About this Unit
The USS Hazelwood (DD-531) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1943. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations such as the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Mariana Islands, and Okinawa. On April 29, 1945, while on radar picket duty off Okinawa, Hazelwood was severely damaged by a kamikaze attack, resulting in the loss of 77 crew members. After repairs, she continued service until her decommissioning in 1946, later being recommissioned for service during the Korean War before being finally decommissioned in 1960.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Hazelwood (DD-531) was named after Commodore John Hazelwood, a Revolutionary War naval officer noted for his defense of Philadelphia and his role in the establishment of the Continental Navy.
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Fletcher-class Destroyer: Hazelwood was one of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers built during World War II, known for their speed, firepower, and versatility.
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Commissioning Date: The ship was launched on November 20, 1942, and commissioned on June 18, 1943, at the Boston Navy Yard.
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Action in the Pacific: Hazelwood served extensively in the Pacific Theater, participating in the invasions of the Gilbert Islands, Marshall Islands, Marianas, and Iwo Jima.
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Kamikaze Attack: On April 29, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, Hazelwood was struck by a kamikaze plane, resulting in heavy damage and the loss of 77 crew members, including her commanding officer, Commander V.P. Douw.
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Heroic Damage Control: Despite the damage from the kamikaze attack, the crew managed to keep the ship afloat and she was eventually towed to safety, a testament to their training and bravery.
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Post-War Service: After repairs, Hazelwood served as a training ship and in anti-submarine warfare exercises before being decommissioned in 1946.
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Reactivation and Modernization: Hazelwood was reactivated for the Korean War in 1951, receiving updated radar and anti-submarine equipment, and served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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Early Guided Missile Work: In the late 1950s, Hazelwood was involved in testing early guided missile systems, reflecting the Navy's transition to new technologies during the Cold War.
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Final Fate: USS Hazelwood was decommissioned for the final time in 1960 and sold for scrap in 1974, after earning 10 battle stars for World War II service.
