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USS Hunt DD-674
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Battle Stars: Operations and Dates
MARSHALL ISLANDS 29 Jan – 02 Mar 1944 LEYTE 10 Oct – 16 Dec 1944 ASIATIC PACIFIC RAIDS 16 Feb – 01 Jun 1944 LUZO 03 Jan – 21 Jan 1945 HOLLANDIA 21 Apr – 01 Jun 1944 IWO JIMA 15 Feb – 16 Mar 1945 MARIANAS 11 Jun – 15 Aug 1944 OKINAWA GUNT 17 Mar – 11 Jun 1945 WEST CAROLINE ISLAND 06 Sep – 14 Oct 1944 PHILIPPINE LIBERATION * PHILIPPINE UNIT CITATION * * AWARDED BY PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT THE FOLLOWING MEDALS/RIBBONS ARE OFFICIAL * AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL * ASIATIC PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL * PHILIPPINE UNIT CITATION * PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL * WWII VICTORY MEDAL
History After WWII
USS Hunt DD-674 Second Tour of Duty The USS Hunt was re-commissioned at San Diego 31 October 1951, Commander Lynn F. Barry in command. After refresher training in local areas, she departed 14 February for Newport where she arrived 3 March 1952. She cruised from that port for the next 21/2 years conducting antisubmarine and plane guard duty. She departed Newport 1 June 1954 for Yokosuka where she arrived7 July and was underway again 16 July for task force maneuvers off the Philippine Islands On 21 October she cleared Sasebo, Japan, on the second leg of a world cruise which took her to Hong Kong, Singapore, the Suez Canal, and Naples which she reached 20 November 1954. She passed through the strait of Gibraltar 12 December 1954 and arrived back in Newport 18 December. The next 2 years were filled with intensive antisubmarine warfare and convoy exercises. Hunt departed Newport 6 November for patrol in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Suez Crisis and the Hungarian Revolution. She returned to Newport 27 February 1957 where more antisubmarine warfare and convoy exercises awaited. She embarked midshipmen at Annapolis for a training cruise, which included the International Naval review in Hampton Roads on…
Reunion History Video
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Shakedown Cruise
SHAKEDOWN CRUISE Dominic Legato GM2/c This is a story of my experience as I remember it. Hope my shipmates enjoy it and bring back their memories. I joined the Navy at 18 in November 1942, 11 months after Pearl Harbor, and I took my nine weeks of boot training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Milwaukee. Twelve weeks of Gunnery training following boot camp earned me a petty officer rank of 3rd class Gunners Mate. In May 1943, I took twelve more weeks of advanced Gunnery training at the San Diego Destroyer Base in California. In August 1943, I was ready for sea duty and was transferred to Lido Beach, Long Island to be assembled with the crew of the USS HUNT, DD 674 a new modern Fletcher Class destroyer. The crew, the ship, and I are about to enter into a “common law” marriage to enter the fight. After two weeks here at Lido Beach, on the bulletin board are my first orders; “the following men will assemble at 0600 hours, Wednesday morning as the advanced crew to man the USS HUNT during delivery from the Naval Shipyard at Kearny, NJ to the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard for outfitting.…
The USS Hunt’s Namesake
William Henry Hunt, born in Charleston, S.C., 1 June 1823, was Secretary of the Navy under President Garfield. After studying law at Yale, he finished his professional training in his brother’s office in New Orleans, where he was admitted to the bar in 1844. Hunt opposed secession and favored the Union cause. He was nevertheless drafted into the Confederate Army and commissioned Lieutenant Colonel. However, he managed to avoid involvement in military operations until Admiral Farragut captured in New Orleans. In March 1876, Hunt was appointed Attorney-General of Louisiana, and in July of that year he was the Republican candidate for this office. Both parties claimed victory in the election, but Hunt lost the position when President Hayes recognized the Democratic government of the State. As compensation, the President appointed him Associate Judge of the United States Court of Claims, 15 May 1878. Her served in this capacity until he became President Garfield’s Secretary of the Navy. Secretary Hunt rendered invaluable service by reporting that the Navy, grossly neglected after the Civil War, was no longer able to protect Americans abroad. He appointed the first Naval Advisory Board, which undertook the work of rebuilding the Navy, emasculated by public apathy…
Typhoon: The Hunt’s Other Enemy
A short story by Dominic Legato, GM2/c of this killer storm on 18 Dec 44 that sank three destroyers; The SPENCE, HULL AND MONAHAN and killed 790 officers and crew and injured 80 crewman. On this fatal day, the Third Fleet had rendezvoused with the tanker fleet for refueling and was caught up near the middle of this Typhoon. The winds were approx. 130 mph and the waves were approx. 65 feet high. At 1000 hours that morning on the 17th of Dec 44 the sea was getting rough, and the wind was causing the white capped waves to release sheets of atomized vapor ahead of it. This looks like a change in the weather for the worse. I see the chief pass by. “Hey Red, it looks like we’re in for a good blow this time, wadda yeh think?” “I just came from the bridge Legato, and we’re heading straight into a typhoon”. We were operating in support of the invasion of the Philippines about 300 miles east of Luzon to rendezvous with the tanker fleet this morning. They should be in sight within the hour, and the faster we fuel up the better off we’ll be. I wouldn’t…
World War II History
History of the USS Hunt (DD-674) World War II (1943 – 1945) The HUNT DD674 was on the ways at the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, NJ. DD 674 was launched on August 1, 1943. The HUNT DD 674 was a member of the FLETCHER class; FLETCHERS represented the largest class of destroyers built, and would serve into the Fifties and Sixties. The FLETCHER class were workhorses, designed with few frills and an eye toward efficiency. Slightly more than a month after her launching, USS HUNT was commissioned and skippered by Commander Frank P. Mitchell, set out for a shakedown off Bermuda and a return to New York Navy Yard for modifications. By December, she was underway for the Pacific; she was not destined to visit an Atlantic coast port again for almost ten years. On the day before Christmas, 1943,USS HUNT entered Pearl Harbor, finally meeting up with mighty Task Force 58 (TF 58). Vice Admiral Marc Mitchner’s fast carrier task force included two fleet carriers and a light carrier with more than two hundred aircraft aboard, a tempting target for Japanese submarines. HUNT’s job was to protect the carriers. HUNT’s log recorded her participation in some…
Reunions
2020: San Antonio, Texas
2019: Jacksonville, Florida
2015: Akron, Ohio
2014: Kansas City, Missouri
2013: Florence, Kentucky
2012: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
2011: Minnesota
Please join us in Minneapolis, Minnesota during September 2011. Check back soon for more information.
2010: Jacksonville Florida
Dear Hunt Crew and Family. Thank you to all who joined us in Jacksonville, FL in 2010. Charles and Joanne Berzansky and Larry Middour were fantastic hosts and hostess for the reunion. Your U.S.S. Hunt Family
2009: Branson Missouri
September 23, 2009 Dear hunt Crew and Family, The U.S.S. Hunt dropped anchor at Branson, Missouri. Capt. Don Cambert and First Mate Mary Lou were on deck to greet all and set the wheels in motion for five days of fun and frivolity. And did we all enjoy!! The days were packed full of activity and the shows too numerous to pick from. Can you imagine getting up and the crack of dawn to see the Yakov Smirnoff show? YEP! We had a bus load and everyone agreed, “IT WAS THE BEST SHOW EVER.” The Hospitality room was always a hub bub of activity and CRAZY BUNCO (the highlight of the hospitality room) continued as usual. And there was always time for conversation plus. Each year friendships are renewed and we look forward to hearing the stories of years gone by. Each sailor has his own version of the event, just a different take on the old fish tales. And the greatest pleasure is in meeting the children of our men. They add life to the reunion. We look forward to their return each year. The Memorial Service was very moving with the bells tolling for our beloved crew members…
2008: San Francisco Bay Area, California
2008 the 19th Reunion San Francisco Bay Area, California See the pictures from the reunion. Thank you to eveyone who made the reunion a great success! The nineteenth-year reunion of the USS Hunt DD 674 was hosted by the West Region in the San Francisco, California area to coincide with Fleet Week. The week has been held since 1981 to honor the men and women serving the United States Navy, Coast Guard and Marines. The 2008 Fleet Week featured the Blue Angels, Navy Ships, Team Oracle and the Snowbirds. Wednesday, October 08: Check-in and registration Thursday, October 09: Bus tour of Cannery Row and the Aquarium in Monterey, CA Friday, October 10: U.S.S. Hunt DD 674 Memorial The memorial ceremony was performed by Chaplain Westly. The Color Guard posted the colors. The names of the deceased shipmates were read accompanied by the ringing of the ship’s bell. We honored: Russ Benes Emsley Cobb John J. Cummings Joseph S. Miller Edmund Saavedra John E. Skelly Wilbur Skelton Frank J. Willie Clair E. Wright Taps, Anchors Aweigh, and God Bless America were played. Saturday, October 11: Option 1: Fleet Week program air shows and pier 39 Saturday, October 11: Option 2: Tour…
2007: Portland, Maine
2007: Portland, Maine
2006: Chicago, Illinois
Holiday Inn Select CHICAGO-NAPERVILLE 1801 NAPER BLVD NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 UNITED STATES Registration on Sept 6 (in the Lobby) Depart Sept 11 Free Parking, a trip to the Chicago Naval Base.
2005: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Cherry Hill, NJ Sept 6-12 Chaired by: Charles and JoAnn Berzansky Attendance: 98 total/49 shipmates Highlights: 17th reunion and continuing. We had a nice Hospitality Room on the first floor. Hosted by Bob and Dottie Heck. Day one was registration followed the next day with a trip to the Lily Langtry Victorian Restaurant and Showplace and a relaxing lunch. Who could forget the three Amigos? The next day was a trip to the Historic District in downtown Philadelphia. We had stops at places like the Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin’s burial place, etc. The next day was a trip to the USS NEW JERSEY, the most decorated battleship in naval history. Following the tour we held our Memorial service on the bow. This was followed with a lunch at Bertucci’s in Cherry Hill. On Sept. 11 we had the Board and General Meetings followed by lunch in the Hospitality Room. Robert Englehardt was elected 2nd VP. He will take the Helm in 2008. We enjoyed a great Banquet in the Hotel Ballroom. Our special entertainment was a group of Philadelphia Mummers, provided by James Wilson’s daughter, Susie. Susie also provided each attendee a small candle with…
2004: Albuquerque New Mexico
LeBaron Courtyard u0026#038; Suites 2120 Menaul Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87107 For reservations call 800-444-7378 u0026#038; Mention “The USS Hunt Reunion” This is along with the International Balloon Fiesta
2003: Columbus Ohio
Chaired by: Don and Mary Lou Cambrt Attendance: 64 total/32 shipmates Highlights: 15th reunion and continuing. We had a rousing Hospitality Room, hosted by Ken and Vera Wilson, at the Adam’s Mark with plenty of shipmate’s pictures. Day one was a tour of the Longaberger Basket Factory, lunch, and a rousing welcome (very humbling) at the Longaberger Office Building by employees. Next was a visit to the US Air Force Museum where you could follow the history of flight from the Wright Brothers to the age of the space shuttle, followed by a great lunch at the Officer’s Club. A Memorial service was held on the Santa Maria replica, on the Scioto River in Columbus. At the general meeting a new 2nd VP was elected, Ron Ritchie will have the helm in 2006. We enjoyed a fine Banquet with keyboard music provided by Vince Tavolario (Mary Lou’s brother) along with his colleague on base. The Gavel was passed to the new President, Dwight Irish, we all got underway until we meet in Albuquerque, NM for 2004.
2002: Alexandria, Virginia
Sheraton Suites Alexandria, Virginia, August 28 – September 2, 2002 Chaired by Russ and Penny Linsley Attendance 82 (Plus four (4) additional at banquet) 44 shipmates attended Highlights: Our fourteenth Reunion group, including 10 first timers, enjoyed the enmities of the beautiful hotel, daily breakfast buffet and the Starward Club Level Room as our Hospitality Room. Linda Skiba, Hospitality Room Hostess and her helpers contributed to another very successful reunion. Thursday was registration and do-your-own-thing day. Being in Old Town afforded United States history, shopping and sight seeing. Many attendees toured Mount Vernon and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial with more sight -seeing via the Tourmobile to visit the monuments, memorials and other Washington DC. Sights. On Friday we toured the Naval Academy, which for many was a first time visit. A memorial service for Departed Shipmates was held in the Beautiful Academy Chapel. A very memorable experience. We had lunch at the Dry Dock on the Campus. Saturday we enjoyed a luncheon cruise aboard the “Nina’s Dandy”. We cruised the Potomac from Alexandria, to Georgetown. And…. the food was excellent. Sunday was an open day except for our General Business Meeting and fund raising raffle in the morning…
2001: San Diego
Holiday Inn Bayside San Diego California October 18-21, 2001 Chaired by Nelson and Ruth Syler Attendance: 76 Total / 34 Shipmates Highlights: Our thirteenth reunion group was treated to a hotel complimentary welcome Thursday evening. On Friday we held a beautiful Memorial Service at Rosecrans National Cemetery. Five family members of departed shipmates were in attendance. We enjoyed a Harbor Dinner Cruise Friday evening and a day at the San Diego Zoo on Saturday. Held our annual fund-raising raffle and enjoyed a wonderful Hospitality Room, hosted by Lois Steffins and her helpers, in our free time. We were honored to have Admiral Eugene Farrell, USS HUNT Skipper 1955-1957, and his wife, Mindy, in attendance. The Admiral addressed and inspired our group at both the Memorial Service and at our Sunday evening Banquet. Our banquet was followed by entertainment from a mind-boggling psychic. Monday morning we said our farewells until we meet again, in Alexandria, Virginia in 2002.
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Contact Charles (Ski) Berzansky
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