About this Unit
The USS Bigelow (DD-942) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Elmer Charles Bigelow, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in various fleet exercises and NATO operations during the Cold War. Bigelow was notable for her role in the naval quarantine during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and for providing gunfire support during the Vietnam War. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1982 and eventually scrapped in 1992.
Historical Facts
•
Namesake: USS Bigelow (DD-942) was named after Elmer Charles Bigelow, a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic actions aboard USS Fletcher during World War II, where he sacrificed his life to save his ship from a magazine fire.
•
Class and Type: The USS Bigelow was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, one of 18 ships in the class, known for their advanced (for the era) armament and design.
•
Commissioning: USS Bigelow was commissioned on 8 November 1957 at the Boston Naval Shipyard, with Commander Edward J. Cummings as her first commanding officer.
•
Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, USS Bigelow participated in the naval quarantine of Cuba, enforcing the blockade and helping to prevent the delivery of Soviet missiles.
•
Vietnam War Service: Bigelow served multiple tours in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support for ground troops and participating in "Operation Sea Dragon" to interdict enemy supply lines.
•
First to Get ASROC: USS Bigelow was the first Forrest Sherman-class destroyer to be equipped with the ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) system, significantly enhancing her anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
•
Arctic Operations: In 1960, USS Bigelow participated in Operation "Amigo," which included Arctic Circle operations, showcasing the ship’s versatility in extreme environments.
•
Collision at Sea: On 14 January 1969, Bigelow collided with the USS Manley (DD-940) during night operations off the coast of North Carolina, resulting in damage but no fatalities.
•
Space Program Support: The destroyer served as a recovery ship for several early NASA missions, including supporting Mercury and Gemini missions as a backup recovery vessel in the Atlantic.
•
Decommissioning and Fate: USS Bigelow was decommissioned on 5 November 1982. After being held in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, she was sold for scrap in 1992, marking the end of her 25-year career.
