USS Hazelwood (DD-531)

• 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. • Fletcher-class Destroyer: Hazelwood was one of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers built during World War II, known for their speed, firepower, and versatility. • Commissioning Date: The ship was launched on November 20, 1942, and commissioned on June 18, 1943, at the Boston Navy Yard. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Post-War Service: After repairs, Hazelwood served as a training ship and in anti-submarine warfare exercises before being decommissioned in 1946. • 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. • 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. • 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.