Intro
Discover the fascinating history of the USS Stewart DE 238, a World War II-era destroyer escort. Learn about its construction, military service, and notable battles. Uncover 5 key facts about this heroic ship, including its class, armament, and role in the war. Dive into the world of naval history and explore the significance of the USS Stewart DE 238.
The USS Stewart (DE-238) was a United States Navy Edsall-class destroyer escort that played a significant role in World War II and the Cold War. Here are five facts about this historic ship:
The USS Stewart was launched on November 22, 1942, by the Brown Shipbuilding Company in Houston, Texas. It was commissioned on May 31, 1943, with Lieutenant Commander M.L. Lewis in command. The ship was named after Rear Admiral Charles Stewart, a naval officer who served in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War.
Design and Armament
The USS Stewart was an Edsall-class destroyer escort, which was a class of ships designed to escort convoys and defend against submarines and other enemy vessels. The ship was 306 feet (93 meters) long and had a beam of 36 feet 10 inches (11.2 meters). It was powered by four diesel engines and had a top speed of 21 knots (39 km/h).
The USS Stewart was armed with three 3-inch (76 mm) guns, two 40 mm guns, and eight 20 mm guns. It also had three 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes and two depth charge racks. The ship had a crew of 186 officers and enlisted men.
World War II Service
The USS Stewart played a significant role in World War II, serving in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. The ship escorted convoys and defended against submarines and other enemy vessels. On May 28, 1944, the USS Stewart sank the German submarine U-490 off the coast of North Carolina.
The USS Stewart also participated in the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, known as D-Day. The ship provided gunfire support for the landing forces and helped to defend against German naval forces.
Pacific Theater
In 1945, the USS Stewart was transferred to the Pacific theater, where it participated in the Allied invasion of Okinawa. The ship provided gunfire support for the landing forces and helped to defend against Japanese naval forces.
Cold War Service
After the end of World War II, the USS Stewart was decommissioned and placed in reserve. However, with the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the ship was recommissioned and served in the Korean theater. The USS Stewart participated in several operations, including the defense of the island of Taiwan.
In 1961, the USS Stewart was transferred to the Naval Reserve and served as a training ship. The ship was finally decommissioned in 1972 and sold for scrap in 1974.
Legacy
The USS Stewart played a significant role in World War II and the Cold War, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. The ship's bravery and sacrifice were recognized with several awards, including three battle stars for its service in World War II.
Today, the USS Stewart is remembered as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men who served on her. The ship's legacy lives on as a reminder of the importance of naval power in defending our nation's interests.
USS Stewart DE-238 Image Gallery
We hope you've enjoyed learning about the USS Stewart (DE-238). The ship's bravery and sacrifice are a testament to the importance of naval power in defending our nation's interests. We invite you to share your thoughts and comments about this historic ship.