About this Unit
USS HAAS (DE-424) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Launched in February 1944 and commissioned in May 1944, USS HAAS was primarily assigned to escort convoys and provide anti-submarine protection in the Pacific Theater. The ship participated in operations supporting the liberation of the Philippines, including screening duties and patrols. After the war, USS HAAS was decommissioned in June 1946 and placed in reserve, later struck from the Navy list in 1972.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Haas (DE-424) was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander William Frederick Haas, a naval aviator killed in action during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in 1942.
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Class: The ship was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort, a class known for its anti-submarine warfare capabilities and convoy protection roles during World War II.
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Construction: USS Haas was built at Brown Shipbuilding Company in Houston, Texas. Her keel was laid down on 16 January 1944, and she was launched just a few months later on 19 February 1944.
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Commissioning: The ship was officially commissioned into service on 2 June 1944, with Lieutenant Commander Charles W. Aldrich, USNR, in command.
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Pacific Service: Haas served primarily in the Pacific Theater during World War II, escorting convoys between the West Coast of the United States and Pacific islands such as Eniwetok, Ulithi, and Leyte.
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Kamikaze Threat: The ship frequently operated in waters threatened by Japanese submarines and kamikaze attacks, ensuring the safe passage of vital supply and troop convoys.
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Rescue Operations: On several occasions, USS Haas participated in rescue operations, including saving survivors from torpedoed merchant vessels and assisting damaged ships.
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Post-war Duties: After the Japanese surrender, Haas continued to serve in the Far East, transporting occupation forces and supporting the demobilization of Allied troops.
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Decommissioning: USS Haas was decommissioned on 15 June 1946 and transferred to the reserve fleet, never returning to active duty.
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Final Fate: The ship remained in reserve until she was struck from the Navy list on 1 September 1966 and was sold for scrap in 1968, ending her story as a piece of naval history.
