Hull Number: DD-471
Launch Date: 08/24/1942
Commissioned Date: 12/23/1942
Decommissioned Date: 09/30/1968
Call Sign: NAWC
Voice Call Sign: Enchant (early 60S)
Other Designations: DDE-471
Class: FLETCHER
FLETCHER Class
Data for USS Fletcher (DD-445) as of 1945
Length Overall: 376’ 5"
Beam: 39’ 7"
Draft: 13’ 9"
Standard Displacement: 2,050 tons
Full Load Displacement: 2,940 tons
Fuel capacity: 3,250 barrels
Armament:
Five 5″/38 caliber guns
Five 40mm twin anti-aircraft mounts
Two 21″ quintuple torpedo tubes
Complement:
20 Officers
309 Enlisted
Propulsion:
4 Boilers
2 General Electric Turbines: 60,000 horsepower
Highest speed on trials: 35.2 knots
Namesake: EDWARD FITZGERALD BEALE
EDWARD FITZGERALD BEALE
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (Published 1959)
Born in Washington, D. C., 4 February 1822, Edward Fitzgerald Beale was appointed to the Naval School, Philadelphia, Pa., in 1836 and was warranted a passed midshipman 1 July 1842. He distinguished himself during the Mexican War by carrying dispatches through enemy lines following the Battle of San Pasqual, Calif. After the war he resigned his commission to become Superintendent of Indian Affairs in California and New Mexico. He served as Minister to Austria (1876-77) and died in Washington, D. C., 22 April 1893.
Disposition:
Sunk as target, by naval gunfire, on 06/24/1969 off Virginia Capes in 1290 fathoms at 37 deg 06.5 min N., 73 deg 52.2 min W.