About this Unit
USS KIDD (DD-661) is a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy on April 23, 1943. Named after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the KIDD served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Marianas, Philippines, and Okinawa. The destroyer earned twelve battle stars for its service and survived a kamikaze attack off Okinawa in April 1945. After the war, KIDD was decommissioned, later recommissioned for service during the Korean War, and today serves as a museum ship in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Historical Facts
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Named After a Fallen Hero: USS KIDD (DD-661) was named in honor of Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, who was killed on the bridge of USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
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Fletcher-class Destroyer: USS KIDD is a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most famous and numerous destroyer classes used by the US Navy during World War II.
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Commissioned in 1943: The ship was commissioned on April 23, 1943, and served actively during World War II, the Korean War, and the early Cold War period.
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Pirate Legacy: USS KIDD’s crew adopted the pirate Captain Kidd as their mascot, flying the Jolly Roger and decorating the ship with pirate imagery, earning her the nickname "Pirate of the Pacific."
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Survived Kamikaze Attack: On April 11, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, USS KIDD was struck by a kamikaze aircraft, resulting in 38 deaths and 55 wounded, but the ship survived and was repaired.
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Earned Battle Stars: During World War II, USS KIDD earned 12 battle stars for her service, a testament to her active and distinguished combat record.
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Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, USS KIDD provided naval gunfire support and patrolled the Korean peninsula, earning an additional 4 battle stars.
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Preserved as a Museum Ship: Decommissioned in 1964, USS KIDD was saved from scrapping and is now preserved as a museum ship in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, serving as a memorial to all American veterans.
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Only Restored WWII Destroyer: USS KIDD is the only Fletcher-class destroyer restored to her World War II configuration, making her an invaluable educational and historical resource.
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Hollywood Star: USS KIDD has appeared in several films and documentaries, including the 2001 movie Flags of Our Fathers and the 2020 film Greyhound starring Tom Hanks.
