About this Unit
USS Newell (DE-332/DER-332) was an Edsall-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. During World War II, she served primarily as a convoy escort in the Atlantic, protecting Allied shipping from German U-boats. After the war, Newell was decommissioned but later recommissioned and converted to a radar picket ship (DER-332) during the Cold War, serving in the Pacific as part of the early warning defense network. She was finally decommissioned in 1968, after a distinguished career spanning both World War II and Cold War service.
Historical Facts
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USS Newell (DE-322 / DER-332): The USS Newell was originally commissioned as a destroyer escort (DE-322), later reclassified as a radar picket escort ship (DER-332) during her service life.
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Named After a Hero: She was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Byron Bruce Newell, who was killed in action during the Battle of the Coral Sea in World War II.
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World War II Service: USS Newell escorted Atlantic convoys and participated in anti-submarine warfare, helping to protect Allied shipping from German U-boats.
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Rescue Operations: On December 20, 1944, she rescued 52 survivors from the torpedoed SS George W. McKnight in the North Atlantic, showcasing her vital role in humanitarian efforts.
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Post-War Decommissioning: Following the end of World War II, the USS Newell was decommissioned in 1946 but was later recommissioned in 1951 due to the Korean War and Cold War tensions.
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Radar Picket Conversion: In 1957, USS Newell was converted to a radar picket ship, equipped with advanced radar to serve as an early warning vessel against potential air attacks during the Cold War.
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Pacific Barrier Duty: As a DER, she was assigned to the Pacific Barrier, a line of radar picket ships and aircraft stretching from Alaska to Hawaii, designed to detect Soviet bombers.
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Vietnam War Service: USS Newell supported Operation Market Time, conducting coastal patrols to interdict the flow of supplies to North Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War.
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Humanitarian Missions: During her Vietnam service, the Newell also conducted search and rescue missions, saving the lives of Vietnamese fishermen and refugees.
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Final Decommissioning: After a distinguished career spanning over two decades and multiple conflicts, USS Newell was decommissioned for the final time in 1970 and was later scrapped.
