About this Unit
USS Abbot (DD-629) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1943. She served extensively in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations including the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Mariana Islands, and the Philippines. Abbot provided crucial fire support, screened aircraft carriers, and engaged in anti-submarine patrols throughout the conflict. After the war, she supported occupation duties in Japan before being decommissioned in 1946, later serving in the Atlantic Fleet during the 1950s before her final decommissioning in 1957.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Abbot (DD-629) was named in honor of Commodore Joel Abbot, a distinguished officer in the United States Navy who served with valor during the War of 1812 and the Second Barbary War.
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Class and Type: The ship was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most famous and numerous classes of destroyers used by the US Navy during World War II.
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Commissioning: USS Abbot was launched on February 28, 1943, by Bath Iron Works in Maine and commissioned on April 23, 1943, with Commander Edwin R. Wilkinson in command.
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Pearl Harbor Arrival: After shakedown and transit through the Panama Canal, Abbot arrived at Pearl Harbor in October 1943 to join the Pacific Fleet, entering the thick of World War II operations.
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Gilbert and Marshall Islands Campaigns: USS Abbot participated in the invasions of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, providing gunfire support and anti-aircraft screening for amphibious landings.
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Survived Kamikaze Attacks: During the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, Abbot was on radar picket duty and faced several kamikaze attacks, narrowly escaping damage thanks to her anti-aircraft gunners.
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Supporting Borneo Landings: In July 1945, she provided fire support for Australian forces during the Balikpapan landings, the last major amphibious assault of World War II.
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WWII Service Recognition: For her World War II service, USS Abbot earned six battle stars, a testament to her active and distinguished role throughout the conflict.
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Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, Abbot served again with the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, providing gunfire support, screening carriers, and conducting patrols until 1957.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Abbot was decommissioned on January 26, 1962, and later sold for scrap in 1975, concluding over two decades of service to the US Navy.
