USS Abner Read DD-526

Between 1942 and 1944, 175 Fletcher-class vessels were built, making them the most common type of destroyers in the U.S. Navy. Many were still in service all over the world 40 years later.

The USS Abner Read (DD-526) was more than 376 feet long, nearly 40 feet in the beam, and had a draft of nearly 18 feet. The vessel displaced more than 2,000 tons. One of the first of the Fletcher-class destroyers, she was constructed between 30 October 1941 and 18 August 1942 by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation and commissioned and placed under the command of Commander T. Burrowes the following February.

World War II Service

The Abner Read participated in the only land battle of World War II that took place on U.S. soil. In May of 1943 she participated in the shelling of Japanese positions off Attu Island in Alaska's Aleutian chain. Following this action, she sailed for San Diego for maintenance, then returned to the Aleutians in July. During a routine patrol run off the coast of Kiska Island, Abner Read apparently struck a mine and the explosion ripped away her stern. Tragically 70 men were killed and 47 were wounded, while several others suffered from smoke inhalation. She was eventually towed to the Puget Sound Navy Yard in Bremerton, Washington in October 1943 for extensive dry-dock repairs that lasted two months.

Additional Damage and Final Years

When repairs were completed, the Abner Read was assigned to training duty until sent to Pearl Harbor in February of 1944. From there, she was ordered to New Guinea, but en route suffered from a damaged propeller shaft. After repairs were completed, Abner Read took part in Operation Reckless, the opening of the campaign to retake New Guinea. After a month of action, she arrived in Sydney, Australia, before returning to combat duty.

On 17 October, the USS Abner Read sailed for Leyte Gulf, arriving for the largest naval battle of the war.

American forces were met with stiff resistance from the Japanese at San Pedro Bay in the Philippines when they attacked on 20 October 1944. In desperation, the Japanese Navy began launching suicide attacks. Just before 2 p.m. local time, an Aichi D3A dropped a bomb down the USS Abner Read's stack, destroying the engine room just before the plane itself crashed on the aft deck. Thirty minutes later, she rolled onto one side and went down with 22 crew members. The USS Abner Read was awarded four battle stars for her brief service in the Pacific.

Asbestos Risks

On board every American Navy ship through World War I and World War II, the substance known as asbestos was routinely utilized for insulation and as fireproofing for compartments. A vessel's boiler room and engine spaces usually were the most common workspaces where a seaman or civilian worker could be exposed to asbestos particles, but practically all sections of vessels like the USS Abner Read contained the mineral.

If a ship or vessel was damaged, either in conflict or due to normal operations, toxic asbestos particles could break off into the air where they could be inhaled or ingested by anyone nearby. The greatest hazard in asbestos exposure comes from asbestos sections that become easily broken, as tiny asbestos microfibers can enter surrounding air, where asbestos is inhaled by sailors in the area. Significant asbestos inhalation is conclusively proven to cause mesothelioma, tumors, asbestosis and other serious health conditions. Seamen who have been exposed to asbestos fibers may wish to learn more about symptoms and treatment options associated with mesothelioma. Please click here to receive a complimentary comprehensive packet.

Sources:

Destroyers Index