Cogswell (DD 651) - Naval Cruise Book

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OUR SHIP ' S HISTORY The 2,050 ton destroyer, U.S.S. COGSWELL (DD-651), was constructed by the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, in the year 1943 and participated in nine operations in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. She was named in honor of the late Rear Admiral and Captain Cogswell. The Cogswell is 376 feet in length with a 40 foot beam and a fully loaded displacement of 2900 tons. She has rapid firing guns controlled by modern fire control and rapid target acquisition equipment. She is equipped with the most modern electronic installations. The engineering plant has many advanced features. The main turbines develop over 90,000 horsepower and can drive the ship at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour. The electric power plant could meet the needs of a city of 50,000 population. Her refrigeration and air cooling equipment is equal to the cooling capacity of an Ice machine making 50,000 pounds of ice per day. The built-in fire main pumping capacity equals the combined output of four standard city fire trucks.

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A ship is no more than her men. The adventure and work, the accomplishments and memories, and the experiences which are this cruise are emptiness without the men who have lived them. This is a book of the sea, the Orient, and the men who are the COGSWELL. To these men, their memories, and their hopes this story is dedicated. USS COGSWELL WESTPAC CRUISE 1959-1960

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Cdr. Robert Y. Gaines, USN, a native of Illinois entered the Naval Service in 1935. He assumed Command of the USS COGSWELL in October 1957. During World War II he served in an engi- neering capacity aboard such ships as the USS WEST VIRGINIA (BB-48), USS LOUISVILLE (CA-28), USS CASCADE (AD-16), and USS BALTIMORE (CA-68). He was commissioned as a Warrant Officer in April 1942, marking the beginning of his rapid rise to his present command. After the v ar he entered the University of California at Los Angeles and gained a degree in electrical engineering. Cdr. Gaines was relieved as commanding officer of the COGSWELL in October, 1959, and proceeded to his new duty station on the staff of the Supreme Allied Command, Atlantic Fleet. COMMANDING Cdr. James H. Moore, Jr., USN, assumed Command of the USS COGSWELL in October, 1959 in the port of Hong Kong, B.C.C. He is a veteran of World War II and the Korean conflict. Prior to his assignment to the COGSWELL, he served as Executive officer of the troup transport ship USS NOBLE (APA- 218). Enlisting in the Navy 23 February, 1938. he worked in the field of Naval aviation. During the first months of World War II he received his wings and commission, and he flew his way to become commanding officer of VJ-3, an aircraft utility squadron. Some of his decorations include the Air Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 combat stars, and the Korean Service Medal.