USS Charleston (PG-51)

The fourth USS "Charleston" (PG-51) was a patrol boat launched from the Charleston Navy Yard on February 25, 1936 under the command of Captain R.K. Awtrey, and was part of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

"Charleston" sailed from Norfolk, Virginia in February 24, 1937 to join Squadron 40T, in which she visited Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia, Trieste, Naples, Italy, and Algiers before returning back to Charleston, South Carolina for updating on April 24, 1937. On July 9, 1937 she sailed to Balboa, Panama for extensive training and combat exercises in the Panama area before returning north back to Charleston in March 1, 1938.

From April 21, 1938 to October 3, 1938, and from January 4, 1939 to June 27, 1940, she returned to the Caribbean to conduct off-shore patrols and good will visits, and on the second trip she served as flag ship. The on September 1940 she cleared Norfolk and headed for Seattle, Washington, sn from there she headed to Alaska to the 13th Naval District. From November 6, 1940 to November 27, 1941 she made 5 cruises from Seattle to Aleutian.

Upon the entry of the United States into World War II, "Charleston" intensified the schedule of patrol and convoy escort duties necessary to protect this far-northern region, and except for four voyages to west coast ports for maintenance, she operated from Dutch Harbor or Kodiak throughout the war. Along with her escort and patrol duties, she carried put such missions as landing reconnaissance parties, aiding stricken ships, and taking part in the operations at Attu, which was assaulted 11 May 1943. Two days later, "Charleston" arrived to bring her fire power to support Army troops ashore, bombarding Chichago Harbor, and screening the transports lying off the island. During the attack of Japanese bombers on 22 May, she evaded aerial torpedoes by radical maneuvering, while splashing one enemy plane and helping to drive off the others. She provided call fire until the island was secured, and supported its occupation through convoy escort runs between Attu and Adak.

At the close of the war, "Charleston" prepared for Far Eastern duty, and on 25 November 1945 arrived at Hong Kong. She also visited Shanghai before returning to San Francisco 4 March 1946. Here she was decommissioned 10 May 1946 and transferred to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy 25 March 1948.

"Charleston" received one battle star for World War II service.

References

* [http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ships/dafs/PG/pg51.html Dictionary of American Fighting ships]