The USS Maddox (DD 731) was a distinguished ship in the United States Navy, built during a period of significant naval expansion and technological advancement. Constructed at the Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, renowned for its craftsmanship and efficiency, the ship's construction began on October 28, 1943. It was launched on March 19, 1944, and commissioned on June 2, 1944. The USS Maddox symbolized America's efforts to strengthen its naval power during World War II. Named after Captain William A. T. Maddox, a revered figure in the early United States Marine Corps, the ship honored his courageous service in the Mexican-American War and Seminole Wars. This naming decision aimed to inspire bravery and commitment among the crew, reflecting Captain Maddox's values of valor and leadership. The practice of naming ships after esteemed military figures helped connect the Navy’s present with its storied past, fostering a culture of honor and continuity.
As a Sumner-class destroyer, the USS Maddox was distinguished by features that set it apart from other classes of ships. The Sumner class was an upgrade from the Fletcher class, with a wider beam and enhanced anti-aircraft weaponry. The Maddox was equipped with six 5-inch/38 caliber guns, twelve 40mm anti-aircraft guns, and eleven 20mm anti-aircraft cannons, making it a formidable opponent against both surface and aerial threats. Its radar and sonar systems further enhanced its detection and tracking capabilities for both offensive and defensive operations. The USS Maddox’s legacy within the U.S. Navy is shaped by its active participation in multiple conflicts and its role in the evolution of naval warfare. It saw service during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, adapting to the changing challenges of each conflict. A particularly notable moment in its history was its involvement in the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964, which significantly escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. This event underscored the ship's value and highlighted the geopolitical importance of naval operations.
Part of the Sumner class of destroyers, the USS Maddox was primarily designed for submarine warfare and surface combat. These destroyers were intended to provide reliable support for fleet operations, capable of engaging enemy submarines, aircraft, and surface vessels. They were also tasked with escorting convoys and protecting capital ships from potential threats. The design and weaponry of the USS Maddox exemplified the critical role destroyers played in the Navy’s strategy for maintaining control over the seas. Commissioned on June 2, 1944, the USS Maddox quickly became a valuable asset in the U.S. Navy’s fleet. Its service life spanned over three decades, during which both the ship and its crew encountered numerous challenges and made substantial contributions to naval history. The commissioning ceremony was a moment of pride and anticipation, as the ship officially joined the Navy’s ranks, ready to carry out its mission of safeguarding American interests and maintaining security.
Steel Sentinel: Unveiling the Structure, Technology, and Arsenal of USS Maddox DD-731
The USS Maddox (DD 731) was part of the Sumner-class destroyer group, known for its robust construction and adaptability during both World War II and the Cold War era. Measuring 376 feet in length and 40 feet in width, the ship provided a versatile platform for various naval operations. Its hull, made of high-tensile steel, struck a balance between durability and weight, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 34 knots. The superstructure was specifically designed to accommodate advanced radar and communication systems, enhancing its capabilities for both offensive and defensive missions.
In terms of technology, the USS Maddox was equipped with cutting-edge systems for its time. One of its key features was the Mark 37 Gun Fire Control System, which significantly improved its targeting accuracy. This system incorporated radar and optical rangefinders, allowing the Maddox to engage enemy targets even in challenging conditions. Additionally, it was equipped with the SG surface search radar and SC air search radar, ensuring situational awareness and the ability to detect potential threats at sea. These technological advancements transformed the USS Maddox into a formidable vessel, capable of swiftly identifying and responding to threats.
The USS Maddox was armed with a variety of weapons that showcased its versatility and effectiveness in different roles. Its primary armament included six 5-inch/38 caliber guns housed in three turrets, which were effective against both air and surface targets, providing the ship with both offensive and defensive capabilities. Complementing these were twelve 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns and eleven 20mm Oerlikon cannons, offering strong protection against enemy aircraft. This formidable arsenal made the USS Maddox a vital asset during World War II’s decisive naval battles.
In addition to its gun armament, the USS Maddox was equipped with torpedo and anti-submarine capabilities. It featured ten torpedo tubes in two sets of five, capable of launching Mark 15 torpedoes against enemy ships. For anti-submarine warfare, the ship was outfitted with depth charge projectors and racks, allowing it to effectively counter underwater threats. This comprehensive armament ensured that the USS Maddox could undertake a wide range of missions, from surface combat to neutralizing submarine threats, cementing its role as a valuable asset in the U.S. Navy.
USS Maddox DD-731 Crew Member Reports of Time Aboard
The USS Maddox (DD-731) holds a rich tapestry of memories from its crew members, spanning from World War II through the Vietnam War and into the early 1970s. These recollections, shared in the ship's guestbook, paint a vivid picture of life aboard the destroyer, highlighting moments of camaraderie, tragedy, and the everyday experiences of naval service.
**World War II and Early Years:**
John French Cameron recalls his father, John F. Cameron, who served as a SONAR operator during World War II. He fondly remembers his father's stories about his friend Louis Latham, who was lost on January 21, 1945. Mel Jones, a Machinist Mate 3rd Class, recounts a harrowing incident when the ship was hit by a Japanese suicide pilot, resulting in the loss of eight crew members and injuries to three others. Richard Keefe, another WWII veteran, reminisces about his time in China, capturing a moment with a fellow sailor, Art Johanson, in a rickshaw.
**1950s and 1960s:**
The 1950s saw Alex Castillo serving as a Seaman (SN) in 1955, recalling a tragic event when the ship was hit by a missile from shore, resulting in the loss of a shipmate. Bennett Clark, who served as a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LT(jg)) in 1958, expresses a desire to reconnect with former shipmates, reflecting on his roles in damage control and engineering.
The 1960s brought a mix of routine and significant events. Clifford Gillespie, a Fireman (FN) in 1963, shares his transition from a Boiler Technician to a cook after suffering from heat stroke. Ronald Jones, who served from 1962 to 1966, provides a colorful account of his post-Navy life, including a long career in corrections and his current pursuits in cold case investigations and farming.
Tom O'Donohoe, a Machinist Mate 3rd Class (MM3) in 1966, nostalgically lists his shipmates, wondering about their whereabouts. Wade Sanders, who served as Damage Control Assistant (DCA) and R Division Officer from 1966 to 1967, describes the Maddox as a "well-aged lady" held together by "promise and spit," yet still a formidable vessel. He later transitioned to a distinguished career in law and military affairs.
**Vietnam War Era:**
The Vietnam War era saw the Maddox actively engaged in operations. Joseph Dugan, a Quartermaster 3rd Class (QM3) in 1968, recalls a memorable WESTPAC cruise and the companionship of a ship's dog named 'LB' (Long Beach). Gus Pantelides, who served from 1967 to 1969, highlights the ship's involvement during the Tet Offensive and its collaboration with the battleship New Jersey. He fondly remembers the various ports of call, including Hawaii, Midway, Guam, Sasebo, Japan, Hong Kong, and Subic Bay.
Donald Du Bois, a Boatswain's Mate Seaman (BMSN) in 1965, expresses a longing to reconnect with shipmates and reminisces about his time in boot camp and subsequent transfer to Danang in 1966. Eugene Schmidt, a Machinist Mate 2nd Class (MM2) in 1965, briefly served on the Maddox and enjoyed the change from carrier duty to the smaller destroyer.
**1970s and Decommissioning:**
The early 1970s saw the Maddox transitioning to a Reserve Training ship. Rex Frost, an Electrician's Mate 2nd Class (EM2) in 1970, enjoyed his tour, which included trips to Acapulco, Mazatlán, and Portland, Oregon. He notes that the ship was scheduled to go to Hawaii but was decommissioned before the trip could happen.
Joseph Draugelis, a Storekeeper 3rd Class (SK3) in 1972, recalls his transfer from NAVCOMSTA HEH Exmouth, West Australia, to the Maddox. Daniel Till, a Seaman Recruit (SR) in 1972, shares his experience of being temporarily assigned to the Maddox while waiting for the USS Wichita to return from deployment.
**Miscellaneous Memories:**
Jim Draper, a Storekeeper Seaman (SKSN) in 1969, humorously mentions his role as 'Jack of the Dust' and his part-time job at Sears Auto in Long Beach. Benjamin Steagall, an Electrician's Mate Petty Officer 3rd Class (EM3) in 1969, reflects on his assignment to the Maddox after surviving a collision between the USS Frank E. Evans and the HMAS Melbourne. He notes the ship's role in reserve training and memorial cruises.
Dennis Stokhaug, a Damage Controlman 3rd Class (DC3) in 1961, invites former crew members to join the Maddox Association and attend reunions. William Stose, a Seaman Apprentice (SA) in 1968, describes the ship's transition to a Reserve Ship Type II and its frequent deployments.
These collective memories from the crew of the USS Maddox (DD-731) offer a poignant and multifaceted glimpse into the life of a naval destroyer and its sailors over several decades. From the intense battles of World War II to the routine and camaraderie of peacetime service, the stories of the Maddox's crew reflect the enduring spirit and resilience of those who served aboard her.
USS Maddox DD-731: Evolution of a Naval Sentinel
The USS Maddox (DD 731) underwent several upgrades throughout its service life, ensuring it remained a valuable asset to the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1944 as a Sumner-class destroyer, the Maddox was initially equipped with radar and sonar systems suited for the technology of its time. In the 1950s, the ship underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) upgrade, which significantly enhanced its submarine warfare capabilities. These upgrades included the installation of advanced sonar equipment, the addition of ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) launchers, and the integration of DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) systems. These improvements extended the ship’s operational lifespan and greatly enhanced its ability to detect and counter underwater threats.
The USS Maddox's mission capabilities evolved alongside these upgrades. Originally designed for aircraft and anti-submarine warfare, its role expanded to include shore bombardment and surface action missions. During the Korean War, the Maddox provided naval gunfire support for ground forces, demonstrating its versatility and firepower. In the 1960s, the ship participated in intelligence-gathering operations, which eventually led to its involvement in the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964. This event, in which the Maddox claimed it was attacked by torpedo boats, was a pivotal moment that escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The Maddox’s ability to adapt to various mission types underscored its importance to the Navy.
The USS Maddox made significant contributions to the fleet, showcasing its flexibility and durability in various contexts. During World War II, the ship participated in operations in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Okinawa, where it defended against aircraft and provided support for amphibious landings. Its performance in these missions earned the ship multiple battle stars. Following the war, the Maddox continued to serve as part of the U.S. Navy’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region, participating in patrols and exercises aimed at deterring communist expansion during the Cold War. The ship’s presence in these waters helped maintain stability and demonstrated American naval strength.
Beyond combat and patrol duties, the USS Maddox also played an important role in promoting diplomatic relations. It participated in goodwill missions and port visits, fostering stronger connections with other nations. During these visits, the crew often engaged in community outreach and humanitarian activities, further enhancing America’s reputation overseas. The Maddox’s long and distinguished history, marked by its upgrades, versatile mission capabilities, and significant contributions to both wartime and peacetime efforts, highlights the lasting impact of the Sumner-class destroyers within the U.S. Navy.
USS Maddox DD-731: A Legacy of Valor and Vigilance on the High Seas
The USS Maddox (DD 731) had a storied history, marked by key missions and significant contributions to major conflicts. Launched in 1944, the Maddox saw active combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It participated in operations such as the Battle of Okinawa and the Philippines campaign, providing essential naval gunfire support and defending against air attacks. The ship’s involvement underscored the vital role destroyers played in U.S. Navy tactics, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities that were crucial to the success of amphibious assaults and naval engagements.
One of the Maddox’s most notable moments came during the Vietnam War, when it played a pivotal role in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August 1964. While conducting a DESOTO patrol, the Maddox reported being attacked by torpedo boats, an event that significantly escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam. This incident led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which granted President Lyndon B. Johnson the authority to expand U.S. presence in Vietnam. The Maddox’s involvement at this juncture highlights its impact on U.S. military strategy and Cold War-era policy.
Throughout its service, the USS Maddox earned numerous awards and commendations, reflecting both its performance and the bravery of its crew members. In World War II, the ship was honored with four battle stars for its contributions to combat operations. During the Korean War, it earned another battle star for its support in bombardments and missions. The ship’s service in Vietnam also brought recognition, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Service Medal with campaign stars. These accolades underscore the enduring legacy of the Maddox and the dedication of its crew.
In addition to its combat duties, the USS Maddox participated in peacetime activities and exercises that enhanced operational readiness and global presence. The ship engaged in training sessions, goodwill visits, and joint drills with allied navies, fostering cooperation and strengthening maritime security. The Maddox’s diverse operational history illustrates how U.S. Navy destroyers adapt to various mission types, ranging from high-intensity combat to peaceful diplomatic engagements. Its illustrious career stands as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of naval forces in safeguarding national interests and promoting global stability.
USS Maddox DD-731 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Allen M Sumner Class Destroyer |
| Commissioned | June 2, 1944 |
| Displacement | 3,218 tons |
| Length | 376.5 feet |
| Beam | 40.7 feet |
| Draft | 14.2 feet |
| Speed | 36.5 knots |
| Complement | 345 |