conducted. Princeton conducted night flight operations at darkened ship.
Tuesday 12 January, Formation continued to conduct ASW operations, then all ships refueled from USS Taluga AO 62. Fletcher and Radford conducted hedgehog attacks on USS Tang SS563.
Wednesday 13 January, The Formation continued to conduct ASW operations with USS Remora CS487. Princeton continued to conduct ASW aircraft operations.
Thursday 14 January, Formation entered Buckner Bay Okinawa, with Fletcher anchoring in Berth B182. Fletcher and Radford moved to the fuel pier and began taking on fuel oil and fresh water.
Monday 17 January Fletcher got underway and anchored in Berth B182.
Tuesday 18 January, Fletcher got underway and conducted ASW exercises with USS Tang SS563. Transferred personnel in gig to O’Bannon. Later personnel were transferred from O’Bannon by whaleboat. Princeton commenced night flight ops Fletcher and O’Bannon detached Fletcher received observers from O’Bannon by whaleboat. Then Fletcher and O’Bannon conducted ASW operations with USS Tang SS563. Fletcher sent gig to bring CORTDESRON one from Tang to Fletcher. Gig was then sent to O’Bannon to return observers. Fletcher then began plane guard for USS Princeton CVS 37. At 1927, Fletcher and O’Bannon were detached to proceed to Southeast of Buckner Bay Okinawa to conduct ASW exercises with USS Tang SS 563.
Wednesday 19 January, At the completion of ASW exercises, Fletcher sent Gig to bring ComCortDesRon One from the Tang. The gig then returned an observer to the O’Bannon. Fletcher then returned to Buckner Bay, Okinawa and moored to the fuel dock. Radford then moored to port side.
Thursday 20 January, Fletcher got underway and anchored in berth B182.
Friday 21 January, ComCortDesRon One conducted inspection of Fletcher personnel.
Saturday 22 January, Fletcher, Carpenter, Radford and O’Bannon got underway and joined up with USS Princeton CVS 37. Destroyers McDermut, Yarnell, were in the formation and were detached.
Sunday 23 January, The Princeton and CORTDESDIV 11 departed en route to Yokosuka, Japan, conducting ASW operations en route. OTC is CTG 70.4 (ComCarDiv 15)
Tuesday 25 January Rendezvoused with USS Cacapon AO 52, and the task group refueled, then continued ASW exercises en route to Yokosuka.
Thursday 27 January, CORTDESDIV 11 less Radford detached to proceed to Yokosuka, Japan.
Friday 28 January, CORTDESDIV 11 entered Yokosuka. Fletcher moored starboard side to Carpenter at Berth 11, U.S. Naval Fleet Activity
Monday 31 January, Fletcher got underway and joined with O’Bannon and USS Volador for ASW exercises. Fletcher then conducted underway transfer of personnel with Radford. Fletcher then returned to Yokosuka, and moored starboard side to Carpenter.
Tuesday 1 February, Fletcher got underway and went alongside USS Hamul, AD20, for emergency repairs on the SG radar antenna.(editorial: the motor generator set driving the antenna was replaced with one from an LST in the harbor used as a stores ship) At 1300 Fletcher got underway in accordance with Com7th Fleet message 310218Z of January 1955. (This message was to send the 7th Fleet to support the Quemoy Matsu Islands which were under Chinese Nationalist control and being shelled by the Chinese Communists.) Fletcher joined O’Bannon, Carpenter and Radford in screening for USS Princeton CVS37 as Task Group 70.4.
Friday 4 February, Task Group rendezvous with USS Mispillion AO105 in the East China Sea for refueling en route to the Formosa area.
Saturday 5 February, Task Group 70.4 conducted antisubmarine patrol off Formosa, including aircraft patrols. ( on this day, the 7th Fleet was ordered to evacuate the Nationalist Chinese from the Tachen Islands, which were taken over by the Communists on February 11.)
Monday 7 February, O’Bannon was detached in accordance with CTF 70.4 message to proceed independently. Fletcher, O’Bannon, and Radford refueled from Princeton.
Tuesday 8 February, O’Bannon returned to formation. Princeton conducted around the clock flight operations.
Wednesday 9 February. Princeton refueled CORTDESDIV 11 destroyers, then continued flight operations.
Thursday 10 February, TG 70.4 continued patrol and flight operations in the Formosa Straits. The Task Group replenished supplies from USS Graffias AF29, then refueled from USS Taluga AO62. Fletcher sent whaleboat to recover mail lost in transfer from Princeton to Taluga. The whaleboat recovered two bags of mail, one parachute, and one wooden case. After ships returned to circular formation, Carpenter reported sonar contact, later classified non-submarine. At 2131, changed course to 015 to head into wind due to strong storm and heavy seas. Ship was pitching badly.
Friday 11 February, TG 70.4 turned and headed south again and at 1830, Princeton commenced flight operations again.
Saturday 12 Fletcher detached to investigate sonar contact. Classified as a school of fish. Fletcher returned to formation as Princeton conducted flight operations. 1347, Fletcher refueled from Princeton.
During January and February, the Communists and Nationalists battled over the offshore islands of China. Premier Cho En-lai refused on February 3 a UN security council invitation to talk about a cease fire.
Monday 14 February, Com 7th Fleet message 112050Z ordered TG70.4 to return to Yokosuka, Japan
Tuesday 15 February, Princeton launched its aircraft, and CORTDESDIV 11 was detached to enter port.
Wednesday 16 February, Fletcher entered Yokosuka harbor and moored in a nest in Berth 5 with Radford, Carpenter, South Korean vessel Naktong PF 65
Saturday 19 February, CORTDESDIV 11 got underway for Pearl Harbor, TH
Wednesday 23 February, Carpenter and O’Bannon detached to proceed to Midway Island at 23 knots. Later Fletcher and Radford entered Midway Island harbor and tied up at the pier, refueling with assistance of YTF410. Fletcher refueled and then got underway to depart Midway Island. Radford then joined up once Midway was cleared.
24 February. Radford and Fletcher rejoined CORTDESDIV 11. At 1744, Fletcher hit a whale which surfaced 10 yards off the bow, passed down starboard side, and was apparently hit by starboard screw.
25 February 1955, Nationalist Chinese Premier declared that his government would retreat no further.
26 February, Fletcher moored to berth B25 at 0801 at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base, TH
1 March, USS O’Bannon DDE 450 was moored to port and got underway. USS Earnest G. Small DD838 stood into the harbor and moored to port of Fletcher.
Wednesday 2 March, Small got underway.
Friday 4 March, YTB290 came alongside to port astern. YTL159 came alongside to port bow. Fletcher was moved to Berth Baker 17 ½, U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H., mooring starboard side to.
Thursday 10 March, LTJG John Chatfield detached from Fletcher.
Friday 11 March, With YTB290 on the port bow, YTB266 midships, and YTB253 on the port quarter Fletcher was moved from pier, then tugs shifted sides and Fletcher was moored port side to O’Bannon in Berth Baker 15 ½.
Monday 14 March, CDR Claude S. Farmer, Commanding Officer, completed ten days leave.
Saturday 26 March, Fletcher was moved with tugs to Berth M1, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. to take on fuel.
Monday 28 March, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to sea to conduct man overboard drills and general quarters drills. Fletcher then returned to Berth M1 with assistance of YTL to starboard bow. Fletcher then took on fuel.
Tuesday 29 March, Fletcher got underway to proceed to sea for Underway Training Secured #1 generator due to hot bearing. Conducted ASW operations with USS Seafox, and USS Whitehurst. Fletcher lost all electrical power and shifted to emergency diesel generator. Fletcher regained steering on the bridge. Fletcher proceeded back to Pearl Harbor and moored portside to Berth M1. Using emergency lighting panel on diesel power. Fletcher was then moved with tugs to moor starboard side to USS Renshaw DDE 499 in Berth B23.
Wednesday 30 March, Fletcher receiving services from dock. Electrical power was restored. Cold iron watch discovered flooding in air casing of #4 boiler.
Thursday 31 March, lighted fires under #4 boiler to dry out brickwork. YW104 moored port side to for Fletcher to take on feed water. Secured #4 boiler due to low water casualty, no apparent damage.
Monday 4 April, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to sea to conduct training operations. Conducted lost steering casualty drills and man overboard drills. Fletcher then returned to Naval Supply Center Berth M3 ½ alongside port side of USS Radford DDE 446.
Tuesday 5 April, Fletcher got underway and joined up with USS Radford DDE446 at sea to conduct light freight transfer drills. Fletcher then began man overboard drills. Fletcher then returned to Navy Supply Center Berth M3 to take on fuel.
Wednesday 6 April, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to sea to conduct exercises with USS Epperson DDE719. Fletcher then conducted several exercises, then went alongside USS Wasp CVS 18. Fletcher then returned to Berth M3 at the Naval Supply Center.
Thursday 7 April, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to sea to conduct various exercises. Fletcher then took plane guard station on USS Philippine Sea CVA47.
Friday 8 April, Fletcher continued plane guard operations with USS Philippine Sea CVA47. Fletcher then returned to Berth M3 at the Naval Supply Center.
Monday 11 April, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to sea to conduct ASW exercises. Observed torpedo and commenced steering to avoid being hit. Torpedo passed astern. USS Caiman SS323 and USS Stickleback SS415 surfaced. Commenced zig zag course with USS Wandank ATA 204. Fletcher gained sonar contact. Torpedo fired at Wandank. Wandank ordered to pick up torpedo.
Caiman and Stickleback surfaced. Fletcher then proceeded to join up with USS Philippine Sea CVA47 in area S1 At 2157, Philippine Sea reported possible man overboard and requested help from Fletcher. Fletcher proceeded at 21 knots to area, then turned on searchlights. Philippine Sea reported muster of crew showed no man overboard.
Tuesday 12 April, Fletcher continued plane guard operations in station 1 on Philippine Sea. USS Radford DDE446 joined formation and took plane guard station 2. Fletcher then took station 12 miles out as target vessel for exercises.
Wednesday 13 April, Fletcher returned to berth M# to refuel, then moored starboard side to USS Carpenter DDE825 in Berth B23, US Naval Station Pearl Harbor T.H.
Saturday 16 April, COMCORTDESRON One conducted inspection of ship.
Sunday 17 April, Number 1 generator had hot after bearing and was secured. Diesel was started. #1 generator had bearing wiped and shaft slightly scored.
Monday 18 April, Fletcher got underway, and entered submarine operations area for ASW exercises with USS Renshaw DDE499 and USS Tang SS563 in areas 9,12,15, and 18. Fletcher then took station 16 miles from USS Philippine Sea CVA 47 at anchorage area 5 in preparation for exercises. At conclusion of exercises, Fletcher took station on Philippine Sea
Tuesday 19 April, Fletcher and Renshaw took plane guard stations on Philippine Sea. At 1557, Fletcher took station for high line transfer from Philippine Sea, then resumed plane guard station on Philippine Sea.
Wednesday 20 April, Fletcher steamed independently during the night, the resumed plane guard on Philippine Sea. Fletcher took station 3000 yards on bow of Philippine Sea. Fletcher dropped a Mk 6 depth charge which didn’t fire in 2500 fathoms of water in lat 20 13-N long 158 22.5 W.
Fletcher then took plane guard station. After flight ops, Fletcher returned to berth Mike 3 ½ at the Pearl Harbor Naval Supply Center and refueled.
21 April, Fletcher got underway and joined USS Radford DDE446 to conduct exercises. At completion, Fletcher joined USS Walton DE 361, and USS Renshaw DDE 499 to conduct exercises. Fletcher and Radford joined in Submarine op area 7 to conduct ASW exercises with USS Wahoo SS 565. At conclusion of exercises, Fletcher returned to Pearl Harbor and moored at berth Mike 3 ½ and begin taking on fuel.
Sunday 24 April, Fletcher designate ready duty destroyer.
Monday 25 April, Fletcher got underway, proceeded to area 4 for anchoring drills. Fletcher then conducted exercises with USS Carp SS338. Fletcher then returned to berth Mike 3 ½ at the Naval Supply Center Pearl Harbor, TH. and refueled.
Tuesday 26 April, Fletcher got underway, conducted exercises with USS Carpenter DDE825 and USS Carp SS338, then returned to berth M 3 ½.
Wednesday 27 April, Fletcher got underway and conducted various exercises and then returned to berth M 3 ½, and took on fuel.
Thursday 28 April, Fletcher got underway and joined Carpenter and Renshaw. Conducted firing exercises with 5 inch 38 and 3 inch 50 guns using 12 rounds of 5 inch and 12 rounds of 3 inch non frag ammunition. Fletcher and Renshaw then conducted ASW exercises with USS Carp SS338, having expended 18 7.2 projectiles. Fletcher then returned to berth M 3 ½ at the Pearl Harbor Naval Supply Center.
Friday 29 April, Fletcher got underway and joined Carpenter and USS Edmonds DE 406 for exercises, then returned to berth M 3 ½
Tuesday 3 May, Fletcher got underway from berth M3 ½ and put to sea with USS Carpenter DDE 825 to join up with USS Badoeng Strait CVE116. Formed bent line screen with Carpenter, USS Edmonds DE 406, and USS Renshaw DDE 499 on Badoeng Strait. Fletcher was detached with USS Radford DDE 446, and Edmonds. Fletcher was Surface Attack Unit Commander. During this exercise, Renshaw relieved Edmonds. Edmonds, USS McCoy Reynolds DE 440 and USS Epperson DDE 719 formed an SAU. Screening ships commenced narrow weave. At 2014, Badoeng Straits commenced flight ops, and concluded at 2020. Fletcher then joined circular screen around Badoeng Straits with Radford, Carpenter, Whitehurst, Renshaw, Edmonds, Epperson, McCoy Reynolds,
Wednesday 4 May, May, Operations continued south of Oahu conducting ASW operations with detached SAU’s. USS Stickleback SS 415 surfaced. ASW exercises continued throughout the day
Thursday 5 May, Antisubmarine operations continued with various ships detached in SAUs to attack submarines. Badoeng Straits continued to conduct flight ops in support of SAUs. Fletcher and Radford conducted multi ship attacks with Renshaw on the fence.
Friday 6 May, The task force continued Anti Submarine exercises, then returned to Pearl Harbor. Fletcher entered the harbor and moored at B25, US Naval Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. After taking on fuel, Fletcher moved with assistance from YTB455 to berth B17 mooring starboard side to USS Renshaw DDE 499.
12 May, South Vietnam government insisted that France move her troops to the northern border or leave South Vietnam.
Thursday 19 May, Fletcher got underway from berth B17 at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and put to sea. Fletcher took station on the port quarter of USS Nereus AS 17
Friday 20 May, En route to Pearl Harbor with Task Group S 77. CTG is ComSubRon 5 in Nerreus. OTC is ComSubDiv 5 in USS Tunny SSG 282. Fletcher was detached to steam independently from Necker Island to Pearl Harbor T.H.
Sunday 22 May, Fletcher entered Pearl Harbor and moored to berth M 3 ½ and took on fresh water and fuel.
Monday 23 May, Fletcher got underway to conduct exercises in Area C-8, then returned to Pearl Harbor and moored to berth B24 and took on fuel.
Tuesday 24 May, Fletcher got underway and stood out to sea. Fletcher swung the ship for compass calibration. After exercising the crew at general quarters, Fletcher returned to Pearl Harbor and moored to M2, Naval Supply Center with assistance of YTL 455 on the starboard bow. Fletcher designated Ready Duty Destroyer.
Wednesday 25 May, Fletcher got underway and stood out to sea to conduct steering casualty drills, then returned to berth M2 at the Naval Supply Center.
Thursday 26 May, Fletcher got underway and joined USS Hornet CVA 12 as plane guard. After air ops, Fletcher refueled underway from Hornet, then resumed plane guard. Fletcher then conducted night ASW exercises.
Friday 27 May, Fletcher in operating area C25 conducted exercises with USS Epperson DDE 719. Fletcher then steamed up the channel into Pearl Harbor, reversed course, and moored port side to berth A12 with number 1 mooring line to let off observers. Fletcher then proceeded to operation area S16. At 0925, submarine submerged and Fletcher begin steering by sinuous course clock. After ASW exercises, Fletcher took station ahead of USS Comcal ASR8 Commenced steering zigzag plan. Fletcher gained a sonar contact and commenced simulated attacks. Fletcher then searched for submarine’s torpedo. Search was completed and Fletcher returned to berth M2 at the Naval Supply Center Pearl Harbor T.H.
Tuesday 31 May, Fletcher got underway and conducted exercises, then returned to berth M4 at the Naval Supply Center.
Wednesday 1 June, Fletcher got underway with pilot and YT166 to go alongside Berth W2 at West Loch Naval Ammunition Depot, Pearl Harbor, T.H. Off loaded all 5"-38 ammunition including 46 common, 29 VT non-frag, and 26 VT frag projectiles and 29 reduced powder charges, and took on 208 AA common 5"-38, 98 high capacity projectiles and 151 powder charges. Fletcher then got underway and proceeded to operating area to conduct dual ship attacks on submarine with USS Radford DDE446. Fletcher then entered Pearl Harbor and moored to berth M4 at the Naval Supply Center.
Thursday 2 June, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to Kahoolawe Island to conduct exercises with USS Renshaw DDE499. Fletcher had ANGLICO unit embarked. Fletcher anchored at short stay at Kahoolawe Island to disembark the ANGLICO unit. Fletcher made three sorties along the island firing the main battery, expending 110 rounds of 5"-38 ammo.
Friday 3 June, Fletcher continued shore bombardment exercises.
Saturday 4 June, Fletcher entered Smugglers Cove at Kahoolawe Island to pick up the ANGLICO unit. By whaleboat. Fletcher then returned to Pearl Harbor and moored starboard side to USS Renshaw DDE499 and took on fuel.
Sunday 5 June USS Renshaw DDE 499 assumed ready duty destroyer duty.
Tuesday 7 June, Fletcher was breasted out by YTB 290 to allow Renshaw to get underway.
Wednesday 8 June, Renshaw stood into the harbor and moored to the port side of Fletcher.
Thursday 9 June, Renshaw got underway from port side. Colors were half masted during funeral services for C.W. Narous Jr. QMCA (s) USN
Friday 10 June, Rear Admiral Hopwood, Chief of Staff to CINPACFLT aboard for 16 minutes, YTB 290 and YTL 166 came alongside to assist Fletcher moving to berth B22 ½., USS Douglas Munro DE 422 tied up to port side.
Wednesday 15 June, 0833 Fletcher received Applejack alert for exercise Eversharp 10, and went to general quarters.
Monday 20 June, Fletcher got underway from berth B22 ½ Naval Shipyard Pearl Harbor and proceeded to US Naval Ammunition Depot, West Loch, Pearl Harbor T.H. with assistance from YTB 142 and YTL 455 to load 683 rounds of 5"-38 and 3"-50 ammunition. Fletcher then got underway and joined USS Boxer CVA 21, and USS Carpenter DDE 825 at sea.
Tuesday 21 June, Fletcher took plane guard station on Boxer for air ops. Fletcher then proceeded to Smugglers Cove, Kahoolawe Island to put fire control party ashore. Fletcher then proceeded to conduct shore bombardment exercises. At the conclusion of the exercises, Fletcher reentered Smugglers Cove to pick up the fire control party. Fletcher then rejoined USS Boxer CVA 2. Fletcher provided plane guard services, then proceeded toward Pearl Harbor.
Wednesday 22 June, Fletcher entered Pearl Harbor and moored at berth S 13, US Naval Submarine Base.. Fletcher took on 12,000 gallons of fresh water, then got underway to return to sea. Fletcher conducting anti aircraft firing exercises with 5"-38 and 3"-50 guns. Fletcher then returned to Pearl Harbor and moored starboard side to USS Carpenter DDE 825 in berth M 3 at the U.S. Naval Supply Center.
Thursday 23 June, Fletcher got underway and put to sea to conduct exercises with USS Edmonds DE 406, and USS Whitehurst DE 634. Fletcher then reentered Pearl Harbor and moored starboard side to USS Nicholas DDE 449 at berth M 3, U.S. Naval Supply Center.
Friday 24 June, COMCORTDESRON One shifted his flag from USS Carpenter DDE 825 to USS Fletcher DDE 445. Fletcher then proceeded to sea to conduct exercises and returned to berth S 12 at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, T.H.
Saturday 25 June, A seaman slipped on a wet deck in the crews head, hitting his face on a commode, splitting his lip. A LTJG injured his right hand in a watertight door in the after officers passageway.
Monday 27 June, Fletcher got underway and put to sea to conduct exercises. Upon completion, Fletcher returned to Pearl Harbor Naval Supply Center berth M 3 starboard side to USS Nicholas DDE 449, and commenced taking on 32,751 gallons of fuel.
Tuesday 28 June, Fletcher got underway and put to sea, joining USS Moctobi ATF 105 to conduct exercises at general quarters. After detaching Moctobi, Fletcher commenced gunnery exercises, expending 65 rounds of 5" ammunition. R. L. Winchester SN, USN was injured and lost the digital tip of a finger due to dropped powder case in mount 51. Fletcher returned to Pearl Harbor and moored at M 3 in the Naval Supply Center. While taking on fuel, an oil spilled occurred on the 01 deck and main deck port side aft.
Wednesday 29 June, Fletcher got underway and put to sea to conduct ASW exercises with USS Wahoo SS 565 and USS Whitehurst DE 634. Upon completion of exercises, Fletcher returned to berth M 3, U S Naval Supply Center, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, T.H.
Thursday 30 June, USS Radford is moored outboard port side. Fletcher got underway and proceeded to sea to conduct general quarters drills, then returned to berth S 12 at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Friday 1 July, The Chilean Naval Schooner SS Emeralda was in Pearl Harbor in addition to U.S. ships. Fletcher got underway and proceeded to U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot, West Loch, with the assistance of YTL 455. Fletcher off loaded empty brass and depth charges. Fletcher then got underway with aid of YTL 159 and moored port side to berth B 10 U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. Fletcher began receiving water, steam, electricity and telephone from the dock.
Saturday 2 July, USS Whitehurst DE 634 moored alongside to starboard.
Sunday 3 July, Half-masted colors in respect to deceased Midshipman Rene Ramirez of the Chilean Navy Training Ship Esmerelda which was moored in Pearl Harbor..
Monday 4 July, Fletcher rigged the ship out in full dress in observance of national holiday.
Tuesday 5 July, COMCORTDESRON One shifted permanent communications guard to Fletcher from Carpenter. Admin.. remained on Carpenter. CDR Claude S. Farmer, Commanding Officer, departed on three days leave. LCDR R.A. Kyle, Executive Officer, assumed command.
Thursday 7 July, COMCORTDESRON One shifted his flag from USS Radford DDE446 to Fletcher.
Friday 8 July, CDR Farmer returned from leave and assumed command.
Monday 11 July, R.E. Rushing SN USN while sanding deck brushed an electric sander against his thigh, sustaining a laceration 1 ½ inches femoral region right thigh not due to his own misconduct. Treatment administrated by medical officer and shipyard dispensary included cleaning, sutured 000 black silk, methiolate and dressing. Disposition: duty.
Sunday 17 July, A.C. Ford SN USN while going from second division compartment to F division compartment, struck his head on the hatch combing, sustaining a laceration and contusion of the scalp, not due to own misconduct. Treatment administered by shipyard dispensary. Returned to duty.
Monday 18 July, Captain H.G. Cory, COMCORTDESRON One and an inspection party from USS Radford DDE 446, conducted a material inspection. USS Whitehurst DE 634 got underway from starboard side.
Tuesday 19 July, 0700 COMCORTDESRON One shifted his flag to USS O’Bannon DDE 450, and shifted back to Fletcher at 1800.
Thursday 21 July, USS Renshaw DDE 499 came alongside to starboard.
Friday 29 July, Jack L. England EM2, R Division, punctured left hand with screwdriver in the battery locker and was taken to the shipyard dispensary for treatment and returned with light duty disposition for one week.
Thursday 4 August, USS Renshaw DDE 499 got underway from alongside Fletcher.
Friday 12 August, USS Carpenter DDE 825 moored alongside to starboard.
Monday 15 August, Carpenter got underway.
Wednesday 17 August, COMCORTDESRON One shifted his flag to Fletcher CDR Farmer, Commanding Officer departed on three days leave.
Saturday 20 August, CDR Farmer returned from leave.
Tuesday 23 August, U.S. Postal Inspectors came aboard to inspect the post office.
Wednesday 24 August Fletcher received 10,932 gallons of feed water from YW 105.
Thursday 25 August, 0800 ComHawSesFron/Com 14 Exercise 1. Went to general quarters and lighted off boiler 1. Shifted watch to the bridge. 1100 secured from general quarters.
Friday 26 August, USS Jenkins DDE 447 moored to starboard. Fletcher took on feed water from water barge outboard of Jenkins.
Monday 29 August, ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag from Fletcher. Jenkins got underway. Fletcher got underway and moored to fueling pier H 2. Received 28,216 gallons of fuel. Fletcher then got underway for Naval Ammunition Depot, West Loch, Pearl Harbor T.H. with assistance of YTL 166. Loaded 100 rounds of 5" 38 FCLVT non frag, 40 rounds 5"-38 AAC, 68 rounds 5”-38 TAR projectiles, 208 5"-38 non flashless full power cartridges, 100 rounds 3"-50 FCL (VT) non frag non flash less, 25 3"-50 rounds TAR non flash less full power cartridges, 300 hand grenades, 16 Mark 9 depth charges. Fletcher got underway for operating area C-25. Fletcher then conducted engineering drills. Fletcher then joined USS Edmonds DE 406, USS Sabalo SS 302, and aircraft of VP 6 to conduct ASW exercises. At 2253 completed exercises and Sabalo surfaced.
Tuesday 30 August, Fletcher entered Pearl Harbor channel and picked up Fleet Camera Party by whaleboat, then headed back to sea. Fletcher then conducted full power run. Fletcher then returned to berth H 3, U.S. Naval Supply Center, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Wednesday 31 August, Fletcher took on 15,000 gallons of fresh water, 24,123 gallons of fuel oil.
Thursday 1 September, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to the operating area to test fire the MK2 Mod 0 torpedo launcher. Fletcher then returned to berth M 3 U.S. Naval Supply Center, Pearl Harbor T.H. outboard of USS Carpenter DDE 825.
Friday 2 September, Fletcher got underway to the operating area and conducted ASW exercises. Fletcher then conducted underway firing exercises. Upon completion of firing, the Fletcher returned to Pearl Harbor, rendering honors to USS Point Cruz CVE 119, and USS Hancock CVA 19 en route to berth M 3, U.S. Naval Supply Center, Pearl Harbor, T.H. and moored alongside USS Carpenter DDE 825.
Saturday 3 September, Fletcher assumed ready duty destroyer.
Tuesday 6 September, Fletcher got underway for the operating area south of Oahu and joined the screen for USS Point Cruz CVE 119. Fletcher detached as SAU commander with Radford and O’Bannon to proceed to submarine contact 14 miles out identified by aircraft. Fletcher gained sonar contact and began dual ship attack with Radford. O’Bannon on the fence. At completion of attacks, SAU returned to the screen. Screening ships are Fletcher, Radford, O’Bannon, Carpenter, USS Munro DE 422, USS McGinty DE 365, USS Whitehurst DE 634, and USS Silverstein DE 534.
7 September, Point Cruz conducted air operations. Fletcher as SAU commander detached with Carpenter and Munro. SAU rejoined formation after attack. Fletcher then detached as SAU commander with O’Bannon and Whitehurst. O’Bannon gained sonar contact and dual ship attack was conducted. SAU then returned to the formation.
Thursday 8 September, Radford and O’Bannon were detached from formation to investigate sonar contact. Fletcher took plane guard station on USS Point Cruz CVE 119. Fletcher then gained sonar contact and commenced attack with USS Silverstein DE354. Point Cruz commenced air ops with O’Bannon as plane guard. Fletcher was screen commander with Radford, Silverstein and O’Bannon. Later bent line screen was formed with O’Bannon, Munro, Radford, Whitehurst, Fletcher, McGinty, Silverstein, and Carpenter. Silverstein gained sonar contact, and Fletcher assisted. After the ASW exercises, CORTDESDIV 11 was detached to steam independently.
8 September, 1954, The Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty was signed by United States, Australia, France, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand and Pakistan in Manila.
Friday 9 September, CORTDESDIV 11 conducted tactical formation drills and then proceeded into Pearl Harbor, T.H. Fletcher moored starboard side to berth B25, with Radford moored alongside. Fletcher took on fresh water, fuel, and shore power.
Saturday 10 September, Radford got underway.
Monday 12 September, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operating area. Conducted high line transfer exercises with USS McGinty DE 365. Fletcher then conducted engineering drills and returned to berth B25, U.S. Naval Station, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Tuesday 13 September, Fletcher got underway for operations area C 25. Fletcher conducted refueling exercises with USS Tombigbee AOG 11. Fletcher conducted general quarters drills and returned to berth B 25, Pearl Harbor, T.H. and took on fuel.
Wednesday 14 September, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operation area. Conducted gunnery exercises, then returned to berth B 25, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Thursday 15 September, Fletcher got underway for operating area S 1, and conducted ASW exercises with Munro and Blackfin, then returned to berth B 23, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Friday 16 September, Fletcher proceeded to sea and conducted gunnery exercises. While returning to port, R.E. Rainey, FN, USN suffered a laceration of the right knee while descending a ladder in the forward engine room. Fletcher proceeded into port and moored starboard side to berth K 8, U.S. Naval Supply Center Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Monday 19 September, Fletcher proceeded to operating area and conducted man overboard drills, then returned to port and moored starboard side to USS Sproston DDE 577 at berth M 2 U.S. Naval Supply Center Pearl Harbor, T.H. and took on fuel
Tuesday 20 September, Fletcher got underway and conducted ASW exercises with Sproston, and USS Blackfin SS 322, and USS Sterlet SS 392. After completion, Fletcher, Sproston, and Carpenter formed a column.
Wednesday 21 September, Formation is conducting sonar sweep 5 miles astern of convoy. Fletcher was detached to investigate sonar contact 25 miles ahead of formation. Conducted attacks on contact. Next made another sonar contact at 800 yards and started attacks on contact. After the exercises, Fletcher returned to berth H2, Naval Supply Center Pearl Harbor T.H. to refuel. After refueling, Fletcher got underway and moored at berth B 21, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Thursday 22 September, ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to Fletcher. Radford inspection party came aboard to assist ComCortDesRon One to conduct operational readiness inspection. Fletcher got underway for operating area. Conducting refueling exercise with USS Elkhorn AGO 7. Fletcher then conducted exercises with Carpenter, then conducted battle problem. Fletcher then conducted night firing exercises. Fired 5 rounds BL&T and 9 rounds star shells.
Friday 23 September, Fletcher proceeded to area Northwest of Oahu for possible sea rescue operations on aircraft in danger of crashing. Aircraft landed safely, and Fletcher resumed normal operations. Fletcher conducted anchoring exercise in 15 fathoms of water with 45 fathoms of chain to the waters edge. Fletcher then got underway and joined column of ships at 1000 yards distance with Sproston and Carpenter. Fletcher conducted anti-aircraft exercises, then conducted radar anchoring exercise in Diamond Head operating area. Fletcher then got underway and conducted man overboard drills. Fletcher then returned to Pearl Harbor and moored at berth B 25 starboard side to Sproston.
Saturday 24 September, ComCortDesRon One came aboard to conduct critique, then departed the ship. Fletcher took on 32,939 gallons of fuel.
Monday 26 September, Fletcher got underway. Fletcher returned honors to USS McGinty DE365 and USS Silverstein DE 534. Fletcher joined USS Natchaug AOG 54 and USS O’Bannon DDE 450. Formation commenced zig zag plan. Commenced exercises with Blackfin, Tang, O’Bannon and Natchaug. At 2125, detached Blackfin and lighted ship. Detached Tang and Natchaug. Formed column with O’Bannon astern operating in area C 2.
Tuesday 27 September, Fletcher transferred personnel to O’Bannon, then O’Bannon proceeded independently. Fletcher then conducted exercises. Fletcher took station 6000 yards from sled being towed by USS Lipan ATF 85. Went to general quarters to conduct gunnery calibration exercises. Expended 25 rounds of 5" 38 ammunition. Fletcher then proceeded into Pearl Harbor and moored to berth B 24 at the U.S. Naval Base.
Wednesday 28 September, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operation area for engineering drills. Upon completion of engineering drills, Fletcher conducted firing exercises. Upon completion, Fletcher returned to Pearl Harbor and moored starboard side to Carpenter in berth B 24.
Thursday 29 September, Fletcher got underway to the operating area, and joined USS Silverstein DE 354 to form screen for USS Mamakagon AOG 53. Formation conducted zig zag exercises.
Torpedo retriever, Conserver, arrived to retrieve torpedo. All ships proceeded independently. Fletcher maintained contact on torpedo until Conserver had it in sight. Fletcher then entered Pearl Harbor and moored port side to USS Sproston DDE 577 in berth M2, Naval Supply Center.
Friday 30 September, Fletcher got underway for operating area C25 to conduct battle problem. Upon completion, Fletcher returned to Pearl Harbor an moored at berth M1, Naval Supply Center.
Monday 3 October, ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to Fletcher. Fletcher moved to berth B 12 in the Naval Shipyard with the assistance of YTB 142 and YTB 290 and moored starboard side to pier.
Saturday 8 October, Carl Lemaster, SN, USN was treated at the shipyard dispensary for a twisted ankle.
Monday 10 October, Fletcher got underway and moored to berth H2 at the Naval Supply Center to take on fuel. Fletcher got underway for sea, and while in the channel, lost lube oil pressure on the port low pressure turbine. Port engine secured. Fletcher proceeded to sea and exercised starboard engine. Casualty to port engine determined to be a rag in the lube oil return to #2 engine. Casualty was restored and commenced jacking over the port shaft. Fletcher then joined with Carpenter in dual ship attacks on submarine.
Tuesday 11 October, Fletcher steamed independently in operating area C25 overnight Fletcher entered port and moored starboard side to berth W2 at the Naval Ammunition Depot with the assistance of YTL 455. Fletcher took on 266 rounds of 5" 38 and 155 rounds of 3" 50 ammunition. Fletcher then returned to sea.
Wednesday 12 October, Fletcher joined Carpenter and simulated shore bombardment exercises. Carpenter detached and Fletcher completed firing exercises.
Thursday 13 October, Fletcher anchored in Smugglers Cove, Kahoolawe Island. Fletcher then got underway and returned to Pearl Harbor berth M1, Naval Supply Center. Took on 78,846 gallons of fuel oil and 18000 gallons of fresh water. Exercised crew at collision drill.
Friday 14 October, Fletcher assumed ready duty destroyer. Took on 5900 gallons of fresh water.
Saturday 15 October, USS McGinty DE 365 assumed ready duty destroyer.
Monday 17 October, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to sea. Fletcher conducted full power run and then returned to Pearl Harbor and moored starboard side to USS Blue DD 744 in berth B 24, US Naval Station Pearl Harbor.
Tuesday 18 October, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to submarine operating area to conduct single ship attacks with USS Blackfin SS 322. Fletcher then returned to Pearl Harbor and moored starboard side to USS Blue DD 744.
Wednesday 19 October, Fletcher got underway for Hilo Hawaii.
Thursday 20 October, Fletcher anchored in 26 feet of water in Hilo, Hawaii.
Friday 21 October, SS Bunker Hill entered Hilo Harbor.
Saturday 22 October, Fletcher moved to moor port side to pier 2. Ship held open house with 37 visitors.
Sunday 23 October, 1330 Fletcher commenced visiting. Total of 29 visitors. After visitation, Fletcher got underway for Pearl Harbor.
Monday 24 October, 0725, Fletcher moored starboard side to USS O’Bannon DDE 450 at berth B 25, U.S. Naval Base Pearl Harbor T.H.
Tuesday 25 October, YW 105 came alongside to port to deliver feed water to O’Bannon.
Wednesday 26 October, YTB 256, YTL 159 and pilot Mac Mulkin breasted out the Fletcher so that O’Bannon could get underway. Later O’Bannon moored to port side of Fletcher.
Thursday 27 October, O’Bannon got underway. Fletcher took on 40,195 gallons of fuel.
Saturday 29 October, ComCortDesRon One moved his flag to Fletcher.
Monday 31 October, ComCortDesRon One moved his flag to USS Walker DDE 517. Fletcher got underway and proceeded to the submarine operating area to conduct submarine attack exercises. 1030 Fletcher had gyro failure and began steering by magnetic compass. Submarine surfaced and Fletcher proceeded to Waikiki anchorage anchoring in 19 fathoms of water opposite Royal Hawaii Hotel between Diamond Head and Aloha Tower. Fletcher then got underway. Fletcher then proceeded to submarine operating area for exercises with SSK 2.
Tuesday 1 November, Fletcher conducted exercises and then returned to Pearl Harbor, mooring starboard side to berth B 25 outboard of USS Sproston DDE 577 at the Naval Base Pearl Harbor T.H.
Wednesday 2 November, Fletcher got underway and conducted exercises, then returned to berth B 25, Naval Station Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Thursday, 3 November, Fletcher got underway to operating area. Conducted exercises with Carpenter and Radford. Fletcher then conducted fire drills and man overboard drills, then proceeded into Pearl Harbor, mooring starboard side to berth M 3 at the Naval Supply Center, Pearl Harbor T.H. O’Bannon then moored to port side of Fletcher. Fletcher took on 22.129 gallons of fuel.
Saturday 5 November, CDR C.M. Cassel USN relieved CDR Claude S. Farmer USN as commanding officer of USS Fletcher DDE 445. Radford moored alongside to port.
Monday 7 November, Fletcher got underway to conduct opposed sortie exercises with Carpenter and O’Bannon. After these exercises, Fletcher joined up with USS Bennington CVA 20, USS Kearsarge CVA 33, Radford and O’Bannon. Fletcher took plane guard station 3 on Kearsarge. After flight operations, Fletcher released to steam independently.
Tuesday 8 November, Fletcher entered West Loch and moored at berth W 4 U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot. Fletcher took on fresh water and 271 projectiles and 104 powder charges 5" 38, then got underway. Fletcher conducted steering drills, then took plane guard station 3 on Kearsarge. Fletcher then detached to steam independently.
Wednesday 9 November, Fletcher rejoined Kearsarge to take plane guard station 1. Fletcher then took station 20 miles from Kearsarge to act as a target. Fletcher then took plane guard station 1000 yards astern of Kearsarge.
Thursday 10 November, Kearsarge O’Bannon and Fletcher operated north east of Hawaii Island on a sea air rescue mission as directed by ComHaw SeaFrontier. Fletcher detached to proceed independently to Pearl Harbor. Fletcher passed Molokai light, then Makapo light at about 28 miles.
Friday 11 November, Fletcher entered Pearl Harbor and moored starboard side to berth M 3 ½ at the Naval Supply Center. Fletcher took on 108,508 gallons of fuel and 11,500 gallons of fresh water.
Saturday 12 November, Fletcher moved from berth M 3 ½ to berth M 3 outboard of Radford.
Monday 14 November, ANGLICO unit came aboard. Fletcher got underway for Kahoolawe, T.H. Joined up with Radford, then anchored in Smugglers Cove, Kahoolawe, T.H. TO put ANGLICO unit ashore by motor whaleboat. Fletcher then conducted night shore bombardment exercises.
Tuesday 15 November, Fletcher continued firing exercises until 1610. Fletcher anchored in Smugglers Cove and picked up ANGLICO unit, then proceeded for Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Wednesday 16 November, Fletcher made high line transfer of personnel to Radford. Fletcher then conducted exercises with O’Bannon, then entered Pearl Harbor and moored starboard side to berth M 4, U.S. Naval Supply Center and took on 42,863 gallons of fuel.
Thursday 17 November, Fletcher assumed ready duty destroyer. Fletcher got underway for the submarine operating area and assumed duty as target for several exercises with submarine. Fletcher then proceeded to berth S13 at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Saturday 19 November, Fletcher shifted from berth S13 at the Naval Submarine Base to berth B 24 at the Naval Station, Pearl Harbor, T.H. USS Radford DDE 446 moored to port side of Fletcher.
Friday, 25 November, Radford got underway from port side. Fletcher got underway with use of pilot O. Taylor and YTB 262 and YTB 263. 0933 bow of Fletcher passed over sill of dry dock 2 at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. 1132 Fletcher rested on keel blocks.
Monday 5 December, Captain H.G. Corey, ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to Fletcher.
Wednesday 7 December, ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag from Fletcher to USS Carpenter DDE 825.
Friday 9 December, ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to Fletcher.
Saturday 101 December, ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to Carpenter. CDR C.M. Cassell Jr, USN, commanding officer of USS Fletcher DDE 445, assumed duties of COMCORTDESDIV Eleven
Wednesday 14 December, While in drydock 2, George Kahoulelio, civilian shipfitter, while preparing pads for removal from the rudder, jumped from the scaffolding rigged alongside the port side of the rudder, when the rudder was shifted from the steering engine room. R.W. Prahl, HMC, administered treatment, and he was transported to the shipyard dispensary. He had comminuted spiral fracture of lower third of right leg. Both bones were broken.
Thursday 15 December. Flooding of the drydock was started. 0729 ship was clear of keel blocks. 0930 stern passed over the sill. Fletcher was moved to berth B 17 ½ with assistance of YTB 142 and YTL 166, and pilot R.C. Wilson.
Monday 19 December, Fletcher got underway for sea trials. Upon entering Pearl Harbor channel, pilot M. Hannus came aboard and took the conn bringing the ship to berth W 3, Naval Ammunition Depot. Fletcher received 125 rounds of 3" 50 and 500 rounds of 5" 38 ammunition. Fletcher got underway and proceeded to berth B 25 U.S. Naval Base, T.H. mooring starboard side to USS O’Bannon DDE 450.