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History of USS Shields (DD-596)

USS Shields (DD-596) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in February 1945. She served in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II, providing escort, screening, and shore bombardment support during operations off Okinawa and in the East China Sea. After the war, Shields participated in occupation duties in Japan before decommissioning in 1946. Recommissioned during the Korean War, she continued to serve through the Cold War era until being transferred to the Mexican Navy in 1972.

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ABOUT USS Shields (DD-596)

  • Namesake: USS Shields (DD-596) was named in honor of Marine Private James Shields, who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I.
  • Class and Type: Shields was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most successful and numerous destroyer classes used by the U.S. Navy during World War II.
  • Launch and Commission: The ship was launched on 20 May 1944 by Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company in Seattle, Washington, and commissioned on 8 September 1944.
  • World War II Service: USS Shields participated in the Pacific Theater, providing escort for carriers, performing antisubmarine patrols, and supporting amphibious landings, notably during the invasion of Okinawa.
  • Kamikaze Attack: On 12 April 1945, while on radar picket duty off Okinawa, Shields was attacked by Japanese kamikaze aircraft but managed to evade serious damage, showcasing the crew's skill and resilience.
  • Post-War Decommissioning: After the end of World War II, Shields was decommissioned and placed in reserve on 5 July 1946.
  • Korean War Recommissioning: With the outbreak of the Korean War, USS Shields was recommissioned on 15 February 1951, serving mostly in the Pacific and with the 7th Fleet in East Asia.
  • Cold War Operations: Throughout the 1950s, the destroyer participated in training exercises, patrols, and goodwill visits, helping to project American naval power during the early Cold War era.
  • International Service: In 1960, USS Shields was transferred to the Brazilian Navy and renamed Pará (D27), where she served until 1972.
  • Awarded Honors: USS Shields earned two battle stars for her service during World War II, a testament to the ship's involvement in significant and dangerous combat operations.

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