USS HAAS (DE-424)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • Commissioning: The ship was officially commissioned into service on 2 June 1944, with Lieutenant Commander Charles W. Aldrich, USNR, in command. • 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. • 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. • Rescue Operations: On several occasions, USS Haas participated in rescue operations, including saving survivors from torpedoed merchant vessels and assisting damaged ships. • 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. • Decommissioning: USS Haas was decommissioned on 15 June 1946 and transferred to the reserve fleet, never returning to active duty. • 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.