USS Black (DD-666)

• Namesake: USS Black (DD-666) was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Hugh Black, who was killed in action during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in November 1942. • Hull Number: The destroyer’s hull number, 666, is often associated with superstition and has given the ship a unique place in naval lore. • Class: USS Black was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most successful and widely used destroyer classes during World War II. • Commissioning: She was launched on March 28, 1943, and commissioned on May 21, 1943, at the Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey. • World War II Service: USS Black participated in key Pacific campaigns, including operations in the Marshall Islands, Marianas, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. • Kamikaze Encounters: During the Okinawa campaign, USS Black faced numerous kamikaze attacks and played a vital role in anti-aircraft defense. • Rescue Missions: The ship rescued survivors from the cruiser USS Princeton (CVL-23) after it was hit during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. • Korean War Service: After World War II, USS Black was recommissioned and served during the Korean War, providing gunfire support and participating in blockade operations. • Decommissioning: USS Black was finally decommissioned on May 1, 1969, and struck from the Naval Vessel Register the same day. • Legacy: USS Black earned five battle stars for her World War II service and two for her actions during the Korean War, marking her as a distinguished vessel in U.S. naval history.