USS Newcomb
Fletcher-Class Destroyer · DD-586 · 1943–1945
DD-586Hull Number
2,050 tonsDisplacement
376.6 ftLength
35+ knotsTop Speed
8 StarsBattle Stars
Nov. 11, 1943Commissioned
I have been writing the Newcomb Newsletter, generally 2 per year, since 1984, and I have kept the records of addresses, deaths, etc. In recent years I have had a lot of contact with my Shipmates' children and even grandchildren. Their growing interest in the WWII exploits of the Newcomb is wonderful to behold. Unfortunately it often arises after their Shipmate/relative has passed away. So I am trying to produce a record which will contain information of interest to our progeny. This is a "work in process" which may never be "done." I encourage suggestions and criticism from all.
I want to acknowledge the help and tutelage supplied by Dave McComb relative to this project (at age 79 I need it!). Dave also scanned the entire Newcomb Log and other Reports which you can read here. He hosts a Destroyer-oriented website that contains a great amount of information regarding the Newcomb: DomeIsland.com — you can spend many enjoyable hours there!
I also thank Shipmate Lee Kraft, who has been gathering Shipmates' photos for years, for letting me scan them.
I apologize for errors, omissions, and misspellings; and for a rather crude undertaking. Every word and memory here comes from the heart.
— Nate Cook, QM2/c, USS Newcomb DD-586
Select any section below to learn more about the USS Newcomb and her crew.
The USS Newcomb (DD-586) was a Fletcher-class destroyer built at Boston, Massachusetts. Her keel was laid on March 19, 1943, she was launched on July 4, 1943, and commissioned on November 11, 1943. She was designated Flagship of Destroyer Squadron 56 (DesRon 56), composed of nine sister ships in three divisions.
From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol. V (1970):
"Newcomb shook down in the West Indies for a month, then made passage to the Marshall Islands, arriving 4 April 1944 for two months duty on antisubmarine patrol. She next joined the assault on Saipan as flagship for the screen from 29 May until 5 August, serving as fire support and patrol ship at both Saipan and Tinian. On 22 June, while guarding transports, she and the Chandler (DMS 9) sank Japanese submarine I-185, and on 4 July her well-directed fire broke up a Japanese banzai attack north of Garapan on Saipan."
The Newcomb went on to fight in some of the most significant naval engagements of the Pacific War, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf at Surigao Strait — where her torpedoes helped sink the Japanese battleship Yamashiro — and the grueling campaign at Okinawa, where she was struck five times by kamikaze aircraft in a single afternoon on April 6, 1945.
Despite catastrophic damage, the Newcomb remained afloat. She received 8 Battle Stars and a Navy Unit Commendation for her service in World War II.
Plus a Navy Unit Commendation for the action at Okinawa on April 6, 1945.
The Newcomb was commissioned with a full complement of officers and enlisted men, many of them serving their first tour at sea.
While guarding transports off Saipan, the Newcomb and USS Chandler (DMS-9) attacked and sank Japanese submarine I-185.
Well-directed 5-inch fire from the Newcomb broke up a major Japanese banzai attack north of Garapan on Saipan — on Independence Day.
DesRon 56 made a daring night torpedo attack in the Surigao Strait. At least three of the Newcomb's five torpedoes struck the Japanese battleship Yamashiro, which was sunk in the action. The Newcomb then rescued survivors from the stricken USS Albert W. Grant (DD-649).
The Newcomb covered minesweeping operations and fired pinpoint accurate shore bombardments in direct support of troops fighting ashore at Iwo Jima.
While screening minesweepers west of Ie Shima, the Newcomb was struck five times by kamikaze aircraft over 90 minutes. Eighteen men were killed and 20 went missing. The crew fought to keep the ship afloat with extraordinary courage, earning a Navy Unit Commendation.
The end of World War II ended further repairs. The Newcomb was decommissioned on November 20, 1945 and struck from the Navy List on March 28, 1946. She was scrapped at Mare Island Navy Yard in October 1947.