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Batman47 Board Founder/CNC User is Offline Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 394 Karma: 5 applaud / smite 425 points 0 warnings 0 tempbans	Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 1:36 am    Post subject: DESRON TWENTY THREE - PACIFIC - PAST/PRESENT · Quote DESRON TWENTY THREE - PACIFIC - PAST/PRESENT – Up dated 15 July 2008 U. S. Pacific Fleet COMPACFLT Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet http://www.cpf.navy.mil   Commander, Naval Air Force COMNAVAIRLAT COMSTRKFORTRALANT Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic and COMNAVAIRPAC COMSTRKFORTRAPAC Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet http://www.cnaf.navy.mil COMNAVSUBFORPAC Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet http://www.csp.navy.mil   COMNAVSURPAC Commander, Naval Surface Forces http://www.surfpac.navy.mil   Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Story Archive http://www.news.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=125 Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific http://www.midpac.navy.mil/Warfare.htm U. S. Pacific Fleet PACOM http://www.ccsg5.navy.mil/materials/pacom U. S. Commander Seventh Fleet http://www.c7f.navy.mil   U. S. Third Fleet http://www.c3f.navy.mil   COMFIFTHFLT History and News http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1453.html Video News from the Fleet – http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/videos/index.html DESRON'S Pacific-based Destroyer Squadrons 1, 7, 9, 21, 23 and 31: COMDESRON TWO THREE (CDS 23) Commander Destroyer Squadron Twenty Three] [b]DESRON TWO THREE DESRON 23 http://www.cds23.navy.mil http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/desron23.htm A Destroyer Squadron Commander serves as the administrative commander or Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) of the ships assigned to the squadron. Operationally, the DESRON conducts prompt and sustained combat or non-combat operations through service as the Sea Combat Commander for assigned Battle Group Commander; coordinating the employment of surface combatants, submarines and SUW/USW aircraft assigned to the Battle Group. Administratively, the DESRON supports the Type Commander and Commander Third Fleet by providing trained and materially ready combatants for deployment to warfighting Fleet Commanders, both permanently assigned ships and those temporally assigned for training and exercises. Ships and units of the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Battle Group departed their home ports and bases in early November 1998. The Carl Vinson Battle Group included USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and USS Oldendorf (DD 972) from DESRON 23, and USS McClusky (FFG 41) from Destroyer Squadron 1. DD 966 Hewitt will de-commission in July 2001, and be replaced by DDG 85 McCampbell which comissions in August 2001. The "Little Beaver" Destroyer Squadron 23 was activated 11 May 1943, when Captain M.J. Gilliam assumed command at the Boston Navy Yard. Of the original vessels of the squadron, only Foote (DD-511), Charles Ausburne (DD-570), and Spence (DD-512), were present. The remainder of the squadron Aulick (DD-569) Claxton (DD-571), Dyson (DD-572), Converse (DD-509) and Thatcher (DD-514), were operating on detached duty, as they had been since late December 1942 when most of them had completed their initial training. Late in May, COMDESRON 23 sailed for the Pacific to join other vessels of the squadron which had preceded him. On 2 June 1943, he reported for duty to Commander in Chief, Pacific at Balboa, and sailed for Noumea. Here on 29 June, Destroyer Squadron 23 became part of Admiral William F. HALSEY'S 'Hit hard, hit fast, hit often!' THIRD Fleet, which had been formed 15 March 1943. Less Aulick, temporarilly out of action after running aground in poorly charted waters, Destroyer Squadron 23 assumed duty on patrol and escort in the Southwest Pacific, calling at Efate, Noumea, Guadalcanal, and Espiritu Santo. From August 1943, the squadron's operations were concentrated in the Guadalcanal area. As the Battle for Guadalcanal raged, the squadron escorted precious men and material to the island, and sortied up the infamous "Slot" in the efforts to break up Japanese attacks and efforts to reinforce the island. Destroyer Squadron 23 won its great fame, and a Presidential Unit Citation, under its second commander, who broke his flag 23 October 1943. This was Captain Arleigh A. Burke. A firm believer in the "attack-attack-attack" school of destroyer tactics, Admiral Burke led his squadron into action in the Bougainville operations when on the night of 1 November 1943, the squadron bombarded the Buka-Bonis area and proceeded to cover the landings at Empress Augusta Bay. Here Japanese surface and air forces precipitated the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, first of the actions for which Destroyer Squadron 23 was cited. In this battle, Foote and Thatcher were heavily damaged by the enemy, and put out of action for the remainder of the Solomons Islands Campaign. Destroyer Squadron 23 continued to cover the movement of forces into the Empress Augusta Bay region, fighting off Japanese air attacks, attacking Japanese vessels, bombarding Buka and Bonis once again. On 24 November 1943, came the Battle of Cape St. George where the squadron took on six enemy destroyers. In what has been described by tacticians as the "near perfect surface actions, the 'Little Beavers' sank four enemy destroyers, and damaged two, one badly, without injury to themselves. In this action, Admiral Burke gave the squadron its name, and soon after, an appropriate squadron insignia was designed by Fred Harmon, creator of the "Red Ryder" comic strip. The "Little Beavers" added even more glory to their name through the remainder of the Bougainville operations, at Green Island, Rabaul, Kavieng, and Truk. During the period 1 November 1943 to 23 February 1944, for which the Presidential Unit Citation was awarded, the Squadron participated in 22 separate engagements, and reduced the Japanese Navy by one cruiser, nine destroyers, one submarine, and several smaller ships sunk and destroyed approximately 30 aircraft. In addition, a number of other surface and aircraft were damaged, and great damage inflicted in shore bombardment actions. On 27 March 1944, Admiral Burke was relieved by Commander R.W. Cavenagh, who had temporary command of the Squadron until 8 April 1944, when Captain T.B. Dugan assumed command. Destroyer Squadron 23's operations in the Pacific continued through the Liberation of the Philippines, where Spence was lost in a typhoon 18 December 1944. Months of action off Okinawa saw the Squadron distinguish itself on patrol and radar-picket duties. Here, on 12 April 1945, Stanly was badly damaged by a piloted bomb. At Okinawa, Captain Dugan was relieved on 26 July 1945 by Captain H.H. McIlheny, who had temporary command until 13 August 1945, when Captain W.C. Ford reported as Commander Destroyer Squadron 23. The veterans of Destroyer Squadron 23 returned to the United States in the fall of 1945 and on 19 October were met at the Washington Navy Yard by Admiral Burke and Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, who presented the Presidential Unit Citation to the Squadron. In February 1946, the Squadron was inactivated and the ships placed in mothballs at Charleston, South Carolina. On April 4, 1956, the Squadron was reactivated under the command of Captain E.K. Wakefield, USN, with the following ships as Destroyer division 231: USS Picking (DD-685) Flagship, USS Potter (DD-538) USS Preston (DD-795), and the USS Irwin (DD-794). On 17 June 1958 DesDiv 232, formerly DesDiv 92, was redesignated and joined DesDiv 231 in Long Beach to complete the new Destroyer Squadron 23. DesDiv 232 consisted of USS Maddox (DD-731), Flagship USS Herbert J. Thomas (DDR-833), USS Brush (DD-745), and USS Samuel N. Moore (DD-747), commanded by H.W. Baker, CAPT, USN. In May 1956 the USS Irwin was replaced by the USS Fechteler (DDR-870). Destroyer Division 231 was deployed to Western Pacific on 5 June 1956. This tour included operations under Seventh Fleet until November. While with Seventh Fleet DesDiv 231 participated in several Task Force Operations and was a part of the Taiwan Patrol. During this stay she visited ports in Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong and Taiwan. On 18 November 1956 she returned to her home port in Long Beach. On 8 July 1956 Destroyer Division 232 completed their Underway Training and on 16 August 1956 DesDiv 232 departed for a tour of duty in WestPac. Some of the ports included during this tour were Pearl Harbor, Yokosuka, Kobe, Sasebo and Buckner Bay, Okinawa. Also included in this tour was three months on the Formosan Patrol. DesDiv 232 arrived back in Long Beach on 17 February 1957. Commander Destroyer Division 232 during this period was Captain H.W. BAKER, USN, who was relieved by Captain C.B. CARROLL, USN, in March 1957. The Squadron was rededicated as the "Little Beavers" on 12 December 1956 by Rear Admiral Chester WOOD, USN, Commander Cruiser Destroyer Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet in ceremonies at Long Beach, and on behalf of Admiral BURKE the original oil painting of "The Little Beaver" was presented to the Squadron. Captain H.O. Sturr, USN, relieved Captain Wakefield as Squadron Commander in April 1957. The Squadron remained in the United States for about eight months and departed for another Western Pacific tour in August 1957. Destroyer Division 231 enjoyed a good will tour of the South Pacific and New Zealand during this period. Destroyer Division 232's tour took them to Australia with the exception of the Moore which remained in Pearl Harbor for repairs, also included in the tour were operations in the Philippine Islands and in port at Subic Bay, Kobe, and Honshu. Hold-down Exercises were conducted during this period. Other operations during this tour included for DesDiv 232 Formosan Patrol and exercises conducted with the Chinese Nationalist Navy. DesDiv 231 returned to Long Beach on 24 January 1958 and DesDiv 232 returned on 1 March 1958. The Squadron then underwent shipyard overhaul and Refresher Training. In April 1958 Captain Sturr was relieved as Commander Destroyer Squadron 23 by Captain J.E. Smith, USN and Captain S.L. Johnson, USN, relieved Captain Carroll as Commander Destroyer Division 232. In June 1958 the USS Potter was decommissioned without replacement and in October 1958 the Squadron departed for WestPac. DesDiv 232's tour included Operations off the coast of Japan and conducting of ASWEX with the Japanese self-defense Forces. Further operations were conducted off the coast of the Philippine Islands, Okinawa and Formosa. On 7 April 1959 DesDiv 232 departed for Long Beach via Pearl Harbor, and Midway conducting operations and type training enroute, arriving in Long Beach on 22 April 1959. DesDiv 231's tour included visits to Japan, the Philippines, Korea, and Hong Kong, returning to the United States on 27 March 1959. On it's arrival DesDiv 231 was joined by the USS Edson (DD-946), one of the latest type general purpose destroyer to join the fleet. The Squadron Flag was shifted to the Edson on 4 May 1959. Captain T.H. Morton, USN relieved Captain Smith as Squadron Commander in May 1959. and Commander E.M. Glenn, USN relieved Captain Johnson as Commander Destroyer Division 232. During July 1959 DesDiv 232 participated in "WINGOVER" replenishment exercise and FLEET REVIEW San Francisco. On 1 August 1959 DesDiv 232 was designated a part of "Semi Permanent HUK Group ALFA". During August 1959 the Squadron participated in ADEX, SLAMEX Exercises and SEAFAIR Pagent in Seattle, Washington. For the remaining four months of 1959 the Squadron participated in local operations along the coast of California. The Squadron departed Long Beach, California on 5 January for a tour of duty in WestPac. At Pearl Harbor the Squadron separated leaving DesDiv 232 in Pearl Harbor to conduct Anti-Submarine Exercises. DesDiv 231 arrived at Guam where on 1 February 1960 Captain T.D. Cunningham, USN relieved Captain T.H. Morton as Commander Destroyer Squadron 23. The Division proceeded to the Formosa Straits for patrol. After completion of this duty and a week in Hong Kong, the Division then rendezvoused with other units of the Seventh Fleet for amphibious exercise, BLUE STAR. Following this operation the Division had availability in Yokosuka, Japan, and was then assigned duty with the USS Ranger (CVA-61). When the Division departed from the USS Ranger it set sail for CONUS. On 31 May 1960 the Division returned to Long Beach, California. On 13 July 1960 Captain J.L. Kelley,Jr., USN, relieved Captain T.D. Cunningham as Commander Destroyer Squadron 23. Following a long period of major overhaul in the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, which was completed late in October 1960, the Division began Refresher Training. This Training was completed on 20 January 1961. Following the departure of the first Division, the second Division began operations in MIDPAC with the USS Yorktown (CVS-10). On 18 February 1960 Commander B.A. Lienhard, USN relieved Captain E.M. Glenn as Commander Destroyer Division 232. The Division departed from Pearl Harbor on 23 February with the Yorktown enroute to Yokosuka, Japan. During the month of March the Division conducted extensive exercises. In April the Division took part in operation "BLUE STAR" and on the 28th of April began participation in Operation SEALION. Operation "SEALION" came to a close on 11 May and the Division returned to Buckner Bay. The 15th of June the Brush and Preston put to sea to become a part of the unit forming a communication link for the President's flight from Korea to Hawaii On the 26th of June the Division, with Yorktown, went to sea. In July the Division returned to Yokosuka to make final preparations for departure from the WestPac area. They then returned to Long Beach on the 28th of July for a thirty day period of "rest and recreation" during the month of August. In September the Division, less the Maddox, undertook local operations and type training off the coast of California. In October the Division began overhaul period in Long Beach Naval Shipyard, for a three month period thru December. Destroyer Division 231, upon completion of Refresher Training participated in local operations along the coast of California. Included in this Operating period were: operations "Greenlight" and "Tailwind". Beginning 7 June the Division spent four days visiting Portland, Oregon, for the Rose Festival. On 21 June 1961 Captain J. L. Kelley, Jr., USN, was relieved by Captain F. E. McEntire Jr., USN, as Commander of Destroyer Squadron 23. The Division departed Long Beach, California on 11 August 1961 for a tour of duty in the Western Pacific. Upon departure from Pearl Harbor, Destroyer Division 231 became part of the largest Task Force to sail in the Pacific since the Korean action. The task force consisted of: the USS Ranger (CVA-61), USS Yorktown (CVS-10), USS Helena (CA-75), USS Los Angeles (CA-135), USS Koontz (DLG-9), Destroyer Division 232, units of Destroyer Division 253, and later the USS Sculpin (SSN 590). Duty with the Seventh Fleet found DESDIV 231 operating with the USS Ranger (CVA-61) and the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). During the month of December 1961 the Division was split up; the USS Edson and the USS Picking were on the Taiwan Patrol; while the USS Fechteler and USS Herbert J. Thomas operated with the USS Ranger out of Japan. The ports visited thus far have been: Yokosuka, Sasebo and Iwakuni, Japan; Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines; Hong Kong, British Crown Colony; and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Destroyer Division 232, upon completion of overhaul and refresher training again Joined the Yorktown to form a Hunter-Killer Group. On February 18, 1961 Commander K. W. Simmons USN, relieved Captain B. A. Lienhard, USN, as Commander Destroyer Division 232. The Division conducted ASW operations as a unit of Task Group 14.7 off the coast of California until Deployment on 29 July 1961. The Division operated in MlDPAC until departure on 26 August 1961 as a unit of Task Force 15. Since the Division's arrival in WestPac it has operated as a unit of Task Group 70.4. Shortly after arrival in WestPac ships of the Division made goodwill visits to ports in Kokkaido. Maddox with Commander Destroyer Division 232 embarked visited Wakkanai; Brush and Moore visited Kushiro. The Division participated in exercise "Base Hit" in November, 1961. Since their inception during the dark days of World War II, the "Little Beavers" of DESRON 23 have served our nation with Honor, Courage and Commitment. Fame did not come easily to the warriors of the Little Beavers. The squadron, under the command of Captain Arleigh A. Burke, joined Admiral Halsey's forces in the Solomon Islands campaign in the southwest Pacific and participated in twenty- two separate engagements for which it was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. It remains the only Destroyer Squadron in U. S. Navy history so honored. The original team of Charles Ausburne, Dyson, Stanly, Claxton, Foote, Spence, Thatcher and Converse are now replaced by Fitzgerald, Thach, Oldendorf, John Young, Decatur and Hewitt. While the names have changed, the professionalism, camaraderie and intense pursuit of Surface Warfare excellence remain constant. Captain Burke's battle plan was known as the "Doctrine of Faith" for its unprecedented delegation of responsibility to commanding officers. That doctrine will continue to be the cornerstone of DESRON 23 operations. Admiral Burke chose the Little Beaver as a symbol of the squadron because of his tenacity in battle, loyalty, honesty and spirit. He had a keen appreciation for the importance of the balance between material readiness and operational excellence. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/desron23.htm DESRON TWENTY THREE SHIP'S http://www.cds23.navy.mil   Commodore Captain Troy Stoner, former Captain Adam . Levitt Chief of Staff Commander Kristin Jacobsen Command Master Chief CMDCM (SW) MGTI   MASTER CHIEF GAS TURBINE SYSTEM TECHNICIAN MICHAEL L. STEPHENSON (SURFACE WARFARE) SENIOR ENLISTED LEADER/ SENIOR ENGINEER/ MGTI - Michael L. Stephenson DESRON TWENTY THREE MISSION A Destroyer Squadron Commander serves as the administrative commander or Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) of the ships assigned to the squadron. OUR MISSION is to: - Operationally:  Conduct prompt and sustained combat or non-combat operations through service as the Sea Combat Commander for our assigned Battle Group Commander; coordinating the employment of surface combatants, submarines and SUW/USW aircraft assigned to the Battle Group. - Administratively:  We support the Type Commander and Commander Third Fleet by providing trained and materially ready combatants for deployment to warfighting Fleet Commanders, both our own permanently assigned ships and those temporally assigned for training and exercises. OUR VISION is that we will conduct effective and efficient operations, within the constraints of assigned resources, through: - Leadership in all aspects of naval warfighting and realistic training. - Dedicated people with the will and courage to perform the mission. - Minimally invasive administrative and operational support for our assigned ships. - The balanced use of leadership vice management techniques. - The acceptance that bold change is a part of any process. We will be guided by the following PRINCIPLES: - WE: - Value tradition, but encourage and embrace innovative thinking and change. - Employ operational risk management in every aspect of our operations. - Safeguard our people, our ships and our environment. - Husband our consumable resources. - WE WILL: - Accomplish our mission through teamwork and strong leadership. - Promote the dignity of the Officers and Sailors for which we are responsible. - Within our lifelines, make personal growth and advancement of our staff members a priority. - WE ARE COMMITTED TO: - Absolute integrity and the highest standards of ethical conduct in our operations and our personal  lives. - Equal opportunity for all. - Rapid, open and effective communications up and down the chain of command. - Quality and continuous improvement. - Decisions based on knowledge. - Doing the right versus the expedient thing for our country and our Navy. DESRON TWENTY THREE HISTORY The "Little Beaver" Destroyer Squadron 23 was activated 11 May 1943, when Captain M.J. Gilliam assumed command at the Boston Navy Yard. Of the original vessels of the squadron, only Foote (DD-511), Charles  Ausburne (DD-570), and Spence (DD-512), were present. The remainder of the squadron Aulick (DD-569) Claxton (DD-571), Dyson (DD-572), Converse (DD-509) and Thatcher (DD-514), were operating on detached duty, as they had been since late December 1942 when most of them had completed their initial training. Late in May, COMDESRON 23 sailed for the Pacific to join other vessels of the squadron which had preceded him. On 2 June 1943, he reported for duty to Commander in Chief, Pacific at Balboa, and sailed for Noumea. Here on 29 June, Destroyer Squadron 23 became part of Admiral William F. HALSEY'S 'Hit hard, hit fast, hit often!' THIRD Fleet, which had been formed 15 March 1943. Less Aulick, temporarilly out of action after running aground in poorly charted waters, Destroyer Squadron 23 assumed duty on patrol and escort in the Southwest Pacific, calling at Efate, Noumea, Guadalcanal, and Espiritu Santo. From August 1943, the squadron's operations were concentrated in the Guadalcanal area. As the Battle for Guadalcanal raged, the squadron escorted precious men and material to the island, and sortied up the infamous "Slot" in the efforts to break up Japanese attacks and efforts to reinforce the island. Destroyer Squadron 23 won its great fame, and a Presidential Unit Citation, under its second commander, who broke his flag 23 October 1943. This was Captain Arleigh A. Burke. A firm believer in the "attack-attack-attack" school of destroyer tactics, Admiral Burke led his squadron into action in the Bougainville operations when on the night of 1 November 1943, the squadron bombarded the Buka-Bonis area and proceeded to cover the landings at Empress Augusta Bay. Here Japanese surface and air forces precipitated the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, first of the actions for which Destroyer Squadron 23 was cited. In this battle, Foote and Thatcher were heavily damaged by the enemy, and put out of action for the remainder of the Solomons Islands Campaign. Destroyer Squadron 23 continued to cover the movement of forces into the Empress Augusta Bay region, fighting off Japanese air attacks, attacking Japanese vessels, bombarding Buka and Bonis once again. On 24 November 1943, came the Battle of Cape St. George where the squadron took on six enemy destroyers. In what has been described by tacticians as the "near perfect surface actions, the 'Little Beavers' sank four enemy destroyers, and damaged two, one badly, without injury to themselves. In this action, Admiral Burke gave the squadron its name, and soon after, an appropriate squadron insignia was designed by Fred Harmon, creator of the "Red Ryder" comic strip. The "Little Beavers" added even more glory to their name through the remainder of the Bougainville operations, at Green Island, Rabaul, Kavieng, and Truk. During the period 1 November 1943 to 23 February 1944, for which the Presidential Unit Citation was awarded, the Squadron participated in 22 separate engagements, and reduced the Japanese Navy by one cruiser, nine destroyers, one submarine, and several smaller ships sunk and destroyed approximately 30 aircraft. In addition, a number of other surface and aircraft were damaged, and great damage inflicted in shore bombardment actions. On 27 March 1944, Admiral Burke was relieved by Commander R.W. Cavenagh, who had temporary command of the Squadron until 8 April 1944, when Captain T.B. Dugan assumed command. Destroyer Squadron 23's operations in the Pacific continued through the Liberation of the Philippines, where Spence was lost in a typhoon 18 December 1944. Months of action off Okinawa saw the Squadron distinguish itself on patrol and radar-picket duties. Here, on 12 April 1945, Stanly was badly damaged by a piloted bomb. At Okinawa, Captain Dugan was relieved on 26 July 1945 by Captain H.H. McIlheny, who had temporary command until 13 August 1945, when Captain W.C. Ford reported as Commander Destroyer Squadron 23. The veterans of Destroyer Squadron 23 returned to the United States in the fall of 1945 and on 19 October were met at the Washington Navy Yard by Admiral Burke and Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, who presented the Presidential Unit Citation to the Squadron. In February 1946, the Squadron was inactivated and the ships placed in mothballs at Charleston, South Carolina. On April 4, 1956, the Squadron was reactivated under the command of Captain E.K. Wakefield, USN, with the following ships as Destroyer division 231: USS Picking (DD-685) Flagship, USS Potter (DD-538) USS Preston (DD-795), and the USS Irwin (DD-794). On 17 June 1958 DesDiv 232, formerly DesDiv 92, was redesignated and joined DesDiv 231 in Long Beach to complete the new Destroyer Squadron 23. DesDiv 232 consisted of USS Maddox (DD-731), Flagship USS Herbert J. Thomas (DDR-833), USS Brush (DD-745), and USS Samuel N. Moore (DD-747), commanded by H.W. Baker, CAPT, USN. In May 1956 the USS Irwin was replaced by the USS Fechteler (DDR-870). Destroyer Division 231 was deployed to Western Pacific on 5 June 1956. This tour included operations under Seventh Fleet until November. While with Seventh Fleet DesDiv 231 participated in several Task Force Operations and was a part of the Taiwan Patrol. During this stay she visited ports in Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong and Taiwan. On 18 November 1956 she returned to her home port in Long Beach. On 8 July 1956 Destroyer Division 232 completed their Underway Training and on 16 August 1956 DesDiv 232 departed for a tour of duty in WestPac. Some of the ports included during this tour were Pearl Harbor, Yokosuka, Kobe, Sasebo and Buckner Bay, Okinawa. Also included in this tour was three months on the Formosan Patrol. DesDiv 232 arrived back in Long Beach on 17 February 1957. Commander Destroyer Division 232 during this period was Captain H.W. BAKER, USN, who was relieved by Captain C.B. CARROLL, USN, in March 1957. The Squadron was rededicated as the "Little Beavers" on 12 December 1956 by Rear Admiral Chester WOOD, USN, Commander Cruiser Destroyer Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet in ceremonies at Long Beach, and on behalf of Admiral BURKE the original oil painting of "The Little Beaver" was presented to the Squadron. Captain H.O. Sturr, USN, relieved Captain Wakefield as Squadron Commander in April 1957. The Squadron remained in the United States for about eight months and departed for another Western Pacific tour in August 1957. Destroyer Division 231 enjoyed a good will tour of the South Pacific and New Zealand during this period. Destroyer Division 232's tour took them to Australia with the exception of the Moore which remained in Pearl Harbor for repairs, also included in the tour were operations in the Philippine Islands and in port at Subic Bay, Kobe, and Honshu. Hold-down Exercises were conducted during this period. Other operations during this tour included for DesDiv 232 Formosan Patrol and exercises conducted with the Chinese Nationalist Navy. DesDiv 231 returned to Long Beach on 24 January 1958 and DesDiv 232 returned on 1 March 1958. The Squadron then underwent shipyard overhaul and Refresher Training. In April 1958 Captain Sturr was relieved as Commander Destroyer Squadron 23 by Captain J.E. Smith, USN and Captain S.L. Johnson, USN, relieved Captain Carroll as Commander Destroyer Division 232. In June 1958 the USS Potter was decommissioned without replacement and in October 1958 the Squadron departed for WestPac. DesDiv 232's tour included Operations off the coast of Japan and conducting of ASWEX with the Japanese self-defense Forces. Further operations were conducted off the coast of the Philippine Islands, Okinawa and Formosa. On 7 April 1959 DesDiv 232 departed for Long Beach via Pearl Harbor, and Midway conducting operations and type training enroute, arriving in Long Beach on 22 April 1959. DesDiv 231's tour included visits to Japan, the Philippines, Korea, and Hong Kong, returning to the United States on 27 March 1959. On it's arrival DesDiv 231 was joined by the USS Edson (DD-946), one of the latest type general purpose destroyer to join the fleet. The Squadron Flag was shifted to the Edson on 4 May 1959. Captain T.H. Morton, USN relieved Captain Smith as Squadron Commander in May 1959. and Commander E.M. Glenn, USN relieved Captain Johnson as Commander Destroyer Division 232. During July 1959 DesDiv 232 participated in "WINGOVER" replenishment exercise and FLEET REVIEW San Francisco. On 1 August 1959 DesDiv 232 was designated a part of "Semi Permanent HUK Group ALFA". During August 1959 the Squadron participated in ADEX, SLAMEX Exercises and SEAFAIR Pagent in Seattle, Washington. For the remaining four months of 1959 the Squadron participated in local operations along the coast of California. The Squadron departed Long Beach, California on 5 January for a tour of duty in WestPac. At Pearl Harbor the Squadron separated leaving DesDiv 232 in Pearl Harbor to conduct Anti-Submarine Exercises. DesDiv 231 arrived at Guam where on 1 February 1960 Captain T.D. Cunningham, USN relieved Captain T.H. Morton as Commander Destroyer Squadron 23. The Division proceeded to the Formosa Straits for patrol. After completion of this duty and a week in Hong Kong, the Division then rendezvoused with other units of the Seventh Fleet for amphibious exercise, BLUE STAR. Following this operation the Division had availability in Yokosuka, Japan, and was then assigned duty with the USS Ranger (CVA-61). When the Division departed from the USS Ranger it set sail for CONUS. On 31 May 1960 the Division returned to Long Beach, California. On 13 July 1960 Captain J.L. Kelley,Jr., USN, relieved Captain T.D. Cunningham as Commander Destroyer Squadron 23. Following a long period of major overhaul in the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, which was completed late in October 1960, the Division began Refresher Training. This Training was completed on 20 January 1961. Following the departure of the first Division, the second Division began operations in MIDPAC with the USS Yorktown (CVS-10). On 18 February 1960 Commander B.A. Lienhard, USN relieved Captain E.M. Glenn as Commander Destroyer Division 232. The Division departed from Pearl Harbor on 23 February with the Yorktown enroute to Yokosuka, Japan. During the month of March the Division conducted extensive   exercises. In April the Division took part in operation "BLUE STAR" and on the 28th of April began participation in Operation SEALION. Operation "SEALION" came to a close on 11 May and the Division returned to Buckner Bay. The 15th of June the Brush and Preston put to sea to become a part of the unit forming a communication link for the President's flight from Korea to Hawaii On the 26th of June the Division, with Yorktown, went to sea. In July the Division returned to Yokosuka to make final preparations for departure from the WestPac area. They then returned to Long Beach on the 28th of July for a thirty day period of "rest and recreation" during the month of August. In September the Division, less the Maddox, undertook local operations and type training off the coast of California. In October the Division began overhaul period in Long Beach Naval Shipyard, for a three month period thru December. Destroyer Division 231, upon completion of Refresher Training participated in local operations along the coast of California. Included in this Operating period were: operations "Greenlight" and "Tailwind". Beginning 7 June the Division spent four days visiting Portland, Oregon, for the Rose Festival. On 21 June 1961 Captain J. L. Kelley, Jr., USN, was relieved by Captain F. E. McEntire Jr., USN, as Commander of Destroyer Squadron 23. The Division departed Long Beach, California on 11 August 1961 for a tour of duty in the Western Pacific. Upon departure from Pearl Harbor, Destroyer Division 231 became part of the largest Task Force to sail in the Pacific since the Korean action. The task force consisted of: the USS Ranger (CVA-61), USS Yorktown (CVS-10), USS Helena (CA-75), USS Los Angeles (CA-135), USS Koontz (DLG-9), Destroyer Division 232, units of Destroyer Division 253, and later the USS Sculpin (SSN 590). Duty with the Seventh Fleet found DESDIV 231 operating with the USS Ranger (CVA-61) and the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). During the month of December 1961 the Division was split up; the USS Edson and the USS Picking were on the Taiwan Patrol; while the USS Fechteler and USS Herbert J. Thomas operated with the USS Ranger out of Japan. The ports visited thus far have been: Yokosuka, Sasebo and Iwakuni, Japan; Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines; Hong Kong, British Crown Colony; and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Destroyer Division 232, upon completion of overhaul and refresher training again Joined the Yorktown to form a Hunter-Killer Group. On February 18, 1961 Commander K. W. Simmons USN, relieved Captain B. A. Lienhard, USN, as Commander Destroyer Division 232. The Division conducted ASW operations as a unit of Task Group 14.7 off the coast of California until Deployment on 29 July 1961. The Division operated in MlDPAC until departure on 26 August 1961 as a unit of Task Force 15. Since the Division's arrival in WestPac it has operated as a unit of Task Group 70.4. Shortly after arrival in WestPac ships of the Division made goodwill visits to ports in Kokkaido. Maddox with Commander Destroyer Division 232 embarked visited Wakkanai; Brush and Moore visited Kushiro. The Division participated in exercise "Base Hit" in November, 1961. The Original Ships USS Stanly (DD-478) http://www.cds23.navy.mil/Stanly.htm USS Converse (DD-509) http://www.cds23.navy.mil/converse.htm USS Foote (DD-511) http://www.cds23.navy.mil/Foote.htm USS Spence (DD-512) http://www.cds23.navy.mil/Spence.htm USS Thatcher (DD-514) http://www.cds23.navy.mil/Thatcher.htm USS Aulick (DD-569) http://www.cds23.navy.mil/Aulick.htm USS Charles Ausburne (DD-570) http://www.cds23.navy.mil/Ausburne.htm USS Claxton (DD-571) http://www.cds23.navy.mil/claxton.htm USS Dyson (DD-572) http://www.cds23.navy.mil/dyson.htm USS Braine (DD-630) http://www.cds23.navy.mil/uss_braine_dd630.htm The Fletcher Class destroyer http://www.cds23.navy.mil/fletchers.htm References: The Solomon's Campaign Cape St. George The Loss of the Spence (DD-512) "31- Knot Burke" COMDESRON THIRTY THREE (CDS 33) Commander Destroyer Squadron Thirty Three DESRON THIRTY THREE DESRON 33 DESRON THIRTY THREE  SHIP'S USS Brewton FF-1086 http://www.ussbrewton.com/index.htm USS BREWTON is a unit of Destroyer Squadron Thirty Three. The squadron's insignia colors are red, yellow, and black, traditional colors of Hawaii's former royalty. Featured in its simple design are the Hawaiian Tiki God, which was used to warn strangers and trespassers to keep away from tribal territory. The other feature in the insignia is the Hawaiian war canoe, which was manned only by the strongest and best men of the tribe. http://www.ussbrewton.com/page11.htm The mission of USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG-48) is "To provide self defense and effectively supplement planned and existing escorts in the protection of underway replenishment groups, amphibious forces and military and mercantile shipping against subsurface, air and surface threats; to conduct ASW operations in conjunction with other control forces tasked to ensure our use of essential sea lanes of communications; and be the best at it." From 01 anuary to 06 January 1995, VANDEGRIFT was commanded by CDR David C. Harrison. From 07 January to 31 December 1995, VANDEGRIFT was commanded by CDR Joseph A. Corsi. VANDEGRIFT was homeported in San Diego, CA and was under the administrative command of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Three-Three until Commander, Destroyer Squadron Thirty-Three was disestablished on 1 October of 1995 and then came under the administrative command of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Two-Three,("The Little Beavers"). l3XLL.L [/b]COMDESRON THIRTY THREE HISTORY[/b] In September 1942, Commander Stout became Commissioning Commanding Officer of the destroyer USS CLAXTON (DD 571), which operated with Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-THREE ("Little Beaver" Squadron) in the Solomons. http://www.ddg55.com/docs/bio.htm [/b]DESRON TWO THREE SHIPS[/b] USS CHAFEE (DDG-90) http://www.chafee.navy.mil/default.aspx   Focus on USS Chafee (DDG 90) http://www.news.navy.mil/local/ddg90 USS Chafee (DDG 90) Story Archive http://www.news.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=275 USS Chafee (DDG 90) History http://navysite.de/dd/ddg90.htm USS Chafee (DDG 90) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/01090.htm USS CHAFEE is the 12th Flight IIA ARLEIGH BURKE - class guided missile destroyer and the first ship in the Navy to bear the name. USS HIGGINS (DDG-76) http://www.higgins.navy.mil/default.aspx Focus on USS Higgins (DDG 76) http://www.news.navy.mil/local/ddg76 USS Higgins (DDG 76) Story Archive http://www.news.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=235 USS Higgins (DDG 76) History http://navysite.de/dd/ddg76.htm USS Higgins (DDG 76) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/01076.htm USS HIGGINS is the 26th ship in the ARLEIGH BURKE - class of guided missile destroyers and the first ship in the Navy named after Marine Corps Colonel William R. Higgins. USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG-53) http://www.john-paul-jones.navy.mil/default.aspx Focus on USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) http://www.news.navy.mil/local/ddg53 USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=342   USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) History http://navysite.de/dd/ddg53.htm USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/01053.htm USS JOHN PAUL JONES is the third ship in the ARLEIGH BURKE-class of guided missile destroyers and was the first AEGIS destroyer to join the Pacific Fleet. USS PINCKNEY (DDG-91) http://www.pinckney.navy.mil/default.aspx Focus on Commander, Naval Surface Force   http://www.navy.mil/local/cnsp USS Pinckney (DDG-91) History http://navysite.de/dd/ddg91.htm USS Pinckney (DDG-91) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/01091.htm USS PINCKNEY is the 13th Flight IIA ARLEIGH BURKE - class guided missile destroyer and the first ship in the Navy named after Navy Cook Third Class William Pinckney, (1915-1975), recipient of the Navy Cross for his courageous rescue of a fellow crewmember onboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CV 6) during the Battle of Santa Cruz. FORMER: USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG-48) http://www.vandegrift.navy.mil USS Vandegrift (FFG-48) History http://navysite.de/ffg/FFG48.HTM USS Vandegrift (FFG-48) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/07/0748.htm USS VANDEGRIFT is the 38th PERRY class guided missile frigate and the seventh ship in that class built by Todd in Seattle. In March 1998, the VANDEGRIFT shifted homeport from San Diego, Calif., to Yokosuka, Japan, becoming a forward deployed naval unit of the US Seventh Fleet. VANDEGRIFT served in this role for more than 8 years and on August 14, 2006, she left Yokosuka en-route to her new old homeport of San Diego, Calif. _________________ U. S. Navy Veteran  August 1977 to July 1983 Yoeman Second Class, with student pilot's license
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