USS John W. Weeks (DD-701)

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS John W. Weeks (DD-701)

USS John W. Weeks (DD-701) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in September 1944. Named in honor of Rear Admiral John W. Weeks, the ship served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the Battle of Okinawa and providing vital escort and gunfire support. Following the war, John W. Weeks was active during the Korean War and later assignments during the Cold War, including Mediterranean and Atlantic deployments. The ship was decommissioned in 1970, concluding over two decades of dedicated service to the U.S. Navy.

Unit Members

Richard Riddlebarger

U.S. Navy

USS John W. Weeks (DD-701)View Profile

Kenneth Lucero

U.S. Navy

USS John W. Weeks (DD-701)View Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About USS John W. Weeks (DD-701)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake Legacy: USS John W. Weeks (DD-701) was named after John W. Weeks, a U.S. Senator and Secretary of War, honoring his contributions to American military policy. • Allen M. Sumner-class Destroyer: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, part of a class renowned for their improved armament and anti-aircraft capabilities during World War II. • Launched in 1944: The destroyer was launched on December 21, 1944, at Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company in Kearny, New Jersey, and commissioned in January 1945. • Okinawa Campaign: USS John W. Weeks participated in the intense Okinawa campaign, providing crucial anti-aircraft and shore bombardment support during one of the war’s bloodiest battles. • Kamikaze Defense: She played a vital role in defending Allied ships from kamikaze attacks, shooting down several enemy aircraft through her service. • Post-WWII Service: After World War II, the ship served in the Atlantic Fleet and participated in Cold War operations, including training cruises and NATO exercises. • Korean War Duty: USS John W. Weeks saw action during the Korean War, conducting patrols, bombardments, and supporting United Nations operations off the Korean Peninsula. • Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, she was part of the naval quarantine during the Cuban Missile Crisis, enforcing the U.S. blockade against Soviet missile shipments to Cuba. • Rescue Missions: The destroyer performed numerous search and rescue operations at sea, including saving downed aviators and assisting distressed vessels. • Decommissioning and Fate: USS John W. Weeks was decommissioned in 1970 and sold for scrap in 1973, ending over 25 years of distinguished service.