U.S.S. Ward 310 Ft. Destroyer – BlueJacket
$380.00
U.S.S. Ward 310 Ft. Destroyer (BJ-K1034) Length 39-1/2″ / Scale 1/8″
The four-piper U.S.S. Ward was the first American ship to sink an enemy vessel in WWII. Her sister ship, U.S.S. Reuben James, was the first U.S. destroyer lost in action. H.M.S. Campbelltown rammed the dry dock gates in the dramatic raid on St. Nazaire.
Of the 273 four-pipers built, no two were exactly the same even though their distinctive silhouette made them unmistakable.This is a solid hull kit for advanced modelers.
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Information
A significant moment in the U.S.S. Ward’s history came on December 7, 1941, when it fired the first shots of the United States’ involvement in World War II. The Ward was patrolling the entrance to Pearl Harbor when it spotted a Japanese midget submarine attempting to enter the harbor. Without hesitation, the Ward opened fire and successfully sank the submarine, alerting the nearby ships of the impending attack and potentially saving countless lives.
The U.S.S. Ward would go on to participate in numerous key battles and operations throughout the war, including the Guadalcanal Campaign and the Battle of Okinawa. Its speed and maneuverability proved crucial in these engagements, allowing it to swiftly navigate through enemy waters and provide support to other ships.
After the end of World War II, the Ward continued to serve in various capacities, including as a training vessel for naval cadets and as a support ship during the Korean War. In 1950, it was decommissioned and placed in reserve, only to be reactivated in 1954 for the Vietnam War. During this time, the U.S.S. Ward served as a flagship for Mine Division 93 and conducted mine-sweeping operations in Vietnamese waters.
In 1968, the Ward was decommissioned for the final time and was eventually sold for scrap in 1972. However, its legacy and impact on naval history live on, with the Ward being remembered as a vital and valiant ship that played a significant role in protecting the United States and its allies during times of war. Its contributions will not be forgotten, and the 310′ Destroyer USS Ward will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who served on her and those who continue to honor her legacy.