Destroyer Division 33

Destroyer Division 33 was a formation of Fletcher-class destroyers that served in the United States Navy during World War II. Established in 1943, the division operated extensively in the Pacific Theater of Operations, participating in major campaigns and providing vital escort and fire support for amphibious operations. Its ships were instrumental in the naval campaigns that led to the defeat of the Empire of Japan.

History

The unit was established in mid-1943 as part of the massive shipbuilding effort undertaken by the United States following its entry into World War II. It was assigned to the United States Pacific Fleet to bolster naval forces engaged against Imperial Japanese Navy units across the vast Pacific Ocean. The division's creation coincided with the shift to an offensive strategy following victories at the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal Campaign.

Composition

The division was composed exclusively of Fletcher-class destroyers, a class renowned for its balance of firepower, speed, and endurance. These vessels, built at various shipyards including Bath Iron Works and Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, were armed with five 5"/38 caliber guns and ten 21-inch torpedo tubes. Standard displacement for these ships was approximately 2,050 tons, and they were powered by General Electric steam turbines driving two propellers.

Operational history

Following shakedown cruises in the Atlantic Ocean, the division transited the Panama Canal to join the Third Fleet in the South Pacific. It first saw significant action providing naval gunfire support during the Bougainville Campaign in late 1943. The division subsequently supported the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf, often operating as part of fast carrier task forces to provide anti-aircraft screening. In 1945, its ships were heavily engaged in the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa, defending against relentless kamikaze attacks. Throughout its service, the division also conducted numerous anti-submarine warfare patrols and Tokyo Express interdiction missions in the Solomon Islands.

Commanding officers

Command of the division rotated among the commanding officers of its constituent destroyers, who held the rank of Commander. These officers were veteran surface warfare officers who had previously served on other destroyers or cruisers in the Atlantic Fleet or Asiatic Fleet. Leadership often changed due to the exigencies of combat and standard Navy rotation policies.

Ships of the division

The division typically consisted of four destroyers, though its roster changed due to operational demands, repairs, and losses. Notable vessels that served include the USS Converse (DD-509), which earned a Navy Unit Commendation for its actions off Okinawa, and the USS Thatcher (DD-514), which survived a Japanese aircraft attack during the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign. Other ships such as the USS Spence (DD-512) and USS Foote (DD-511) also saw extensive service with the unit before being reassigned to other destroyer squadrons.