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USS WILEY (DD-597)


Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign - NIVB

CLASS - FLETCHER As Built.
Displacement 2924 Tons (Full), Dimensions, 376' 5"(oa) x 39' 7" x 13' 9" (Max)
Armament 5 x 5"/38AA, 10 x 40mm, 7 x 20mm AA, 10 x 21" tt.(2x5).
Machinery, 60,000 SHP; Allis Chalmers Turbines, 2 screws
Speed, 38 Knots, Range 6500 NM@ 15 Knots, Crew 273.
Operational and Building Data
Laid down by Puget Sound Navy Yard. August 10 1943.
Launched September 25 1944 and commissioned February 22 1945.
Decommissioned August 9 1946.
Stricken May 1 1968.
Fate Sold April 2 1970 to National Metal & Steel, Terminal Island, CA and broken up for scrap.

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Wiley 153kBesides a few details of his service in the Navy, little is known of the life of William Wiley. He entered the Navy on 2 April 1803 and was assigned to the schooner Enterprise in the Mediterranean squadron. After attaining the rates of boatswain, boatswain's mate, and then a reduction to quartermaster, Wiley took part in the daring raid led by Lt. Stephen Decatur, Jr., in the ketch Intrepid at Tripoli harbor on 16 February 1804, destroying the frigate Philadelphia in the engagement. Quartermaster Wiley was transferred to the brig Scourge soon thereafter, and this is where his documentary trail ends. Photo #: NH 50528. Burning of USS Philadelphia, 16 February 1804, reproduction of a 19th Century engraving, depicting Lieutenant Stephen Decatur leading his men as they recaptured the Philadelphia in Tripoli harbor, prior to setting her afire. Published in the "American Weekly" supplement to the "Washington Times-Herald", circa March-April 1940, illustrating an article by Harold T. Wilkins. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.Bill Gonyo
Wiley 77kArtist's conception of the Wiley by the renowned graphic illustrator John Barrett with the text written by naval author and historian Robert F. Sumrall. Their company Navy Yard Associates offers prints of most destroyers, destroyer escorts, submarines and aircraft carriers in various configurations during the ship's lifetime. The prints can be customized with ship's patches, your photograph, your bio, etc. If you decide to purchase artwork from them please indicate that you heard about their work from NavSource.Navy Yard Associates
Wiley 118kUndated, location unknown. Note the two exercise (hopefully) torpedo tracks passing under the ship.Richard Atteberry/Art Cappabianca
Wiley 75kLaid up in mothballs at Long Beach, California, date unknown. From left to right are USS Charles J. Badger (DD-657), USS Stemble (DD-644), USS Wiley (DD-597), USS Hudson (DD-475) and USS Hall (DD-583).Robert Hurst
Wiley 68kReady for the scrappers, San Diego April 1970.Marc Piché

USS WILEY DD-597 History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry
(Located On The hazegray Web Site, This Is The Main Archive For The DANFS Online Project.)

Commanding Officers
Thanks to Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves

CDR Benjamin Prince Field III    Feb 22 1945 - Aug 9 1946

Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
Tin Can Sailors Website
Destroyer History Foundation
Destroyers Online Website
Official U.S.Navy Destroyer Website

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