USS Bearss: A History of Naval Service from WWII to the Cold War
The USS Bearss served as a versatile asset for the United States Navy, spanning two critical eras of global conflict. From the frigid waters of the North Pacific during World War II to the high-stakes atmospheric testing of the Cold War, the vessel's history reflects the evolving strategic needs of the American fleet.
World War II Operations in the Pacific
The USS Bearss reported to the Pacific Fleet in July 1944, beginning its operational life in Hawaiian waters. By August 9, 1944, the ship arrived at Adak, Alaska, where it was integrated into Task Force 92 (TF 92) and Task Force 94 (TF 94). These units were primarily tasked with anti-shipping sweeps—operations designed to locate and destroy enemy vessels—and bombardments within the Kuril Islands.
Throughout the latter part of the war, the Bearss maintained a rigorous schedule of patrols in the Sea of Okhotsk and conducted multiple bombardments. Notable engagements included strikes on Matsuwa (November 21, 1944; March 16, 1945; and June 11–12, 1945), Suribachi Wan (January 5 and May 19, 1945), and Kurabu Wan (February 18, 1945). The ship also executed several anti-shipping sweeps between May and August 1945.
Following the cessation of hostilities, the Bearss arrived at Ominato, Honshū, on September 8, 1945, and patrolled the southern coast of Hokkaidō. The vessel returned to the United States, arriving in Charleston, South Carolina, on December 22, 1945. It was placed in commission in reserve on July 12, 1946, and officially moved out of commission in reserve on January 31, 1947. Interestingly, the ship was the assignment of Lt. Henry Fonda, who later became an award-winning actor.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Post-War Service and the Cold War Era
The USS Bearss was recommissioned on September 7, 1951, joining Destroyer Division 322 (DesDiv 322) and Destroyer Squadron 32 (DesRon 32) of the Atlantic Fleet. During this period, the ship conducted standard peacetime operations along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean. Its global reach was expanded through two Mediterranean cruises and a Far Eastern cruise from April to October 1954, completing a full circumnavigation of the globe.
Operation Argus and Atmospheric Testing
In August and September 1958, the Bearss was assigned to Task Force 88 (TF 88) for Operation Argus. This mission involved conducting nuclear tests in the very high atmosphere. The experiences of the crew during this unique operation were documented by Radarman Norman R. Ross in his book, Sixty Days Down Under.
Reserve Duty and the Cuban Missile Crisis
By 1960 or 1961, the Bearss was homeported in Norfolk and transitioned to a "reserve destroyer" status. This configuration utilized a skeleton crew of active-duty personnel supplemented by a reserve crew that drilled one weekend per month. This arrangement was put to the test during the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the reserve crew was called to active duty on October 23, 1961.
Under the command of CDR William Savage, USNR, the ship underwent refresher training at the Naval Base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, returning to Norfolk in January 1962. As part of the First Fleet's Task Force Bravo, the Bearss engaged in carrier screening and antisubmarine warfare (ASW) training—specialized tactics used to detect and neutralize enemy submarines—off the Virginia Capes. The reserve crew was released from active duty on August 1, 1962.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- WWII Focus: Operated primarily in the Kuril Islands and Sea of Okhotsk.
- Global Reach: Completed a world cruise between April and October 1954.
- Nuclear History: Participated in Operation Argus (1958) for high-atmosphere nuclear testing.
- Cold War Role: Activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1961.
- Notable Personnel: Served as the assigned ship for future actor Henry Fonda.
| Period/Date | Status/Operation | Location/Task |
|---|---|---|
| July 1944 – 1945 | Active Duty (WWII) | Kuril Islands, Sea of Okhotsk |
| 1946 – 1947 | Reserve Status | Charleston, S.C. |
| 1951 – 1960 | Recommissioned | Atlantic, Mediterranean, Far East |
| Aug – Sept 1958 | Operation Argus | High-atmosphere nuclear tests |
| Oct 1961 – Jan 1962 | Active Reserve | Cuban Missile Crisis / Guantánamo Bay |
| Dec 30, 1963 | Decommissioned | Final removal from service |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the USS Bearss operate during World War II?
The USS Bearss operated primarily in the North Pacific, specifically in Hawaiian waters, the Kuril Islands, and the Sea of Okhotsk, serving with Task Force 92 and Task Force 94.
What was the USS Bearss's role in Operation Argus?
As part of Task Force 88 in 1958, the USS Bearss supported the conduct of nuclear tests performed in the very high atmosphere.
How was the ship involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis?
The ship's reserve crew was called to active duty on October 23, 1961, leading to refresher training at Guantánamo Bay and subsequent carrier screening operations.
Who was the notable future celebrity associated with the ship?
The ship was assigned to Lt. Henry Fonda, who later became a world-renowned, award-winning actor.
When was the USS Bearss finally scrapped?
The ship was decommissioned on December 30, 1963, stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on December 1, 1974, and sold for scrap on April 14, 1976.