DE-235 - Tin Can Sailors

Remembering Pearl Harbor 83 Years Later

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Hull Number: DE-235

Launch Date: 02/11/1944

Commissioned Date: 03/08/1945

Decommissioned Date: 05/30/1946

Call Sign: NXFN

Other Designations: APD-94

Class: RUDDEROW

RUDDEROW Class

Namesake: JOHN QUINCY ROBERTS

JOHN QUINCY ROBERTS

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, July 2015

John Quincy Roberts was born in Boaz, Ala., 2 September 1914 and enlisted in the Naval Reserve 14 October 1940. After undergoing flight training, he was commissioned Ensign 27 September 1941 and reported to Scouting Squadron 6. Roberts was serving with the squadron on famed Enterprise (CV-6) during the pivotal Battle of Midway, 4 through 6 June 1942, in which the Japanese lost all four of their carriers in a crushing defeat. Roberts pressed home the attack on the carriers despite formidable opposition, contributing importantly to the success of the squadron and the entire task force. He was declared missing in action 5 June 1942, and presumed dead. For his heroism in this critical battle, Ens. Roberts was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

Disposition:

Stricken 1 June 1960. Sold for scrap 29 December 1960 to B. F. Diamond Construction Co., Inc., Savannah, Ga.

USS JOHN Q. ROBERTS DE-235 Ship History

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, July 2015

John Q. Roberts (APD-94) was laid down 15 November 1943 as DE-235 by Charleston Navy Yard, Charleston, S.C.; launched 11 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Deany Roberts Garner, mother of Ens. Roberts; reclassified APD-94 on 17 June 1944; and commissioned 8 March 1945, Lt. Comdr. R. N. Bavier, Jr., in command.

Following shakedown training in the Caribbean, John Q. Roberts underwent amphibious training in Hampton Roads during April. She then got underway from Norfolk to join the Pacific Fleet, sailing 7 May. The ship arrived Pearl Harbor 31 May and trained with underwater demolition team units until proceeding to Leyte Gulf 13 June.

In the weeks that followed, the ship escorted convoys and took part in fleet maneuvers in the Philippines preparatory to the anticipated invasion of the Japanese home-islands.

The war over, John Q. Roberts departed Leyte 20 August to escort a convoy to Okinawa. From there she was engaged in escort duties between that island and Japan. The ship was at Yokosuka during the historic surrender ceremonies in Tokyo Bay 2 September, and remained in Japan transporting troops and administrative personnel carrying out occupation duties. After embarking returnees, she departed Nagoya 17 December 1945 and steamed via Eniwetok and Pearl Harbor for San Pedro, where she arrived 6 January 1946.

John Q. Roberts sailed 25 January for Norfolk, and from there to Green Cove Springs, Florida, where she arrived 17 March 1946. She decommissioned 30 May 1946 and entered the Atlantic Reserve Fleet; she sold for scrap 29 December 1960 to B. F. Diamond Construction Co., Inc., Savannah, Ga.