USS Gwin (DD-433)

USS Gwin (DD-433) was a Gleaves-class destroyer of the United States Navy named after William Gwin, a United States Naval Academy graduate who served in the American Civil War. The ship was built at the Boston Navy Yard and launched on May 25, 1940, sponsored by Mrs. Bruce Gwin, the great-granddaughter of William Gwin. The USS Gwin (DD-433) played a significant role in World War II, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal Campaign. The ship was commanded by Lieutenant Commander John B. Fellows Jr. and later by Lieutenant Commander Thomas C. Watson.

● Introduction

The USS Gwin (DD-433) was one of the 66 Gleaves-class destroyers built during World War II, with its design influenced by the London Naval Treaty and the Washington Naval Treaty. The ship's construction was overseen by the United States Navy's Bureau of Ships, with the primary contractor being the Boston Navy Yard. The USS Gwin (DD-433) was commissioned on January 15, 1941, at the Boston Navy Yard, with Captain Harold R. Stevens as the commanding officer. The ship's crew underwent training at the United States Naval Academy and the Norfolk Naval Base before being deployed to the Pacific Theater. The USS Gwin (DD-433) was part of DesRon 6, which included other destroyers such as the USS Meredith (DD-434) and the USS Grayson (DD-435).

● Design and Construction

The USS Gwin (DD-433) was designed to be a versatile and powerful destroyer, with a length of 348 feet 3 inches and a beam of 36 feet 1 inch. The ship was equipped with four Babcock & Wilcox boilers and two General Electric turbines, which produced 50,000 horsepower and gave the ship a top speed of 37.4 knots. The USS Gwin (DD-433) was armed with five 5-inch (127 mm) guns, six 0.50-inch (12.7 mm) machine guns, and ten 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes. The ship's crew consisted of 208 officers and enlisted men, who were responsible for operating and maintaining the ship's systems, including the Sonar and Radar systems. The USS Gwin (DD-433) was also equipped with depth charges and Mk 6 depth charge projectors, which were used for anti-submarine warfare. The ship's design was influenced by the Treaty of Versailles and the London Naval Treaty, which limited the size and armament of warships.

● Service History

The USS Gwin (DD-433) played a significant role in World War II, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal Campaign. The ship was part of the Task Force 16, which included the USS Enterprise (CV-6) and the USS Yorktown (CV-5). The USS Gwin (DD-433) was also involved in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. The ship's crew was awarded several decorations, including the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. The USS Gwin (DD-433) was commanded by several notable officers, including Lieutenant Commander John B. Fellows Jr. and Lieutenant Commander Thomas C. Watson. The ship was also part of the United States Pacific Fleet and the South Pacific Force.

● Fate

The USS Gwin (DD-433) was sunk on July 13, 1943, during the Naval Battle of Kula Gulf, after being hit by a Long Lance torpedo fired by the Japanese destroyer Murasame (1937). The ship sank in approximately 10 minutes, resulting in the loss of 61 lives. The USS Gwin (DD-433) was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on August 6, 1943, and received three battle stars for its service during World War II. The ship's legacy lives on, with several other ships being named after William Gwin, including the USS Gwin (DM-33) and the USS Gwin (DD-772). The USS Gwin (DD-433) is also remembered for its bravery and sacrifice during the Pacific War, and its crew is honored at the United States Naval Academy and the National World War II Memorial. Category:World War II destroyers of the United States