USS Thomas F. Nickel (DE-587)

USS "Thomas F. Nickel" (DE-587) was a U.S. Navy destroyer escort named in honor of Private Thomas Nickel, United States Marine Corps, who gave his life in defense of his country in the Pacific War in 1942, and was posthumously awarded a Silver Star.

Built by the Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyards at Hingham, Massachusetts, "Nickel" commissioned 9 June 1944. Immediately after commissioning, she was ordered into active service and assigned to duty in the European Theatre on escort for convoys and carriers. Upon completion of this assigned duty, she was ordered to Pacific Ocean Area, transiting the Panama Canal 7 October 1944.

Upon joining the Pacific Fleet, "Nickel" fought her way to Okinawa and the eventual occupation of the Japanese mainland. She was involved in defensive actions against enemy planes and submarines throughout her war service.

After the war, "Nickel" was mothballed at San Diego, California.

On 8 July 1948, she was reactivated by the San Francisco Naval Shipyard at Hunter's Point and delivered to the Commandant, Twelfth Naval District for service as a Naval Reserve Training Vessel.

As a United States Naval Reserve Training Vessel, "Nickel" made a goodwill visit to Humboldt Bay, California for Armed Forces Day in May 1954 and also a two week Pacific cruise in February 1955 arriving in Honolulu February 17. and returning to Treasure Island, San Francisco on February 26.

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