USS Rowe (DD-564)

• Namesake: USS Rowe (DD-564) was named in honor of Lieutenant John Rowe, a distinguished officer in the United States Navy who served during the Quasi-War with France and the War of 1812. • Class and Type: USS Rowe was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most prolific and successful classes of destroyers built and operated by the U.S. Navy during World War II. • Launched and Commissioned: The ship was launched on July 30, 1943, by the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation and commissioned on March 13, 1944. • World War II Service: USS Rowe participated in key Pacific Theater operations, including the invasions of the Marianas, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, often providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine screening for carrier task forces. • Kamikaze Defense: While operating off Okinawa, Rowe was repeatedly attacked by Japanese kamikaze aircraft but successfully avoided direct hits through skillful maneuvering and effective anti-aircraft fire. • Rescue Operations: The destroyer played a crucial role in rescuing downed pilots and crew members from waters under enemy threat, saving numerous lives during her wartime patrols and engagements. • Post-War Occupation Duty: After the Japanese surrender, USS Rowe served as part of the occupation forces in Japanese waters, helping to maintain stability and support demilitarization efforts. • Korean War Reactivation: Rowe was recommissioned in 1951 for service during the Korean War, performing escort, patrol, and training duties along the U.S. East Coast and in the Mediterranean as part of the 6th Fleet. • Decommissioning and Fate: USS Rowe was decommissioned for the final time on April 30, 1959, struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1972, and was eventually sold for scrap in 1974. • Battle Stars: For her distinguished service during World War II, USS Rowe earned four battle stars, recognizing her significant contributions to major campaigns and naval operations.