USS Fletcher DDE-445 Chronology 1956
A summary transcribed from the original deck logs by Commander Robert McCurley, USN retired
1956
Wednesday, 4 January, Fletcher got underway and joined in column of USS Carpenter DDE 825, USS Radford DDE 446, USS Fletcher DDE 445, and USS O’Bannon DDE 450 en route to Yokosuka, Japan. CORTDESDIV 11 shifted to diamond formation.
Thursday 5 January, Fletcher conducted sonic sounding survey. Fletcher lowered bathythermograph for b.t. readings. While hauling in b.t., it was lost due to sheared swivel pin.
Friday 6 January, CORTDESDIV 11 conducted 25 knot economy trial.
Saturday 7 January, CORTDESDIV 11 shifted to column formation and entered channel at Midway Island. Fletcher moored port side to USS Carpenter DDE 825 at pier 1, U.S. Naval Base, Midway Island. Fletcher took on 82.413 gallons of fuel oil. CORTDESDIV 11 got underway and formed in column after clearing the channel, and proceeded toward Yokosuka, Japan in a diamond foundation.
The formation passed the international date line, and there was no 8 January log.
Tuesday 10 January, Formation changed to column and Fletcher conducted VT test firing. Formation shifted to column open order.
Wednesday 11 January, Fletcher took life guard station astern of fuel transfer from Carpenter to Radford. Carpenter then came alongside to starboard for high line transfer. Transferred five 12' lengths of 4" fuel hose and one bale of rags to Carpenter. CORTDESDIV 11 then formed up in diamond formation.
Thursday 12 January, Fletcher conducted VT fuse test firing.
Saturday 14 January, CORTDESDIV 11 passed Suno Saki light, then passed Tsurugi Saki light and Fletcher deballasted the ship, then proceeded independently into Yokosuka harbor and moored with assistance of LCM tugs starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 which was moored starboard side to USS Gurke DD 783 at berth 5, U.S. Naval Base, Yokosuka, Japan. USS O’Bannon DDE 450, moored to port side of Fletcher. USS Carpenter DDE 825 moored starboard side to O’Bannon. Fletcher took on 88,200 gallons of fuel oil.
Sunday 15 January, CORTDESDIV 11 got underway and proceeded toward Buckner Bay, Okinawa maneuvering in Tokyo Bay to avoid fishing craft.
Monday 16 January, Fletcher changed course to avoid a fishing boat. Later, the formation passed Kikaiga Shima.
Tuesday 17 January, CORTDESDIV 11 arrived in Buckner Bay, Okinawa. Fletcher went moored port side to the fuel pier. O’Bannon moored to starboard. USS Greenfish SS 351 moored outboard of O’Bannon. Fletcher took on 38,904 gallons of fuel. All liberty parties were recalled and all ships were on half hour standby to get underway due to weather.
Wednesday 18 January, CORTDESDIV 11 got underway in company with TG 70.4 for Yokosuka, Japan. Fletcher commenced multi ship antisubmarine exercises with O’Bannon. Fletcher joined circular screen on USS Point Cruz CVE 119. Other screening ships were USS Orleck DD 886, USS Perkins 22 887, USS Carpenter DDE 825, USS Parks DD 884, USS Radford DDE 446, and USS O’Bannon DDE 450.
Thursday 19 January, Fletcher detached as submarine attack unit with Radford and USS John R Craig DD885. Fletcher then detached with Craig as SAU to proceed 10 miles to contact. They then returned to the formation.
Friday 20 January, TI 70.4 composed of USS Point Cruz CVE 119, CORTDESDIV 11, DESDIV 11 less USS Perkins DDR 887 and USS Parks DD 884 proceeded en route Buckner Bay Okinawa to Yokosuka, Japan, conducting Hunter Killer operations en route. Fletcher took plane guard station 1.
Saturday 21 January, Fletcher took life guard station astern of USS Taluga AOG 62. Fletcher then took on fuel from Taluga, having received 40,000 gallons of fuel oil. Fletcher then took plane guard station 1 on Point Cruz. Fletcher then proceeded to station 1 of seven ship concentric circular screen.
Sunday 22 January, En route to Yokosuka Japan with USS Point Cruz CVE 119, CORTDESDIV 11 less Carpenter and DESDIV 11. Formed bentline screen. Changed course to avoid merchant vessel. Fletcher, Radford and O’Bannon formed SAU 1 to investigate contact 25 miles from formation. SAU rejoined formation. Fletcher took plane guard station 1 on Point Cruz. Fletcher returned to screen and assumed screen commander duties. Fletcher then took plane guard station 2 on Point Cruz. Fletcher then designated SAU 2 with USS Craig DD 885. They then returned to the formation.
Monday 23 January, Fletcher left formation to obtain optimum riding conditions during surgical operation. J.P. Wilkes GMSN USN received a lacerated wound right index finger, no artery or nerve involvement about 2215 on 22 January. Ship rolled sharply causing starboard watertight door, to after deckhouse, to swing shut catching Wilkes’ right index finger, not due to his own misconduct. Treatment was administered by Division Medical Officer. DESDIV 11 was detached from formation. CORTDESDIV 11 less Carpenter detached from formation. OTC was Fletcher.
Tuesday 24 January, CORTDESDIV 11 less Carpenter entered Tokyo Bay and maneuvered to avoid various merchant vessels. Ships then anchored in Yokosuka Harbor entrance awaiting berthing assignments. Fletcher then moored port side to Carpenter at Buoy D 3 in Yokosuka Harbor, Japan.
Wednesday 25 January, Fletcher and Carpenter got underway and joined Radford and O’Bannon, CORTDESDIV 11 proceeded to area east of O’Shima Island and Fletcher conducted engineering casualty drills, then rejoined the formation en route to Sasebo, Japan
Friday 27 January, CORTDESDIV 11 entered Sasebo, Japan harbor and Fletcher moored starboard side to Radford, which was then moored to port side of USS Jason ARH1. O’Bannon moored outboard of Fletcher.
Tuesday 7 February, Paymaster brought aboard 60,000 dollars MPC and U.S. currency.
Wednesday 8 February, CORTDESDIV 11 less Radford got underway en route to Yokosuka Japan. Fletcher passed Benten Sa light then commence degaussing range run. Fletcher then passed Kogi Suki light to starboard. Fletcher passed Io Shima light, then passed Nomo Saki light Fletcher then passed Tsurikaki light. Fletcher then passed Boro Misaki light and maneuvered to avoid a fishing boat.
Thursday 9 February, Formation passed Sato Misaki light.
Friday 10 February, Formation passed Iro Saki light. Fletcher proceeded independently into Yokosuka Harbor Japan and moored starboard side to USS Carpenter DDE 825 at buoy D 1. Carpenter was moored to buoys fore and aft. O’Bannon moored alongside to port. Fletcher took on 33,326 gallons of fuel oil from YO 49. SOPA was ComPhibGroup One in USS Mt. McKinley.
Saturday 11 February, Fletcher, Radford, Carpenter and O’Bannon got underway for NavMarLax operations. Passed Tsurgi light. Fletcher conducted engineering drills in Sagami Wan area. Fletcher joined barrier patrol across Tokyo Bay entrance. Fletcher proceeded at 25 knots to undertake unidentified submarine standing out of Tokyo Bay. Submarine identified as USS Rasher SSR 269. Fletcher then returned to barrier patrol. Task Element 90.5.1.1 composed of Mount McKinley, Okanogan, Navarro, Merrick, Mathews, Point Defiance and Gabildo sortied from Yokosuka and formed formation 51. Fletcher took station 2 of bentline screen. Formation began weaving course.
Sunday 12 February, Task Unit 90.5.2 composed of Carpenter, Fletcher, Radford, and O’Bannon, and Task Unit 90.5.1 composed of USS Mt McKinley AGC 7, USS Okanagan APA 220, USS Navarro APA 215, USS Merrick AKA 97, USS Mathews AKA 96, USS Point Defiance LSD 31, USS Belle Grove LSD 2, USS Gabildo LSD 16, USS Epping Forest LSD 4, en route from Yokosuka, Japan to Iwo Jima. At 0350, Arval Hargrove, SN USN was injured on starboard main deck at watertight entrance to after officers country. He went to wake up the next watch and was hit by a sheet of water at the entrance to officers country, and was washed along the main deck back to the fantail. He suffered 5 or 6 lacerations about ½ to 1 inch deep to posterior left leg just above the popletea region. First man on scene applied tourniquet. Pressure bandage was applied and Morphine administered. Patient placed on stretcher for safety and comfortable disposition.
Monday 13 February, Fletcher went along side USS Navarro APA 215 for personnel by high line. Fletcher returned to formation. 1357 Submarine was spotted on the surface about 7 miles away. Submarine submerged 6 miles away and Fletcher conducted single ship search. 1523 Fletcher completed search and returned to formation. 1628 Fletcher detached to investigate submarine on surface. Fletcher simulated firing 5" 38 at submarine at 9000 yards. Fletcher commenced to conduct single ship attacks on submarine. 1719 completed attacks and submarine identified itself as USS Pomfret SS 391. Fletcher returned to formation. Formation now consists of Mt. McKinley, Okanogan, Navarro, Merrick, Mathews, Defiance, Belle Grove, Gabildo, Epping Forest, USS George Clymer APA 27, USS Bayfield APA 33, USS Kenville APA 227, USS Winston AKA 94, USS Seminole ALA 104, USS Tortigo LSD 26, USS Whetstone LSD 27, and USS Pickaway APA 222
Tuesday 14 February, CTU 90.5.2 composed of CORTDESDIV 11 detached to join TG 90.2 at a distance of 15 miles. Fletcher ordered to plane guard station 1 on USS Hancock CVA 19. Carpenter came alongside for guard mail transfer. Fletcher then resumed plane guard station, Fletcher developed lube oil leak on starboard main engine. After repairs made, Fletcher took life guard station astern of Hancock and Carpenter.
Wednesday 15 February, Task group 90.2 consisted of USS Hancock CVA 19, USS Kearsarge CVA 33, USS Shangri La CVA 38, and CORTDESDIV 11. Carpenter refueled from Hancock. Fletcher in life guard station. Radford refueled from Kearsarge with O’Bannon in life guard station. USS Hassayampa AO 145 joined formation and Fletcher refueled from Hassayampa, taking on 70,050 gallons of fuel oil. Fletcher then took plane guard station 1 on Hancock. O’Bannon in plane guard station 2 on Hancock. Carpenter took plane guard station 1 on Kearsarge, Radford took plane guard station 2 on Kearsarge.
Thursday 16 February, 0850 Fletcher detached from plane guard station 1 on Kearsarge, and headed to plane in water 11 miles. Conducted air sea rescue operations with Hancock and O’Bannon. Fletcher investigated oil slick, no floating objects in the area. Returned to formation, then detached to investigate object in water. Turned out to be paint bucket. Then returned to formation. Flight operations continued throughout the night.
Friday 17 February, Flight operations continued. Fletcher conducted plane guard on Hancock, then assumed plane guard on Kearsarge. Flight operations continued throughout the day. Carpenter went alongside Kearsarge for mail transfer, with Fletcher in life guard station. Hancock, O’Bannon and Radford joined formation. Fletcher and Radford detached to investigate sonar contact. Fletcher and Radford returned to formation.
Saturday, 18 February, Formation consisted of USS Kearsarge CVA 33, USS Shangri La CVA 30, USS Hancock CVA 19, and CORTDESDIV 11. Fletcher detached to refuel from USS Chemung AO 30, and took on 72.136 gallons of fuel oil.. Fletcher then took plane guard station 1 on Shangri La. Fletcher then went alongside Shangri La for high line transfer. Carpenter relieved Fletcher as plane guard. Fletcher then made high line transfer to O’Bannon, then high line transfer to Hancock, then Radford. The three carriers then conducted flight operations with four DDEs conducting plane guard.
Sunday 19 February, Task Group 90.2 continued flight operations. Fletcher was plane guard 1 on Kearsarge. Fletcher went alongside Kearsarge for guard mail transfer, then continued plane guard on Kearsarge. Flight operations continued throughout the day.
Monday 20 February, Flight operations continued with Fletcher plane guard on Kearsarge. Fletcher went alongside USS Chemung AO 20, then took plane guard on Shangri La. Flight operations continued throughout the day.
Tuesday, 21 February, CORTDESDIV 11 departed for Subic Bay, Philippine Islands in accordance with CTF 77 message 201042Z. Fletcher conducted high line transfers to Carpenter and O’Bannon. 1356, Fletcher and O’Bannon detached by CORTDESRON One message 210342Z to rendezvous with USS Shangri La CVA 38 00 minutes East.
Wednesday 22 February, Fletcher and O’Bannon formed bent line screen on Shangri La and proceeded from Okinawa area to Subic Bay, Philippine Islands,
Thursday 23 February, Formation formed column with Shangri La, Fletcher and O’Bannon. Formation joined CTF 77 to replenish from Hassayampa in station A1 and Graffias in station B1. Fletcher replenished from starboard side of Graffias, then refueled from Hassayampa, taking on 57,293 gallons of fuel oil. Fletcher then took lifeguard station on USS Firedrake AE 13. Fletcher then took station in bentline screen.
Friday 24 February, TF 77 comprising USS Kearsarge CVA 33, USS Carpenter DDE 825, USS Fletcher DDE 445, and USS O’Bannon DDE 450 en route to Subic Bay, Luzon, Philippine Islands. At 2142 Fletcher detached from TF 77 and proceeded toward Buckner Bay, Okinawa with Carpenter..
Saturday 25 February, Sighted Y’Anl Island
Sunday 26 February, 0009, sighted Cape Boveador Light. 1323 passed Capones Light abeam to port and proceeded independently into Subic Bay. Passed Susste Pt. Light abeam to port, North Grande Island Light to starboard and proceeded to berth A 5, Alva Docks, U.S. Naval Station, Subic Bay, Philippine Islands mooring to starboard side of USS Radford DDE 446. Carpenter moored outboard of Radford.
Monday 27 February, O’Bannon moored outboard of Carpenter.
Tuesday 28 February, O’Bannon got underway from side of Carpenter.
Saturday 3 March, Chinese Nationalist Navy Units entered harbor. USS Conserver ARS 39 and USS Cree ATG 84 moored outboard of Carpenter.
Tuesday 6 March, CORTDESDIV 11 got underway for Hong Kong B.C.C. After clearing Subic Bay, Fletcher conducted anti aircraft exercise firing 21 rounds 5"38, and 25 rounds 3"50 ammunition.
Wednesday 7 March, CORTDESRON One conducted division formation tactics.
Thursday 8 March, 0520 CORTDESDIV sighted Wanglan Light. 0748 passed Wanglan light. 0820 passed Hakkok Light. Lowered motor whaleboat, and moored starboard side to Carpenter at buoy 6 in Hong Kong Harbor B.C.C. Various units of U.S. Pacific Fleet, the British Fleet, the French Fleet and various foreign merchant vessels are in port. SOPA is ComPhibGp One. RADM W.D. Marshall ComDesFlotWestPac in USS Hamul AD 20 assumed SOPA.
Wednesday 14 March, received fuel barge and took on 48,172 gallons of fuel oil. Fletcher took on one practice MK 32 torpedo and off loaded on regular MK 32 torpedo from Hamul.
Thursday 15 March, CORTDESDIV 11 got underway. Hamel joined formation and ComDesFlotWestPac assumed command. Formation cleared Hong Kong harbor. Visibility was at 300 yards. Stationed fog lookouts and sounded fog horn.
Friday 16 March, En route from Hong Kong B.C.C to Keelung, Taiwan. Fletcher transferred personnel to Radford via high line. Fletcher then went alongside Hamul and took on fuel. Fletcher went alongside Radford for personnel transfer by high line.
Saturday 17 March, Formation passed Kilrun To abeam to port. Fletcher moored port side to Carpenter in berth B 1, Keelung, Formosa. Various units of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Chinese Nationalist Navy present SOPA in Com 7th Fleet in USS Helena CA 75.. O’Bannon moored alongside to starboard. Radford moored outboard to starboard of O’Bannon.
Monday 19 March, Fletcher got underway with assistance of YTL 792 (Chinese). CORTDESDIV 11 commenced opposed sortie, then formed bent line screen on USS Hamul AD 20. OTC was ComDesFlotWestPac embarked in Hamul. Formation proceeded toward Buckner Bay, Okinawa.
Tuesday 20 March, Formation entered Buckner Bay, Okinawa. Fletcher anchored in 10 fathoms of water in anchorage B 174. SOPA is ComCarDiv 17 in USS Princeton CVS 37.
Wednesday 21 March, Fletcher got underway and moored port side of USS O’Bannon DDE 450 at the U.S. Naval Fuel Dock, Buckner Bay, Okinawa to take on fuel oil and fresh water. Upon completion of fueling, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to sea in column with Carpenter, Radford, O’Bannon. After leaving Point Xray, Fletcher made sonar contact. Fletcher commenced dual ship attacks with Radford. After completion of exercises, Fletcher proceeded to pouncer station #1 in formation 40 with Princeton as guide. Fletcher then conducted SAU with USS Higbee DDR 806. Fletcher and Higbee then returned to formation. Princeton then detached from formation. Formation consists of circular formation with Carpenter, Cogswell, Radford, Fletcher, Ammen, Higbee, O’Bannon and Eversole.
Thursday 22 March, Formation designated as TU 70.4.1 consisting of CORTDESDIV 11 and DESDIV 112 en route from Buckner Bay, Okinawa to Manila, Philippine Islands conducting Hunter Killer operations in accordance with ComCarDiv 17 operation order 2-56. Ships proceeded independently to conduct type training exercises. Radford came alongside Fletcher for personnel transfer. Fletcher proceeded to rendezvous with Wahoo and conducted ASW exercises. Wahoo detached and O’Bannon came alongside port for personnel transfer by high line. Fletcher then proceeded to operating area K 2. Fletcher then joined in column astern of Carpenter and conducted engineering drills.
Friday 23 March, Rendezvoused with Wahoo. O’Bannon came alongside to starboard of Fletcher for personnel transfer by high line. Carpenter then came alongside to starboard of Fletcher for personnel transfer by high line. Fletcher then went alongside Radford to transfer personnel to Radford by high line. Fletcher then took plane guard station on Princeton. At completion of flight operations, Fletcher took station as target, then took station astern of Princeton.
Saturday 24 March, Fletcher and Radford accompanied Princeton as part of Task Group 70.4. Fletcher, Carpenter and O’Bannon designated SAU and commenced attacks. 1145 Submarine surfaced. Fletcher then designated SAU with Eversole and Cogswell and proceeded to contact 15 miles bearing 312. At completion of exercise, units returned to formation.
Sunday 25 March, Fletcher took life guard station on USS Guadalupe AO 32. Fletcher went alongside Guadalupe and took on 70,729 gallons of fuel oil, the took life guard station again, formation formed circular screen, and Guadalupe cleared the formation.
Monday 26 March, Task Group 70.4 consisted of USS Princeton CVS 37, CORTDESDIV 11, and DESDIV 212. Fletcher transferred personnel with O’Bannon. Fletcher then detached as SAU with Higsbee and Cogswell. Ships rejoined formation, the Fletcher detached with Carpenter and Eversole as SAU to contact area 17 miles. Conducted simulated submarine attacks. Ships then returned to formation. Fletcher designated screen commander. At completion of flight ops, ComCortDesRon One assumed screen commander.
Tuesday 27 March, Higbee in station 5 gained sonar contact. Fletcher conducted simulated attack on submarine. Fletcher designated SAU with Radford and Higbee. Conducted simulated attacks on contact. SAU returned to formation. Fletcher made helicopter transfer. Formation formed bentline screen with two outside pouncers. Screen then conducted protection of convoy exercise. O’Bannon gained sonar contact. Contact classified as non submarine.
Wednesday 28 March, Fletcher, Radford and Carpenter detached as SAU and conducted search plan 1 George then returned to formation. Fletcher, Carpenter and Cogswell designate SAU. Completed exercise and surfaced submarine. Fletcher and Radford designated SAU. Contact was 2 miles ahead. Conducted simulated attacks on submarine. TG 70.4 dissolved. CORTDESDIV 11 proceeded independently.
Thursday 29 March, 0219 passed Cabra Light. 0246 sighted and passed Corregidor Light. 0645 passed inner breakwater. 0728 anchored in berth 25, Manila Harbor, Philippine Islands. YOG 105 came alongside to transfer fuel to Fletcher, received 68,051. Carpenter tied up alongside to starboard.
Friday 30 March, 0735 Fletcher got underway for Iloile, Panay, Philippine Islands. 0753 passed Manila Bay breakwater. 0810 last #2 generator and steering control. Hauled out of formation. 0927 all casualties restored. Conducted gunnery exercises. 1656 passes Cape Calavite light.
Saturday 31 March, Passed Nogas light. Proceeded into Iloilo Harbor and anchored in 18 fathoms of water.
Wednesday 4 April, 1005 CORTDESRON One got underway from Iloilo Harbor, Panay, Philippine Islands en route to Subic Bay, Luzon, Philippine Islands. Fletcher closed Carpenter to transfer personnel by whaleboat. 2123 Formation passed Ambulong Light.
Thursday 5 April, 0203 passed Cape Calavite Light to starboard. 0748 passed northern point of Grande Island. Proceeded independently into Subic Bay. O’Bannon moored starboard side of USS Dixie AD 14. Fletcher moored starboard side of O’Bannon. Radford moored outboard to port. Carpenter moored outboard of Radford. SOPA was ComCarDiv 17. ComNavBase Subic assumed SOPA.
Thursday 12 April, Commanding Officer USS Fletcher DDE 445 assumed command of CORTDESDIV 11 while CORTDESRON One took two days leave .
Friday 13 April, CORTDESRON One returned from leave and assumed command of CORTDESDIV 11.
Monday 16 April, USS Halsey Powell DD 686 moored alongside to port of Carpenter.
Thursday 19 April, Halsey Powell, Carpenter and Radford got underway. Fletcher moved to Alva Dock with assistance of YTB 220 and YTB 585 and pilot.
Friday 20 April, Fletcher got underway to rendezvous with Task Group 70.4 in the South China Sea.
Saturday 21 April, 0612 joined Task Group 70.4 in South China Sea, conducting Hunter Killer operations. TG 70.4 consists of USS Princeton CVS 37, CORTDESDIV 11, and DESDIV 171 less USS Marshall DD 676. Fletcher went alongside port side of Carpenter for personnel transfer by high line. Fletcher proceeded to rendezvous with USS Gregory DD 802 and Radford. After tactical exercises, SAU rendezvoused with Catfish for ASW exercises. Catfish submerged. Conducted depth charge attacks, then Catfish surfaced. Fletcher then transferred personnel by high line to Carpenter. Fletcher took station 1000 yards abeam of Carpenter for radar calibration. CORTDESDIV 11 plus Porterfield formed in column Open order.
Sunday 22 April, CORTDESDIV 11 plus Porterfield rejoined TG 70.4. USS Guadalupe AO 32 joined formation. Fletcher went alongside Guadalupe and refueled receiving 41,169 gallons fuel oil. Fletcher then received mail and freight by helicopter. Guadalupe then departed formation.
Monday 23 April, Formation was dissolved and ships proceeded independently to conduct training exercises. Fletcher and Radford conducted ASW exercises with Catfish. Fletcher then took night rescue destroyer duty with O’Bannon on Princeton at darkened ship. Fletcher encountered low water casualty on #1 boiler. After securing boiler and cross connecting plant, lighted ship and slowed to 15 knots. After 55 minutes, casualty restored and plant split. Fletcher took station on Princeton. Fletcher stopped port engine while making repairs to steam line. Maintained station using starboard engine.
Tuesday 24 April, Fletcher had stopped port engine while making repairs to steam line. 0148 repairs made, and port engine put back on line. 0805 Fletcher, Carpenter and Radford detached as SAU to investigate contact 20 miles out. Conducted ASW exercises and returned to formation. Fletcher then detached as SAU with Radford and O’Bannon. On completion of this exercise, SAU returned to formation and Fletcher took plane guard 1 on Princeton. 1800 Commenced flight ops. 1810 secured plane guard operation, and Fletcher returned to screen.
Wednesday 25 April, Fletcher went along starboard side of Princeton to refuel, taking on 45,589 gallons of fuel oil. After refueling, Fletcher joined Carpenter to conduct for dual ship ASW exercise, then rejoined formation. Formation then secured all radar equipment to conduct ECM exercises. Energized all radars after exercise.
Thursday 26 April, Fletcher had to change course to avoid merchant vessel, then returned to formation. Fletcher was designated SAU with USS Porterfield DD 682, contact 6 miles out. At completion of exercise, ships returned to formation. Fletcher then designated SAU with Porterfield and Gregory. Contact 14 miles out. SAU conducted multi ship ASW exercises, then returned to formation. Fletcher then designated SAU with Porterfield, contact 8 miles out. Completed exercises and returned to formation
Friday 27 April, Formation rendezvoused with USS Manatee AO 58. USS Marshall DD676 joined formation and commenced approach to port side for transfer of U.S. Mail. Fletcher then took waiting station on Manatee while Marshall took on fuel from Manatee. Fletcher took on 39,420 gallons of fuel oil from Manatee. Fletcher had feed water casualty on #1 boiler. Starboard engine stopped. Port engine ahead standard. Casualty was restored and Fletcher took station in screen. Fletcher then detached with Gregory on SAU. Proceeded to contact area 20 miles out. Radford joined SAU in contact area. At completion of exercises ships returned to formation. Upon joining formation, Fletcher received guard mail by helicopter.
Saturday 28 April, Fletcher and O’Bannon conducted dual ship ASW exercises. Formation steering sinuous course with sinuous course clock. USS Halsey Powell DD 686 and USS Gregory DD 802 detached from formation. Fletcher designated screen commander. Fletcher took plane guard station 1 on Princeton. After flight ops, Fletcher detached from formation to proceed independently with CORTDESDIV 11 to Buckner Bay, Okinawa.
Sunday 29 April, CORTDESDIV 11 entered Buckner Bay, Okinawa and Fletcher anchored 200 yards west of anchorage B 187. Fletcher then got underway and went alongside USS Manatee AO 58 and moored on starboard side in anchorage B 217. Fletcher took on 36,496 gallons of fuel oil. Fletcher then got underway and anchored in anchorage B 158. Fletcher got underway to move location in the berth. Casualty to anchor windlass rendered it impossible to recover or lower the anchor which is clear of the bottom with 6 fathoms of chain still out. Fletcher then proceeded on various courses while trying to effect repairs to anchor windlass. Repairs were made and Fletcher anchored in berth B158 in 9 3/4 fathoms of water.
Monday 30 April, Fletcher got underway and joined carrier formation in circular screen with CORTDESDIV 11 Shangri La and Yorktown in carrier positions with Carpenter Radford, Fletcher and O’Bannon in screen. OTC is CTG 77.4 embarked in Shangri La. Formed replenishment formation with USS Platte AO24 in station 1 and USS Manatee AO 58 in station 2. Screen formed in bent line screen. Shangri La refueled from Platte, and Yorktown refueled from Manatee. Fletcher took life guard station on Manatee. After fueling, Manatee and Platte released to steam independently. Shangri La took station Alpha and Yorktown took station Bravo. Fletcher received guard mail by helicopter. Range light burned out. Unable to repair until weather was suitable to send personnel aloft.
Tuesday 1 May, Formation conducted ADEX 10 exercises. USS Columbus CA 74 joined formation in station S1.
Wednesday 2 May, Operating off Okinawa. Fletcher took life guard station astern of Columbus Heavies refuel the small boys Fletcher took refueling station on starboard side of Yorktown. Fletcher took on 37,000 gallons of fuel oil. Fletcher assumed duties of screen commander. CORTDESRON One resumed command of the screen.
Thursday 3 May, Formation joined with USS Platte AO 24 and USS Helena CA 75 and formed replenishment formation. Fletcher took life guard on Platte. Fletcher then took starboard side fueling position on Platte. Fletcher then proceeded to plane guard station on Shangri La. Fletcher went alongside to starboard on Shangri La for personnel transfer by high line. Fletcher then proceeded to starboard side of Columbus for personnel transfer. Task Group 77.4 dissolved. Carpenter and Radford proceeded in company of Shangri La, and Fletcher and O’Bannon in company of Yorktown. Fletcher took plane guard on Yorktown. On completion of flight ops, Fletcher returned to screen station. Fletcher went alongside Yorktown for high line transfer.
Friday 4 May, Fletcher, Yorktown, and O’Bannon en route to Yokosuka, Japan. While climbing a ladder, W.E. Davis FN USN fell and sustained a minor contusion to the area adjacent to his right eye. Treatment administered by Chief Hospital Corpsman. 06454 Fletcher left the formation to operate independently while Yorktown and O’Bannon conduct flight operations Fletcher received helicopter transfer of guard mail. 1053 Fletcher transferred U.S. Mail to helicopter, 1333 Fletcher took plane guard station 1 on Yorktown. 1520 sighted Iheya Jima at 27 miles. Passed Iheya Jima abeam to starboard. Fletcher took plane guard station 2 on Yorktown. Fletcher then returned to screen.
Saturday 5 May, Fletcher took life guard station on Yorktown ,then went alongside for refueling, Fletcher took on 36,928 gallons of fuel. Fletcher exercised crew at general quarters and fired 10 rounds 5"38 AA common. Fletcher took plane guard station 1 on Yorktown. Fletcher received LTJG Thomas Evans by helicopter for transportation to Yokosuka. Fletcher then returned to plane guard station. At completion of flight ops, Fletcher and O’Bannon detached to proceed to Yokosuka.
Sunday 6 May, 0142 visibility reduced to 1000 yards. 0256 visibility returned to normal. 1820 changed course to avoid fishing boat. 1830 resumed course.
Monday 7 May, 0123 sighted Oshima light. 0303 passed Oshima light to starboard. 0504 passed Tsurgi light and entered Tokyo Bay. 0629 entered Yokosuka Harbor. Fletcher anchored in Yokosuka Harbor in 12 fathoms of water. Fletcher then got underway and moored starboard side to USS Bryce Canyon AD 36 at berth D 4 Yokosuka, Japan. O’Bannon moored alongside to port. Carpenter moored to port of O’Bannon, Radford moored to port of Carpenter.
Thursday 10 May, Fletcher loaded 60 rounds of 5"38 FCL(VT) non frag. and 60 rounds 5"38 SPDN
Tuesday 15 May, CORTDESDIV 11 got underway for operating area. Fletcher conducted engineering and damage control drills. Fletcher then anchored in Tatayama Wan, Japan in 36 feet of water.
Wednesday 16 May, Fletcher got underway and joined CORTDESDIV 11 in column formation, en route to rendezvous with Task Group 70.4 at 28-00 North latitude, 132-00 West longitude.
Thursday 17 May, Carpenter and Radford detached to proceed ahead to conduct damage control exercises. Radford came alongside for personnel transfers by high line. Carpenter and Radford rejoined the formation.
Friday 18 may, CORTDESDIV 11 joined Task Group 70.4 consisting of USS Princeton CVS 37, USS Kawishiwi AO 146, and DESDIV 91, less USS Mansfield DD 728. Task group in replenishment formation. Fletcher went alongside Kawishiwi and took on 53,733 gallons of fuel oil. After replenishment of TG 70.4, Kawishiwi detached. Formed circular formation with Princeton in center.
Saturday 19 May, TG 70.4 en route Yokosuka to Keelung, Taiwan conducting Hunter Killer operations. HMAS Tobruk D 37, and HMAS Anzag D 59 of AutDesDiv 10 had joined the task group. Fletcher took plane guard station 1. 0330 Princeton commenced flight ops. 0345 completed flight ops. 1849 Fletcher detached to visually inspect radar contact at 9000 yards. Contact was merchant vessel. SAU C formed of Fletcher, Collett and Swenson.
Sunday 20 May, SAU proceeding en route to Keelung, Taiwan. Passed unidentified rock at 4000 yards. 0602 sighted SAU Alfa and USS Platte AO 24 at 7 miles. SAU C Took refueling station on Platte. Fletcher received 39,209 gallons fuel oil. Rejoined formation on Princeton. Fletcher took plane guard station on Princeton. HMAS Tobruk and HMAS Anzac rejoined formation, Fletcher again took plane guard station on Princeton for flight ops.
Monday 21 May, Screening ships conducted fixed barrier patrol off Keelung, Taiwan. Fletcher took plane guard station on Princeton. Fletcher designated SAU Alpha with USS Mansfield DD 728 and HMAS Anzac D59 and investigated sonar contacts. Upon completion of exercises, SAU rejoined formation. 1700 Task Group dissolved, all ships proceeding independently. CORTDESDIV 11 formed column. 2215 sighted Yonakuni Jima.
Tuesday 22 May, 04338 Sighted Hoka Sho light at 35 miles. 0444 passes Samucho Kaku light at 12 miles 0719 anchored in 21 fathoms of water in outer harbor outside breakwater, Keelung, Taiwan. Other ships present were Princeton, Bluegill, CORTDESDIV 11, Helena, and various Nationalist Chinese Navy vessels. SOPA is Helena. CORTDESDIV 11 then got underway for Yokosuka Japan. Passed Uasturi Shima Island abeam to port at 13 miles.
Wednesday 23 May, O’Bannon came alongside to make high line transfer.
Friday 25 May, Fletcher deballasted fuel tanks. Passed Su Saki light to starboard. Passed Ashiki Jima light to port. Entered Yokosuka Harbor, Japan. Pilot J.W. Kennuck came aboard and Fletcher went alongside Carpenter at berth 5.O’Bannon moored to port, Radford moored outboard of O’Bannon. Radford got underway for drydock 3.
Thursday 31 May, Radford joined nest starboard side to O’Bannon
Friday 1 June, CORTDESDIV 11 got underway for Pearl Harbor T.H.. Passed Susuki light to port. 0931, secured superheaters on boilers #1 and #3, and boiler #1 due to low water casualty. Secured boiler #3 due to low water casualty. Secured #1 and #2 ships service generators. Emergency Diesel on line. Lighted off boiler #3 and cut it on the line. Put ships service generator #2 on line. Secured Emergency Diesel generator. Put #1 generator on line. Proceeded to rejoin formation. Shifted electrical load to #2 generator. Secured #2 generator, #1 generator on line. Shifted to cruising turbines. Shifted load from #1 to #2 generator. Rejoined formation.
Wednesday 6 June, Lighted fires in boiler #2 and cut in #2 boiler on line. Split the engineering plant.
Friday 8 June, Went alongside Carpenter for light line transfer, then Fletcher took life guard station on Carpenter. O’Bannon detached to proceed independently to Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Saturday 9 June, 0731 Passed Barbers Point light. CORTDESDIV 11 less O’Bannon entered Pearl Harbor, T.H. and Fletcher moored to berth B 23, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. Ship cleared customs and agriculture inspections.
Monday 11 June, Radford came alongside to port.
Tuesday 12 June, USS Epperson DDE 719 moored outboard of Radford. Epperson got underway.
Wednesday 13 June, Radford got underway. Lost power from ships service generator, and shifted power to pier. Restored ships service generator.
Thursday 14 June, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operation area C-1 and conducted full power trial. Fletcher then returned to berth B-23, U.S. Naval Station, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Friday 15 June, Fletcher got underway and moored to berth W-3, Naval Ammunition Depot, West Loch Pearl Harbor T.H., and off loaded ammunition. Fletcher then got underway and moored at berth B-23, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor T.H, secured boilers and generators, and begin receiving all services from the dock.
Sunday 17 June, H.D. Smith SN USN was admitted to Tripler Army Hospital with a ruptured appendix.
Tuesday 19 June, Yard Tug brought sludge barge alongside.
Monday 25 June, YON 89 came alongside to port to receive fuel as it was off loaded.
Tuesday 26 June, Captain Chester A Kunz USN, Senior Member of the sub board of Inspection and Survey came aboard and commenced material inspection of Fletcher.
Wednesday 27 June, YON 89 came alongside to port and commenced pumping off fuel from Fletcher.
Thursday 28 June, YON 89 ceased pumping fuel fro Fletcher and departed. Pilot RC Wilson and YTB 290 and YTB 269 moved Fletcher to berth B-18.Fletcher receiving all services from pier.
Saturday 30 June, Fletcher off loaded fog oil.
Sunday 1 July, Fletcher off loaded diesel oil.
Monday 2 July, YF 1095 moored alongside to port. YSR 8 moored forward alongside port.
Friday 20 July, Fletcher began flooding compartment A-1-W with 6 tons of potable water for trimming purposes. Draft forward 10 feet 6 inches. Removed oil receptacle #5 from port side.
Monday 23 July, YTB 290 and YTB 560 with pilot R. C., Wilson moved Fletcher to drydock #2. 1113 Bow passed over sill of drydock #2. Tugs and pilot left ship. Carpenter and Radford also in dry dock #2.
Thursday 26 July, Yard worker Silva of shop 51 received a 440 volt electrical shock while working on the MK 108 rocket launcher wiring. No apparent injuries were sustained. Silva was sent to Naval Shipyard Dispensary and reported to shipyard duty officer.
Wednesday 31 July, Commander Officer assumed temporary additional duty as ComDesDiv 251 and broke his flag in Fletcher. CORTDESRON One has changed to DesRon 25.
Sunday 5 August, GM1 Koch USN injured his left arm when he fell backwards, while engaged in athletics (football) and was transported to the Naval Shipyard dispensary.
Wednesday 7 August, ComDesDiv 251 shifted his flag to the Carpenter.
Monday 20 August, Commanding Officer of Fletcher departed on eight days leave.
Saturday 25 August, Dry dock #2 was flooded, and Pilot Milikan and YTB 256 and YTB 263 moved the Fletcher from the dry dock and moved the ship to berth B 15 ½ YTB 263 relieved YTB 256 during move. Fletcher commenced receiving all services from pier.
Tuesday 28 August, Fletcher received oil receptacle #6 alongside to starboard.
Friday 31 August, YF 1095 and Oil receptacle #6 were moved from alongside Fletcher. YO 114 came alongside. Fletcher took on 79,917 gallons of fuel oil.
Saturday 1 September, Fletcher received YF 1095 along starboard side.
Monday 3 September, K. V. Chambers SN USN suffered a seizure at Barracks G and was transferred to the Medical Dispensary pending disposition.
Thursday 6 September, Fletcher took on 600 gallons of lube oil.
Friday 7 September, YF 105 came alongside Fletcher to starboard and Fletcher loaded feed water.
Monday 10 September, YF 105 came alongside.
Tuesday 11 September, Fletcher conducted static tests of port side replenishment and high line stations.
Wednesday 12 September, Main engines jacked over.
Friday 14 September, Fletcher conducted tests by lighting fires under boilers #3 and #4. #3 boiler was then secured.
Saturday 15 September, Lighted fires under #3 and #2. Took on 18,500 gallons of feed water from YW 105. Lighted fires under boiler #1. Secured boilers #1 and #3.
Monday 17 September, Fletcher lighted fires under #3 boiler. Put out additional bow spring, breast line, and quarters spring plus #2 spring lay wire for dock trials. After dock trials, additional spring and breast lines removed.
Tuesday 18 September, Fletcher received 6,408 gallons of diesel oil from YO 78.
Wednesday 19 September, Fletcher took on fog oil. YW 105 came alongside YF 1095 and moored port side to. Fletcher took on boiler feed water. Received 1875 gallons of feed water, and 1686 gallons of fog oil. Tested ships generators. Killed all fires under boilers.
Thursday 20 September, lighted fires on #2 boiler, and set safeties, then killed fires under #2 and #1 boilers.
Friday 21 September, Fletcher got underway with assistance of pilot RC Wilson and YTL 235 and YTB 253. Fletcher proceeded to anchorage 23, South Honolulu Harbor, T.H. to test anchor system. Test was satisfactory. Fletcher got underway and went to general quarters. Speed 20 knots. Had casualty in after fire room. Number three spring bearing burned , and starboard shaft was locked. Fletcher proceeded on port engine. Secured from general quarters. Fletcher proceeded into Pearl Harbor and moored starboard side to berth B-22 Naval Shipyard with assistance of YTL 166 and YTL 235 and pilot RC Wilson.
Saturday 22 September, O’Bannon moored to port side.
Monday 24 September, Fletcher conducted static tests of starboard replenishment and high line stations. YW 105 moored outboard of O’Bannon and Fletcher took on feed water receiving 15,700 gallons. YW 105 departed. YF 1095 is moored across the stern.
Tuesday 25 September, USS Phillips DDE 498 moored alongside to port of O’BANNON.
Wednesday 26 September, YF 1095 cast off from astern. Phillips and O’Bannon got underway, YW 105 came alongside to port. Fletcher took on 14,614 gallons of feed water. YW 105 got underway. Fletcher took on 1500 gallons of lube oil. USS Munro DE 422 moored to port.
Thursday 27 September, Munro got underway from alongside. YF 1095 moored to port.
Friday 28 September, Arthur W. Cook FN USN sustained ½ inch cut on the right eyelid and was sent to ship yard dispensary for treatment. Required two stitches to close laceration.
Monday 1 October, Conducted general drills, abandon ship drills, and fire drill.
Tuesday 2 October, Conducted general drills, abandon ship drills, man overboard drills, and fire drills. Took on 21,600 gallons of fuel oil.
Wednesday 3 October, Fletcher got underway and moored to berth W-3, West Loch, Pearl Harbor, T.H. and took on ammunition, then got underway with assistance of YTL 166, then proceeded to operation area, and swung ship to compensate steering compass.
Thursday 4 October, Fletcher proceeded to operating area. Test fired mounts 51 and 52, 31, and 32. Expended 8 rounds of 5"38 and 16 rounds 3"50 ammunition. 1502 experienced electrical fire in after fire room. Fire was extinguished, and was caused by overload in exhaust blower power line. 1615 had gyro casualty due to blown fuse in master relay. Exercised crew at night general quarters. 2015 changed speed to 27 knots, 2020 changed speed to 15 knots, 2030 all engines stopped. Glad sealing steam casualty in after engine room. Secured port shaft, speed 7 knots. Secured generator #2. Secured boilers 3 and 42105 boiler #4 on line, secured boiler #2. 2127 Generator #2 on line, electrical load split. 2200 all casualties restored. All engines in use.
Friday 5 October, Fletcher continued individual ship exercises in the Pearl Harbor operating area. Held man overboard and abandon ship drills. Fletcher acted as target for Phillips, then conducted general quarters, man overboard drills. Fletcher then returned to Pearl Harbor, T.H. and moored to berth B-24 at the Naval Station.
Saturday 6 October, Lost electrical load on #2 generator due to high water in boiler. Shifted to emergency diesel generator. Lost load on emergency diesel generator and restarted it twice. Secured #4 boiler. YW 105 came alongside and transferred feed water.
Sunday 7 October, Shifted from shore power to ships generator. Lost ships power and shifted back to shore power.
Monday 8 October, Fletcher got underway to the operating area and conducted battle problem, then returned to Pearl Harbor Naval Station in berth B-22.
Tuesday 9 October, Fleet Training Group Pearl Harbor came aboard and conducted security inspection.
Wednesday 10 October, Fletcher conducted general quarters and fire drills.
Thursday 11 October, YW 105 came alongside and transferred 10,631 gallons of feed water. Held fire drill.
Friday 12 October, Fletcher held fire drill.
Saturday 13 October, Conducted general quarters and abandon ship drills. C.B. Green BT3 lost his footing on ladder in after fire room and fell approximately 5 feet, sustaining fractured right elbow. He was treated at the Naval Shipyard Dispensary. YO 78 came alongside and transferred 55,696 gallons of fuel oil. Held fire drill.
Sunday 14 October, H. Rawlins, shop 38, sustained lacerated right hand while working in the after fire room and was dispatched to the Naval Shipyard Dispensary.
Monday 15 October, YW 105 came alongside and transferred 9,963 gallons of feed water. Fletcher moved to berth B-21 with assistance of YTB 262 and YTB 253. Held fire drill.
Tuesday 16 October, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operating area to conduct exercises with USS Sunnadin ATA 197. Conducted CIC exercises, then radar anchoring exercise. Anchored in South Honolulu anchorage 11 in 12 fathoms of water, between Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Aloha Tower. Fletcher got underway and entered Pearl Harbor, mooring at berth B-23 ½, at the Naval Station. Fletcher took on 13,260 gallons of feed water from YW 105
Wednesday 17 October, Fletcher got underway for operating area. Conducted exercises. Rendezvoused with Sunnadin and target for surface gunnery exercises. Expended 11 illumination and 2 3" target projectiles.
Thursday 18 October, Had high water casualty in #2 boiler. Starboard engine stopped. Casualty was restored and Fletcher entered Pearl Harbor to off-load Fleet Training Group at A-5 landing, then returned to submarine operating area to conduct exercises with USS Pickerel DD 524. Fletcher entered Pearl Harbor T.H. and moored to berth B24, at the Naval Station. Received 7270 gallons of feed water from YW 105. Took on 45,139 gallons of fuel oil.
Friday 19 October, Fletcher got underway for the operating area and conducted engineering casualty drills. Fletcher entered Pearl Harbor channel and transferred C.W. Mills FN USN by whaleboat to the Naval Shipyard dispensary with acute appendicitis. Fletcher then stood out of the channel and hoisted in the whaleboat. Fletcher then returned to the South Honolulu operating area and conducted refresher training exercises. Conducted man overboard drills and lowered and recovered motor whaleboat. Fletcher then proceeded to berth B-24 at the Naval Station, mooring starboard side to Radford.
Saturday 20 October, Vasbinder J.H. SN USN was returned to ship by Hawaiian Armed Services Police with a lacerated left little finger and was taken to sickbay for treatment. L.J. Howell FN, USN got boiler compound in right eye and sustained superficial cornea ulcer.
Sunday 21 October, Fletcher took on fuel oil and fresh water from dock and feed water from YW 105.
Monday 22 October, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operating area to conduct dual ship ASW exercises with O’Bannon and USS Wahoo SS 565. Expended 4 plaster loaded hedgehogs. At completion of exercises, Fletcher joined Radford and Bennington and took plane guard station on Bennington. After flight ops, Fletcher and Bennington conducted tracking drills. Fletcher then took plane guard on Bennington.
Tuesday 23 October, Bennington continued flight operations with Fletcher as plane guard. 2048 Fletcher detached and proceeded to Pearl Harbor.
Wednesday 24 October, Fletcher entered Pearl Harbor and moored at berth M-3, Naval Supply Center, Pearl Harbor T.H. Fletcher took on 45,158 gallons fuel oil from the pier, and 6,713 gallons of feed water from YWN 154.
Thursday 25 October, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operating area to conduct gunnery exercises. Expended 19 rounds 5"38 and 21 rounds of 3"50 ammunition. Fletcher then joined Radford and Bennington, and took plane guard station. Radford was detached.
Friday 26 October, Fletcher put all boilers and superheaters on line. (Due to lack of wind, carrier required speeds up to 28 knots). Fletcher continued plane guard duties on Bennington. 1202 Fletcher released from plane guard duty and proceeded independently to Pearl Harbor conducting man overboard drills with whaleboat lowered. Fletcher entered Pearl Harbor and moored outboard of USS Nicholas DDE 449 in berth B-24 at the Naval Station.
Saturday 27 October, Fletcher took on 51,261 gallons of fuel oil from pier.
Sunday 28 October, Fletcher took on 13,000 gallons of feed water from barge.
Monday 29 October, Fletcher got underway to submarine operating area. Assisted Radford in ASW exercises. O’Bannon joined the exercises. Fletcher and O’Bannon joined Bennington with Fletcher target for tracking drills for Bennington and O’Bannon.
Tuesday 30 October, Fletcher and O’Bannon steaming independently in area of Bennington. O’Bannon detached, and Fletcher took plane guard station on Bennington. 0545 Bennington plane in water. O’Bannon put whaleboat in water and recovered pilot. Bennington resumed air operations. 1754 flight operations ended, Fletcher detached and joined O’Bannon
Wednesday 31 October, 0600 O’Bannon released to proceed independently. Fletcher proceeded into Pearl Harbor and moored to starboard side of Carpenter at berth B-25, Pearl Harbor, T.H. Fletcher took on fuel and fresh water from the pier. Fletcher then got underway and proceeded to the operating area. Fletcher joined Bennington and O’Bannon and took plane guard station on Bennington. 2040 Bennington completed flight ops and Fletcher and O’Bannon detached.
Thursday 1 November, Fletcher and O’Bannon rejoined Bennington and Bennington conducted flight ops. Fletcher took rescue station one mile from Bennington. Fletcher released and proceeded to Pearl Harbor. 1205 Fletcher had fire in #2 boiler casing. Fletcher proceeded to berth B-23, Naval Station Pearl Harbor T.H.
Saturday 3 November, Conducted fire drill.
Monday 5 November, R.R. Delozier, MM3 USN received lacerated hand while working in forward engine room, and was taken to Naval Dispensary, Pearl Harbor. USS Carpenter DDE 825, with ComDesRon 25 aboard moored alongside to port.
Friday 9 November, Fletcher moved from berth B-23 ½ to berth B-12 ½ . Leroy Ruark, BT3 USN received burn on right hand while using welding torch in forward fire room. He was sent to Shipyard dispensary for treatment and returned to duty.
Saturday 10 November, YSR 8 moored alongside to port. D.L. Weinrich SA USN received a slight gash on his forehead when he bumped against a light switch in the after crews quarters. Sent to the shipyard dispensary for treatment and returned to the ship.
Sunday 11 November, YSR 8 removed from alongside.
Monday 12 November, USS Whitehurst DE 634 moored alongside to port.
Tuesday 13 November, Fletcher took on 9308 gallons feed water from YW 105. K.L. Cantrell GM# received laceration of left hand wile handling ammunition. He was treated at the shipyard dispensary.
Thursday 15 November, Fletcher received 69,251 gallons of fuel oil from YO 114.
Friday 16 November, J.J. Dennis USN was taken to the dispensary with a cut ear and bruised neck and head suffered when he fell into the bilges in the forward fire room.
Tuesday 20 November, Shore steam was secured while a gasket was repaired.
Wednesday 21 November, YW 105 moored outboard of Whitehurst, and transferred 10,820 gallons of feed water to Fletcher.
Thursday 22 November, C.I. Manwarren SA USN was sent to shipyard dispensary for treatment of hand. He was unable to move the fingers of right hand. Injury was incurred ashore.
Friday 23 November, USS Whitehurst DE 634 got underway from port side.
Saturday 24 November, YO 78 moored to portside and transferred 2,760 gallons of fuel oil to Fletcher, then got underway.
Sunday 25 November, Hawaiian Armed Services Police reported Dean Hugh Hansen, SA USNR was observed entering water in vicinity of Waimai Bay, Oahu, T.H. by five persons, but did not observe him leave the water. Search by helicopter and small craft was initiated. Body not recovered.
Monday 26 November, Fletcher got underway for West Loch, Pearl Harbor T.H. and moored to berth W-2 with assistance of YTL 235. Fletcher loaded ammunition, and returned to berth B 2 ½ ½ at the Naval Station, Pearl Harbor T.H. YW 105 came alongside and transferred 10,753 gallons of feed water, then got underway. YO 114 came alongside and transferred 10,003 gallons of fuel oil.
Tuesday 27 November, Fletcher got underway and proceeded south of Oahu, then east and then south to 15-27 north 158-38 east in accordance with classified message from CTF 32.
Wednesday 28 November, Proceeding to sonar contact held by aircraft in Hawaiian area. 0816 Fletcher arrived in the area and began expanded square search of area. 0824 J.L. Emerson MM3 fell down the starboard after engine room hatch, receiving a two inch cut on the middle finger of left hand. 1600 Investigated sonar contact at 900 yards. 1620 contact classified as fish. 1835 Fire in laundry. 1840 fire extinguished. Minor damage to laundry bag, apparently caused by discarded cigarette. Fletcher returning to Pearl Harbor in accordance with CTF 32 classified message.
Thursday 29 November, Fletcher conducted general quarters and man overboard drills including lowering and retrieving whaleboat. Fletcher joined Yorktown and Walker. Fletcher took rescue destroyer position on Yorktown while Yorktown conducted flight ops. Fletcher detached to rendezvous with USS Shangri La.
Friday 30 November, Fletcher joined column open order with USS Shangri La CVA 38 and USS Taylor DDE 468. Fletcher took ready rescue destroyer position on Shangri La, Taylor took plane guard station. At conclusion of flight ops, Fletcher detached and proceeded into Pearl Harbor, mooring starboard side to USS Edmonds DE 406 in berth M-3 Naval Supply Center, Pearl Harbor T.H. Fletcher took on 81,507 gallons of fuel and 16,862 gallons of fresh water from pier.
Monday 3 December, H.K. Norris SN USN was treated for lacerated lip while on liberty at Tripler Army Hospital. 0655 USS Iron County LST 840 in getting underway from the berth ahead, damaged Fletcher’s bow one foot below main deck to port and forward of frame 2. The ships side was indented to a depth of one foot over a 3 square foot area, opening a hole of 1 square foot. Frames A and B were bent, the bullnose was bent, and the main deck buckled slightly. YW 105 came alongside to port, then cast off. Fletcher got underway, shifting to berth B-17 Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. Shifted all services to pier.
Wednesday 5 December, Fletcher disconnected all shore services and got underway. 1045 Fletcher took plane guard station on USS Shangri La CVA 38. 1505 completed air ops and Fletcher detached to proceed to Pearl Harbor. Fletcher moored at berth B-24 ½ starboard side to O’Bannon. 1925 J.C. Oliver ICFN USN suffered first and second degree burns from scalding water while working in the scullery. Sent to Naval Base Dispensary for emergency treatment and transferred to Navy Medical Unit, Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Thursday 6 December, Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operating area to conduct drills as directed by Fleet Training Group Pearl Harbor. Fletcher then ran measured mile. Upon completion, Fletcher returned to berth B-24 ½ starboard. Fletcher took on 34,889 gallons of fuel oil and 16,400 gallons of fresh water.
Friday 7 December Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operating area to conduct ship handling drills, the returned to Pearl Harbor and moored starboard side to berth M-3, Naval Supply Center. Radford moored to port side.
Monday 10 December, Radford got underway. Fletcher got underway proceeded to operating area. Conducted tracking exercises. 1151 Fire in MK 56 GFCS room. 1155 fire extinguished, negligible damage. 1310 Radford joined astern for gunnery exercises. Fletcher then returned to berth M-3 Naval Supply Center mooring outboard of O’Bannon.
Tuesday 11 December, Fletcher got underway for operating area. Conducted gunnery exercises, firing 36 rounds of 5"38 VT non frag ammunition, then returned to Pearl Harbor, mooring at berth B-25, U.S. Naval Station, Pearl Harbor, T.H. starboard side to USS Walker DDE 517.
Wednesday 19 December, A.S. Guthrie YN1 USN received a bruised heel by going over the side from the main deck to the camel alongside to retrieve official papers. Treated at Naval Base Dispensary.
Monday 31 December, Fletcher still moored starboard side to Walker in berth B-25, U.S. Naval Station, Pearl Harbor, T.H.