The WWII Destroyer That Defied Death Is Now a Floating Memorial to the Greatest Generation

USS Cassin Young, Boston

The USS Cassin Young and her crew from the Greatest Generation were cut from the same steel.

Together, they faced down kamikazes, fought through the Pacific’s bloodiest battles, and protected their brothers-in-arms.

She rests in Boston Harbor today, a proud tribute to the sailors who gave their all.

Here’s the story of a warship that carried heroes through hell and back.

First Combat Operation: Caroline Islands Strike

USS Cassin Young first saw combat in April 1944 with Task Force 58. The destroyer reached Pearl Harbor on March 19, 1944, completed training, then sailed to Manus to join the massive carrier force.

On April 28, the task force launched powerful strikes against Japanese strongholds at Truk, Woleai, Satawan, and Ponape. Cassin Young served as a picket ship, providing early warning against enemy counterattacks.

The ship’s crew maintained constant radar vigilance throughout the multi-day operation. Japanese forces attempted minimal resistance against the overwhelming American firepower.

After this successful mission, Cassin Young returned to Majuro in the Marshall Islands for resupply and further training.

Supporting the Mariana Islands Invasion

Cassin Young joined the Saipan invasion force on June 15, 1944. The destroyer screened escort carriers, provided radar picket protection, and delivered direct fire support for ground troops.

Off Saipan’s contested shores, Cassin Young’s 5-inch guns bombarded enemy positions with pinpoint accuracy. The ship protected carriers launching continuous strikes against Japanese positions and airfields on Tinian, Rota, and Guam.

This operation continued through August 13, requiring Cassin Young to maintain combat readiness for nearly two months straight.

The crew endured long watches and multiple general quarters alarms throughout this extended combat deployment before returning to Eniwetok for replenishment.

Guardian of the Carriers at Palau

From August 29 to October 2, 1944, Cassin Young guarded Task Group 38.3’s carriers during strikes against Palau, Mindanao, and Luzon. This extended 35-day operation supported the Palau invasion, a crucial stepping-stone toward the Philippines.

The destroyer maintained anti-aircraft and anti-submarine watches, protecting vulnerable carriers during launch and recovery operations. Cassin Young screened against potential submarine threats using its sonar systems while gunners remained vigilant for aerial attacks.

The ship’s crew operated on a continuous war footing, with minimal rest between watches. After completing this mission, Cassin Young returned to Ulithi atoll for a brief four-day respite.

The Formosa Air Battle

Cassin Young faced intense combat during the Formosa Air Battle, October 10-13, 1944. Japanese forces launched desperate attacks trying to destroy American carriers supporting the Philippines invasion.

On October 14, when a kamikaze struck USS Reno, machine gun fire wounded five Cassin Young sailors. The destroyer’s gunners shot down several enemy aircraft during repeated attack waves.

Captain and crew demonstrated exceptional discipline maintaining station while under fire. The ship’s 40mm and 20mm anti-aircraft batteries fired thousands of rounds during the multi-day engagement.

Despite continuous combat operations and crew fatigue, Cassin Young sustained its protective screen around the valuable carriers.

Battle of Leyte Gulf

Cassin Young participated in history’s largest naval battle in October 1944. Task Force 38 positioned east of Luzon on October 18, launching strikes against enemy airfields before the Leyte invasion.

When Japanese bombers struck the carrier Princeton on October 24, Cassin Young joined the pursuit of enemy naval forces. During the Battle off Cape Engaño on October 25, American forces sank four Japanese carriers and a destroyer.

Cassin Young’s radar helped locate enemy vessels during the complex engagement. The ship maneuvered at high speed to maintain optimal screening positions throughout rapidly changing battle conditions.

After this decisive victory, Cassin Young continued supporting Leyte operations by protecting carriers striking enemy bases on Okinawa, Formosa, and Luzon.

Surviving Typhoon Cobra

In December 1944, Cassin Young battled Typhoon Cobra east of Luzon. The violent storm sank three destroyers (Hull, Spence, and Monaghan) and killed 790 Americans. Hurricane-force winds and 70-foot waves pounded the fleet on December 18.

Five aircraft carriers and several destroyers suffered severe damage. Cassin Young’s crew fought to maintain steerage way in mountainous seas. Captain and helmsmen displayed exceptional seamanship keeping the vessel afloat.

The destroyer’s hull integrity remained sound despite extreme stresses. While other ships lost planes and equipment to the storm, Cassin Young preserved its fighting capability.

This survival demonstrated both vessel seaworthiness and crew skill under catastrophic conditions.

South China Sea Raid

In January 1945, Cassin Young screened carriers during the daring South China Sea raid. Operating from Ulithi, the destroyer protected flattops launching strikes against Formosa, Luzon, Camranh Bay, Hong Kong, Canton, and the Nansei Shoto islands.

American forces penetrated waters long dominated by Japanese naval power. Cassin Young maintained continuous anti-submarine patrols during carrier flight operations. The ship’s crew endured high alert conditions for weeks without significant rest.

Despite being deep in enemy-controlled waters, effective screening prevented successful counterattacks. The raid disrupted Japanese supply lines critical to their Philippine defense.

Following this aggressive push into enemy territory, Cassin Young underwent a brief but essential overhaul at Ulithi.

Supporting the Iwo Jima Invasion

Cassin Young supported the Iwo Jima invasion in February 1945 after its Ulithi overhaul. The destroyer screened ships during air strikes on Honshu and Okinawa, participated in Parece Vela’s bombardment, and protected forces off Iwo Jima during the February 19 assault.

Cassin Young’s gunners maintained anti-aircraft watches as Marines fought ashore against fanatical resistance. The ship’s radar provided early warning of potential aerial threats around the invasion fleet.

The destroyer conducted anti-submarine patrols to protect vulnerable transports unloading troops and supplies. This operation placed American forces within bombing range of the Japanese mainland, marking a significant strategic advance.

After completing its Iwo Jima duties, Cassin Young returned to Ulithi for reassignment.

First Kamikaze Hit at Okinawa

On April 12, 1945, Cassin Young survived its first kamikaze hit while stationed at Radar Picket Station 1 off Okinawa. After shooting down five enemy aircraft, a sixth crashed into the foremast, exploding 50 feet from the ship.

Torpedoman’s Mate Robert Dean Moore of Enid, Oklahoma died in the attack. Fifty-nine others suffered wounds of varying severity. Despite significant damage, the ship maintained power and reached Kerama Retto under its own propulsion.

Damage control teams quickly contained flooding and electrical fires. Chief Petty Officers organized repair parties that restored critical systems within hours. After temporary repairs at Kerama Retto, Cassin Young proceeded to Ulithi for more comprehensive work.

Second Kamikaze Strike and Survival

Cassin Young endured a second kamikaze strike on July 29, 1945, during radar picket duty off Okinawa. A low-flying aircraft hit the starboard side, striking the fire control room. The explosion and fire killed 22 sailors and wounded 45 more.

In an extraordinary display of damage control, the crew restored power to one engine, contained the flames, and had the ship underway for Kerama Retto within 20 minutes. Damage control parties fought through smoke and heat to save critical systems.

Medical teams treated wounded under combat conditions. Despite severe structural damage, the ship maintained watertight integrity. For this and other actions off Okinawa, Cassin Young received the Navy Unit Commendation.

Korean War Service and Around-the-World Cruise

After decommissioning in 1946, Cassin Young returned to service on September 8, 1951, during the Korean War. In 1954, the destroyer embarked on a global circumnavigation from Newport, Rhode Island.

During this journey, Cassin Young conducted exercises with the 7th Fleet, patrolled Korean waters, and visited ports across the Far East and Mediterranean. The ship’s crew represented American interests in dozens of foreign harbors.

Cassin Young’s engineering plant operated flawlessly during the months-long deployment. The ship navigated diverse sea conditions from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This cruise demonstrated American naval power’s global reach during Cold War tensions.

Between 1955-1959, Cassin Young served primarily in Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean operations.

Preservation as a National Historic Landmark

Cassin Young began its memorial mission on June 15, 1978, arriving at Boston Navy Yard. The ship opened to the public in 1981, representing vessels built and serviced at the historic facility.

In 1986, the destroyer earned National Historic Landmark status as one of four surviving Fletcher-class destroyers afloat. The National Park Service maintains the ship in partnership with dedicated volunteers.

More than 8.6 million visitors have toured the main deck since 1981. The ship received comprehensive hull repairs in a 2010 dry-docking. Berthed near USS Constitution, Cassin Young preserves the legacy of World War II sailors and shipyard workers who supported the naval war effort.

Exploring the Main Deck

You can freely explore the USS Cassin Young’s main deck when the ship is open to visitors. Walk the perimeter walkway for panoramic harbor views while examining the vessel’s impressive weapon systems.

Five 5-inch guns, 40mm anti-aircraft batteries, and depth charges on the fantail showcase the destroyer’s fighting capabilities. Peer into certain compartments like the Combat Information Center and galley from the main deck.

National Park Service rangers are available to answer questions about the ship’s history. Information panels throughout provide details about specific areas and equipment. The self-guided main deck tour takes about 30 minutes and doesn’t require tickets or reservations.

The self-guided main deck tour takes about 30 minutes and doesn’t require tickets or reservations.

Below-Deck Guided Tours

Ranger-led below-deck tours take you into the heart of the warship. These free 45-minute guided experiences require tickets distributed 30 minutes before tour times on a first-come basis.

Limited to 12 people per tour, you’ll need to be at least 48 inches tall to navigate the steep ladders safely. Tours showcase the crew’s living quarters, officer’s country, ammunition handling rooms, mess halls, galley, and plotting room.

Rangers share stories about daily life aboard and the ship’s combat experiences. These popular tours reveal cramped sleeping compartments and working spaces that housed 273 sailors.

Visitor Information

USS Cassin Young is located at Pier 1, Charlestown Navy Yard, 114 16th Street, Boston.

The ship typically operates from Memorial Day through October, Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

Below-deck tours run at 11am and 2pm (check for 2025 schedule updates on the NPS website). Admission is free, with no tickets required for main deck access. Below-deck tour tickets are distributed 30 minutes before tour times.

The ship sits across from USS Constitution in Boston National Historical Park. Public transportation options include the MBTA’s Orange Line to North Station or the Charlestown water shuttle.

Nearby attractions include the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, and Freedom Trail sites.

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