The USS Sterett (DD-407) was a Clemson-class destroyer of the United States Navy that served during some of the most pivotal moments of World War II. Its history, while now relegated to the annals of military archives, is a testament to the ship’s service in one of the most intense naval conflicts in history. However, the USS Sterett is no longer active, as it was decommissioned, sold for scrap, and eventually dismantled. Here’s a look at the history of the USS Sterett and its final disposition.
The USS Sterett's Service History
The USS Sterett (DD-407) was launched on August 12, 1939, and commissioned into the United States Navy on March 24, 1940. As part of the Clemson-class, the ship was designed to be a fast and versatile destroyer. At the time of its commissioning, it was armed with a variety of weapons, including five 5-inch guns, torpedo tubes, and anti-aircraft weaponry, allowing it to perform multiple roles, from protecting naval fleets to conducting offensive strikes against enemy ships.
During World War II, the USS Sterett played a crucial role in the Pacific theater, taking part in various significant battles such as the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. The ship’s primary mission was to support aircraft carriers, protect convoys, and provide screening for major naval operations. The USS Sterett was involved in numerous engagements with the Imperial Japanese Navy, using its weapons to defend American fleets and help secure victory in critical battles.
The End of Active Service
After World War II ended in 1945, the USS Sterett continued to serve as part of the post-war fleet, but its role in the Navy began to wind down. The vessel was eventually decommissioned on November 15, 1946, and was placed in the reserve fleet, where it would remain until the late 1950s.
In 1960, the USS Sterett was officially struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of its official military service. With the ship no longer required by the Navy, the decision was made to sell the USS Sterett for scrap.
The Fate of the USS Sterett
Following its decommissioning, the USS Sterett was sold for scrap in 1970. Like many other warships of the time, the Sterett was dismantled, and its parts were likely recycled for use in civilian industries. This process of decommissioning and scrapping was common for many naval vessels after their active service, as it was often cheaper than maintaining them or repurposing them for another role.
Despite the physical ship no longer existing, the USS Sterett remains an important part of the United States Navy's history. Its legacy is remembered by veterans, historians, and naval enthusiasts, many of whom study its contributions to the war effort and its role in the Pacific theater.
The Name Lives On
Although the original USS Sterett (DD-407) is no longer in service, the name "Sterett" lives on in the United States Navy. The name was reused for a more modern vessel, the USS Sterett (DDG-104), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer commissioned on July 23, 2003. This vessel, like its predecessor, continues to serve in the U.S. Navy and carry forward the name's legacy.