Midway: The heroes of DESRON 2

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USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - Monday June 6, 2011

Midway: The Heroes of DESRON 2

(Top) The destroyer USS Hammann (DD 412) after completion in 1939. (Bottom) Sailors from the USS Yorktown (CV 5) watch at the Hammann sink under the waves of the Pacific Ocean after being stuck by Japanese torpedoes during the Battle of Midway June 6, 1942.

Monday June 6, 2011

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Enterprise News

DESRON 2 played vital role at Midway

By MC2 Aaron Chase USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea – USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Sailors aren’t the only Sailors in the Enterprise Strike Group commemorating the Battle of Midway June 5. The Sailors of Destroyer Squadron 2 are marking another monument to the legacy of the U.S. Navy’s oldest destroyer squadron.

Five destroyers belonging to DESRON 2 took part in the Battle of Midway. USS Hammann (DD-412), USS Hughes (DD-410), USS Morris (DD-417), USS Anderson (DD-411) and USS Russell (DD-414) were all members of Task Group 17, headed up by USS Yorktown (CV 5).

As members of Yorktown’s task group, the destroyers were charged with protecting the carrier from air and submarine attacks. After Yorktown’s air squadrons destroyed the Japanese aircraft carrier Soryu, the carrier Hiryu launched a counterstrike.

DESRON 2 was there to defend.

During the repeated air assaults on Yorktown, the destroyer Hammann shielded Yorktown and fired repeated barrages of gunfire into the air, shooting down many of the attacking aircraft.

The valiant efforts of the Hammann crew could not stop the enemy bombers and torpedo planes from scoring hits upon Yorktown.

After two direct torpedo hits, Yorktown began to list heavily and had to be abandoned. Both Hughes and Hammann assisted in picking up survivors from the water and life rafts in the vicinity of

Yorktown.

Hammann went close astern of Yorktown and picked up the last of the survivors including Yorktown’s commanding officer, Captain Elliot Buckmaster. Eightly-seven total survivors were rescued

by Hammann.

When Yorktown looked to be salvageable despite its heavy damage, Hammann moored alongside the carrier, providing hoses and water for firefighting. After eight hours alongside, the fire was reported under control and two or three degrees of list had been removed from Yorktown.

Unfortunately, the Japanese submarine I-168 broke through the destroyer screen and hit both Hammann and Yorktown with torpedoes.

While Yorktown did not sink for another day, Hammann went down within four minutes after four torpedo hits. Over 80 men were lost during Hammann’s sinking.

Hammann’s crew received high praise for their efforts during Midway. According to DESRON 2’s official history, “During the action with enemy aircraft, all officers and men of the Hammann performed their duties with coolness, calmness, and efficiency.

Every man’s conduct was above reproach. During the phase when survivors were being removed from the Yorktown, all hands exerted themselves to the utmost in getting the men on board and in caring for them after they were on board.”

Cmdr. Arnold E. True, commanding officer of Hammann, received the Navy Cross and Distinguished Service Medal for his

U.S. Navy historical photograph

Cmdr. Arnold True, commanding officer of USS Hammann (DD 412) recieved the Navy Cross and Distinguished Service medal for his performance while in command of Hammann during the Battles of Coral Sea and Midway.

performance while in command during Midway and the Battle of the Coral Sea. Capt. Joseph J. Leonard, current deputy commodore of DESRON 2, notes that these valiant efforts are just part of the rich history of DESRON 2 which includes 145 battle stars.

“DESRON 2 Sailors now carry the torch from those DESRON 2 Sailors from World War II,” said Leonard.

“Imagine under the strain of battle, going alongside an aircraft carrier on fire, listing and trying to aid and assist them. It was heroic. That is the legacy we have to live up to.”

Leonard also noted the shared legacy between DESRON 2 and Enterprise that started at Midway. During the battle, a plane crashed in

the water about two miles ahead of Hammann.

The destroyer proceeded to pick up its pilot and radioman, who were slightly injured. The plane and its pilots were from Enterprise.

Enterprise and Hammann would go one to participate in numerous actions together during the Pacific campaign of World War II. “It’s a neat correlation, to have this legacy together back to World War II,” said Leonard.“DESRON 2 and Enterprise were partnered seventy years ago, just like we’re partnered now.”

DESRON 2 and Enterprise continue that legacy in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility where they have just completed their support of operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN

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Sailors of the Day

Machinery Repairman 3rd Class

Monday June 6, 2011

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class

Michael T. Petronio- Chicago, Illinois

Cedric O’Brian McClary- Goldsboro, NC

MR3 (SW) Petronio, a machinist for the repair division of Enterprise’s Engineering Department, joined the Navy almost three years ago to “serve my country and experience new things.” To Petronio, the most rewarding aspect of his job is “making parts for a 50-year old ship, parts that can no longer be purchased.” Petronio is working hard toward earning his his enlisted aviation surface warfare pin and promotion to second class petty officer. When he returns from deployment, Petronio plans to mountain bike and read.

AM3 McClary, an airframes terchnician for Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 11, joined the Navy three year ago “to make life better for myself and my family and surround myself with a lot of good people.” To McClary, the most rewarding aspect of his job is getting the “helos” in the air. McClary plans to keep “moving up the ranks” in the Navy and wants to earn a college degree in business management in the future. When he returns home, McClary plans to spend time with his son.

Photos by MCSN Gregory A. Pickett

FUN ZONE!

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1 Frozen treats 5 “... baked in ___” 9 Foil’s kin 13 Proficiency 16 Paraphernalia 17 Not pertinent 18 Dinner scraps 19 Turkish governor 20 Chamber piece 22 Word of reproach 23 A bit 25 Add

27 Diplomatic doings 30 Choice of neckline 32 Craggy peak 33 Sanction 34 Moon-landing vehicle 35 Melon variety 38 Card game cry 39 Pernicious 41 Heavy measure 42 Duke of York 44 Make a mistake 45 Introduce to solid food 46 Vegas opener

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Down 1 Here, in France 2 Free ticket 3 Jane Austen classic 4 Former chess champ Boris 5 Elite squad 6 For each 7 “What’s ___ for me?”

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