DD 413 USS Mustin WWII & Admiral's Staff Hunter Killer Task Force 81 Korean War

• USS Mustin (DD-413) Namesake: The ship was named after Henry C. Mustin, a pioneering naval aviator and advocate for naval aviation, whose legacy is reflected in the Mustin family’s continued service to the U.S. Navy. • Early WWII Service: Commissioned in 1939, USS Mustin was present at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, but was moored at San Diego at the time, escaping direct involvement. • Battle of the Coral Sea: Mustin played a critical screening role during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942, helping to protect aircraft carriers from enemy submarines and air attacks. • Guadalcanal Campaign: The destroyer participated in the Solomon Islands campaign, escorting convoys and engaging in night battles, including the Battle of Savo Island where Allied ships suffered heavy losses. • Rescue Missions: Mustin was involved in several rescue operations, saving survivors from damaged or sinking vessels, showcasing the humanitarian aspect of naval warfare. • Technological Upgrades: Throughout WWII, Mustin received significant upgrades in radar and anti-aircraft weaponry, adapting to evolving threats and maintaining its effectiveness in combat. • Admiral’s Staff – Task Force 81 (Korean War): Task Force 81, also known as a “Hunter-Killer” group, was instrumental in anti-submarine warfare and coastal bombardments, supporting UN operations in Korea. • Hunter-Killer Operations: The Task Force operated as a mobile strike group, combining destroyers, escort carriers, and submarines to hunt enemy submarines and disrupt North Korean supply lines. • Staff Coordination: Serving on an Admiral’s staff within Task Force 81 involved high-level planning and coordination of complex naval operations, intelligence gathering, and real-time tactical decisions. • Legacy and Honors: USS Mustin (DD-413) and the contributions of Task Force 81’s staff are remembered for their courage, adaptability, and impact on naval tactics; Mustin earned three battle stars for her WWII service.