USS Kidd: Fletcher Class Destroyer & National Treasure on the banks of the Mississippi - Baton Rouge, Louisiana


USS Kidd DD 661 - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
On the banks of the muddy Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana rests quite possibly the most incredibly preserved example of a United States Navy – World War II era warship. This is the Destroyer USS Kidd (DD 661). The Louisiana Naval War Memorial Commission and the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial both have outstanding websites that provide a plethora of interesting information on this amazing ship’s history, specifications, exploits and the heroics of its crew. The following highlights were gleaned from the above resources and are included here as I feel it is necessary to remember the sacrifices made in order to preserve our freedoms by the Greatest Generation. The USS Kidd is one of 175 “Fletcher Class” destroyers that were built by various American shipyards and delivered to the US Navy during World War II. Her number DD 661 means she was the 661st destroyer to serve in the US Navy. USS Kidd was launched from a New Jersey shipyard on 28 February 1943 and at that time she was quite the warship. USS Kidd was named after Rear Admiral Issac Kidd who was killed aboard the battleship USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor – December 7th, 1941. When he learned of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Rear Admiral Kidd rushed to his duty station on the bridge of the USS Arizona where he stayed, gallantly directing efforts to save the ship until a direct bomb hit to the bridge and magazines destroyed the ship killing Kidd and 1,176 officers and crewman. Kidd’s body was never recovered and he is still listed as “missing in action”. For his heroism and dedication to duty, Rear Admiral Kidd was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart.
USS Kidd as seen from Baton Rouge Levee - Louisiana
The USS Kidd had a tough road to haul living up to the name that was assigned to her. Through her exploits in the Pacific in World War II she did an outstanding job of doing just that. USS Kidd’s primary functions were anti-submarine duty, shore bombardment, rescuing downed pilots and providing anti-aircraft cover and escort to aircraft carriers and other capital ships. USS Kidd participated in operations at Wake Island, Rabaul, Bougainville, Tarawa, Marshall Islands, Guam, Saipan, the Philippines and Okinawa. The USS Kidd was a remarkable warship. She had a 3,050 ton displacement fully loaded, a crew of 330 officers and enlisted men, (5) 5-inch gun turrets, multiple quad and dual mounted 40mm guns, multiple dual mounted 20mm guns, several depth charge racks and projectors and a quad torpedo tube setup. This little destroyer really packed a punch. It would have been an amazing thing to see her in action – chasing a submarine or filling the sky with flak while she exposed herself to great danger in order to rescue downed pilots or provide cover for the aircraft carriers and battleships of the US Navy. The Officers and Crew of the ship were very proud of her and with the blessing of the wife of Rear Admiral Issac Kidd, the crew also took on the persona of “Captain Kidd” – painting a large rendition of the pirate on the ship’s funnel and flying the skull and cross bones of the “Jolly Roger” from her mast. Interestingly enough, USS Kidd was the only US warship ever authorized to fly the pirates flag. During all of her missions her Commanders and Crew served valiantly rescuing dozens of downed carrier pilots while exposing the Ship and her crew to great risk and danger. On April 11th, 1945 while providing screening protection to the stricken aircraft carrier USS Franklin CV-13, USS Kidd suffered a direct hit by a Kamikaze which resulted in the death of 38 of her crew while injuring 55 others. En-route to Ulithi atoll for repairs, USS Kidd buried her dead at sea. While at Ulithi, the crew of the destroyer tender USS Hamul AD-20 forged a bronze plaque with the names of those who died aboard the USS Kidd. This plaque was mounted on the quarter deck of the USS Kidd where it can still be seen today. As previously stated, the USS Kidd is in my opinion, the most incredible naval memorial I have ever seen. Great attention to detail has been paid to ensure that this wonderful ship reflects the appearance it would have had at the height of her exploits out in the Pacific ocean during World War II. When you visit USS Kidd today you can get a guided tour or you can walk the ship at your own pace. I did the later and it was amazing to look at all of the details – depth charges, 40mm gun mounts, crew / officers quarters, inner workings of a 5 inch gun turret, multicolored flags hanging from her mast, large slanted funnel, anchor chains, spotting lights / scopes, paint scheme, historic plaques etc. etc. etc. The history of the USS Kidd is the type of American Tale that should be taught to our school children. Dedication to duty, Patriotism, Honor, Courage and Sacrifice are all words that come to mind when I think of the USS Kidd, her crew and her service. I would like to thank the staff, contributors and volunteers who have made it possible for this great ship to be visited, learned about, preserved and remembered. After my visit, I certainly have a greater appreciation for the exploits of the US Navy during WW II. In the words of the Louisiana Naval War Memorial Commission – “She (USS Kidd) whispers stories of Courage, Bravery and Sacrifice”. If you ever find yourself in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, take the time to jump off of Interstate 10 and visit this outstanding memorial and think about the USS Kidd and the valiant men who served aboard her who helped preserve our freedom. There is a great museum and gift shop from which a walkway leads outside and down an access plank to the USS Kidd. There is also an observation tower from which you can get a birds-eye view of this great ship, the Mississippi River and Baton Rouge. Stroll along the levee for a minute and check this beautiful ship out from different angles. It is particularly striking at sunset when its lights come on.

AA Batteries forever trained on the sky - USS Kidd DD 661 - Baton Rouge, Louisiana


USS Kidd DD 661 - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Bridge carrying Interstate 10 across the muddy Mississippi River as seen from the stern of
the USS Kidd. Baton Rouge, Louisiana



Jaromy D. Jessop

For more information about the USS Kidd and visiting the ship – see the information below:

USS Kidd Veterans Memorial
305 South River Road
Baton Rouge, LA, 70802-6220
(225) 342-1942
www.usskidd.com


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