USS DeLong (DE-684)

USS DeLong (DE-684) was a sclass|Rudderow|destroyer escort built at Quincy, Massachusetts, was launched on 23 November 1943 and was commissioned on 31 December 1943. It was named after Weldon Fader DeLong, who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his action at Guadalcanal.

During World War II "DeLong" served primarily as a training ship for officers and men that were about to embark on ships assigned to anti-submarine warfare (ASW) duties. In early 1946 "DeLong" was decommissioned and assigned to the Reserve Fleet at Green Cove Springs, Florida. Following the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, "DeLong" was reactivated and on February 7, 1951 was again commissioned.

After a short training period "DeLong" was assigned to Escort Squadron Eight, Destroyer Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet. During this period of service "DeLong" participated in several Fleet Exercises and Midshipmen Cruises. In addition to routine fleet support missions, "DeLong" often served as a training ship for the Fleet Sonar School, Key West, Florida. On January 3, 1958, "DeLong" was assigned Group II status, joining the newly formed Reserve ASW Program in the 3d Naval District.

During the Berlin Crisis of 1960-1961, "DeLong" was assigned to the U. S. Atlantic Fleet as part of Escort Squadron 18 and homeported in Newport, Rhode Island. During this period "DeLong" operated extensively in the Caribbean area. On 1 August 1961, "DeLong" resumed her Group II status, operating under Commander, Naval Reserve Destroyer Division, 3d Naval District.

"DeLong" was decommissioned and struck from naval records in the late 1960s and was sunk as a target on February 19, 1970.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/d3/delong-iii.htm
*NVR|http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/DE684.htm
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/06/684.htm NavSource Online]

External links

* [http://www.geocities.com/delong1943/delongfamily.html DeLong family at DE-684's christening]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-d/de684.htm USS DeLong at history.navy.mil]