Vesole (DDR 878) - Naval Cruise Book

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SHIP'S HISTORY if Vesole prior to FRAM modernization in 1964 The USS VESOLE QDD-8785 was built in Orange, Texas by the Consolidated Steel Corporation and was launched 29 December 1944. IVlrs. K. K. Vesole, widow of the ship's namesake, was the ship's spon- sor. Ensign VESOLE was Officer-in-Charge of the armed guard aboard the USS JOHN BASCON. He was post- humously awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while helping his men to safety after the sinking of his ship off the enemy beaches of Bari, Italy, 2 December 1943. VESOLE was modified for radar picket duty in the Pacific soon after her commissioning. The mod- ification, however, took just long enough to cost VESOLE her first' taste of combat as World War ll ended while the ship was enroute to the Pacific. VESOLE continued to the Pacific -and operated for a year in the Far Fast before returning to the Atlantic Fleetin 1947. Since 1947, VESOLE has made frequent tripsto the European area to serve with the Sixth Fleet or as a Midshipman cruise ship. In 1953, she was among the ships reviewed by Queen Elizabeth ll at the Coronation Naval Review. VESOLE also operated with the Atlantic, Fleet Amphibious Forces in the Caribbean Sea and took part in the Cuban Quarantine. ln 1962, she participated in the Presidential Review. Also in 1962, VESOLE was the recipient of the first Arleigh' Burke Fleet Trophy for the greatest improve- ment in battle efficiency. From January to September 1964, VESOLEunder- went Fleet ,Rehabilitationand Modernization QFRAIVIJ overhaul at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Selected for a complete refitting, VESOLE received internal and external' modifications. In addition to the installation of improv-ed underwater detection equipment, radar, and electronic warfare systems, internal improvements were made in living compartments, office spaces, I, pilot house and Combat information Center. Externally, she received a signal bridge, DASH Hanger and flight deck, and ASROC launcher. This armament brought VESOLE up to the standards of a modern fighting ship. VESOLE now carries ASROC and torpedo tubes to fulfill her primary mission in Anti-Submarine Warfare, and mounts two 5 f 38 twin gun batteries. From November 1965 to April 1966, VESOLE deployed to Vietnam and took part in numerous coastal patrol and gunfire support missions. VESOLE departed for the Middle East in November 1966 where she visited many ports including lVlassawa, Ethiopia. There the crew enjoyed a week of festivities climaxed by the graduation ceremonies of the Ethiopian Naval Academy and a royal visit by his Majesty Haile Selassie. In June 1967, VESOLE was part of the U. S. exhibit at EXPO '67 in Nlontreal, Canada. The ship entered Boston Naval Shipyard for her regular over- haul period in April 1968, after which she underwent refreshertraining at GUANTANAIVIO Bay, Cuba. From January to July 1969, VESOLE wasthe U. S. Representative in Standing Naval Force Atlantic-the multinational NATO squadron. While a member of STANAVFORLANT, VESOLE participated in several major NATO exercises and visited North Atlantic ports. At the 20th Anniversary NATO Review in May 1969, the ship had the honor of again being one of the ships reviewed by Queen Elizabeth ll. U When not deployed overseas, VESOLE operates with units of the Second Fleet in local ASW exercises. In August 1969, VESOLE will change homeports form.Newport, Rhode Island to Charleston South Carolinag assigned to Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla SIX, Destroyer Squadron 6. VESOLE is manned by approximately 17 officers and 250 enlisted personnel.

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