About this Unit
USS Bache (DD/DDE-470) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in November 1942. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations such as the Solomon Islands campaign, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the Okinawa campaign, where she survived a devastating kamikaze attack. After the war, Bache was converted to an escort destroyer (DDE) and served during the Cold War, including deployments in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Her service ended after she was wrecked by grounding during a storm off Rhodes, Greece, in 1968, and she was subsequently decommissioned and scrapped.
Historical Facts
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Fletcher-class Destroyer: USS Bache (DD/DDE-470) was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the largest and most successful classes of destroyers used by the US Navy during World War II.
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Named After Admiral George M. Bache: The ship was named in honor of Rear Admiral George M. Bache, a distinguished naval officer who served in the American Civil War.
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Commissioned in 1942: USS Bache was launched on 7 July 1942 and commissioned on 14 November 1942, joining the Pacific Fleet during a crucial phase of World War II.
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Guadalcanal Campaign: Bache participated in the Solomon Islands Campaign, supporting landings and conducting anti-submarine and anti-aircraft operations around Guadalcanal.
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Battle of Empress Augusta Bay: On 1–2 November 1943, Bache took part in the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, a pivotal night naval engagement that helped secure Allied control over Bougainville Island.
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Kamikaze Attack at Okinawa: On 13 May 1945, while on radar picket duty off Okinawa, Bache was struck by a kamikaze aircraft, resulting in significant damage and casualties, but her crew managed to keep her afloat.
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Reclassified as DDE-470: After World War II, Bache was modernized and reclassified as a destroyer escort (DDE-470) in 1951, reflecting her new role in anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War.
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Suez Crisis Deployment: In 1956, Bache was deployed to the eastern Mediterranean during the Suez Crisis, helping to evacuate American citizens and support peacekeeping operations.
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Wrecked at Rhodes: On 6 February 1968, while anchored off Rhodes, Greece, a fierce storm drove Bache aground, breaking her hull. Salvage was deemed impossible, and she was decommissioned and scrapped in place.
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Battle Stars: USS Bache earned 10 battle stars for her World War II service, highlighting her extensive and distinguished combat record in the Pacific Theater.
