Recognition Guide Warships of the Second World War

United States Navy — Destroyer

USS Blue (DD-744) — service history

This is the full service history. For the vessel's particulars, photograph and specifications, see the entry.

In the words of the US Navy. The account below is reproduced verbatim from the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command — a work of the United States Government, in the public domain, and the only text on this site not written here.

Before commissioning

USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Blue (DD-744) off the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, California (USA), on 13 August 1956, following a regular overhaul. U.S. Navy Burau of Ships photo 19-NN - DD-744 Blue - 156132 — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons

Victor Blue was born in Richmond County, N.C., 6 December 1865 and graduated from the Academy in 1887. Lieutenant Blue was advanced five numbers for intelligence missions in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He serve as Chief of the Bureau of Navigation (1913-16 and 1919) and commanded Texas (BB-35) during her service with the 6th Battle Squadron. Rear Admiral Blue retired in 1919 and died 22 January 1928.

Born in New York City 29 August 1902, John Stuart Blue graduated from the Academy in 1925. During 1933 he commanded the Presidential yacht Sequoia and served as Aide to President Roosevelt. Between August 1940 and January 1942 the commended Palmer (DD-161) and then reported to the light cruiser Juneau (CL-52) as navigator. Lieutenant Commander Blue was killed in action 13 November 1942 when Juneau sank during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.

Second World War 1939–1945

1943

The second Blue (DD-744) was launched 28 November 1943 by Bethlehem Steel Co., Staten Island, N.Y.; co-sponsored by Mrs. J. S. Blue and Miss Eleanor Stuart Blue, widow and daughter, respectively, of Lieutenant Commander Blue; and commissioned 20 March 1944, Commander L. Ensey in command.

1944

Blue reported to the Pacific Fleet in July 1944 and joined TF 58 at Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands. While screening the fast carrier task forces, Blue took part in the Volcanos-Bonins-Yap raid (31 August-9 September 1944); capture of the southern Palaus (6 September-14 October); Philippine Islands raids (9-24 September); Luzon raids (5-6, 13-14, and 18 November and 14-16 December); Formosa raids (3-4, 9, and 15 January 1945); Luzon raids (6-7 January); China coast raids (12-16 January); Honshu and the Nansei Shoto raids (15-26 February and 1 March); Iwo Jima assault (15 February-4 March); and conquest of Okinawa (17 March-6 June). Blue was damaged by the 5 June typhoon off Okinawa and retired to Leyte for repairs. Her repairs were completed in time for the destroyer to join the 3rd Fleet for its attacks against the Japanese home islands (10 July-15 August).

1945

USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Blue (DD-744) underway in 1944-45. Note that the wartime censor has removed the radar antennas. Australian armed forces — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons

On 27 August Blue captured the 5223-ton Japanese submarine I-400 off the coast of Honshu and brought her into port. She steamed into Tokyo Bay 2 September and remained at anchor at Yokosuka Naval Base for two weeks. She then steamed to San Francisco arriving 5 October 1945 and shortly thereafter sailed to Puget Sound Navy Yard for complete overhaul.

Post-war 1946–1949

1946

Blue completed her overhaul in January 1946 and was assigned to Destroyer Division 92, 7th Fleet. On 10 February she departed the west coast for Asiatic waters, via Pearl Harbor, Guam, and the Philippines, and arrived on the China coast 13 May. During the remainder of the year she cruised in the Yellow Sea, Philippine waters, and around the Marianas Islands engaged in tactical and hunter-killer anti-submarine warfare exercises and performing patrol duty. She returned to the United States early in 1947 and on 14 February 1947 was placed out of commission in reserve at San Diego.

1949

On 14 May 1949 Blue was recommissioned and assigned to Destroyer Division 72, Pacific Fleet. After undergoing overhaul at San Francisco Naval Shipyard between June and September, she returned to Pacific reserve Fleet and was decommissioned at San Diego 12 December 1949.

Korean War period 1950–1953

1950

Blue was again placed in commission 15 September 1950 and reported to Destroyer Division 131, Pacific Fleet. After engaging in training exercises off the coast of California, she departed San Diego early in 1951 and arrive at Yokosuka, Japan, 123 January. She operated in Korean and Japanese waters until August. During this period she steamed with TF 77 off the east coast of Korea, carrying out screening, life guard, and fire support duties. Late in 1951 Blue proceeded to the United States for a general overhaul at San Francisco Naval Shipyard. She returned to the combat area in April 1952 and resumed operations with TF 77 off the coast of Korea. During September-October, with TG 95.20 and TF 76 she performed patrol duty and provided gunfire support during salvage operations.

1952

USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Blue (DD-744) off the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, California (USA), on 2 January 1952, following a regular overhaul. Note that she is still equipped with the SC radar. U.S. Navy Burau of Ships photo 19-NN - DD-744 Blue - 141559 — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons

Returning to the United States in November 1952, she underwent overhaul and engaged in scheduled exercises off the coast of California until June 1953. On 13 June she departed Long Beach, Calif., and arrived at Yokosuka 7 July. On the 17th she resumed screening operations with TF 77 off the east coast of Korea. In September she cruised off the south coast of Japan with TG 96.7 and patrolled off Formosa until l19 October when she returned to Korea. She returned to the west coast in December 1953.

Since that time Blue has carried out the normal operating routine of Pacific Fleet destroyers. She has conducted several tours of the Far East and during the intervals between these cruises has conducted local operations and type training along the west coast.

Vietnam War period 1964–1975

1971

Blue was decommissioned on 27 January 1971 and struck from the Navy list on 1 February 1974. She was disposed of in a fleet training exercise on 28 April 1977.

Other photographs

Held for this vessel, and not tied to any part of the account above.

USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) with aircraft of Attack Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) on deck during an underway replenishment during the carrier's deployment to the Western Pacific and Vietnam from 5 May 1964 to 1 February 1965. The Allen M. Sumner -class destroyer USS Blue (DD-744) is also being replenished. USN — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Constellation 1964-65 cruise book available on navysite.de [2] — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The ships and aircraft of the U.S. Navy Task Group 70.4 underway in 1962. Visible are (in no order): the aircraft carrier USS Bennington (CVS-20), with Commander Carrier Division 15 aboard; Carrier Anti-Submarine Air Group 59 (CVSG-59) was aboard the Bennington for the deployment to the Western Pacific from 7 January 25 July 1962. Destroyer Division 92 with USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729) USS Collet U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Bennington (CVS-20) 1962 cruise book available at Navysite.de — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Blue (DD-744) at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (USA), in 1969. CDR Pete Schonenberg, USN — U.S. Navy photo [1] from Navsource.org — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Blue (DD-744) refueling in heavy weather as seen from the flight deck of USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in November, 1962. Gary Schreffler, USN — U.S. Navy photo [1] from Navsource.org — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Blue (DD-744) refueling in heavy weather as seen from the flight deck of USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in November, 1962. Gary Schreffler, USN — U.S. Navy photo [1] from Navsource.org — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Blue (DD-744) being refueled by the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) underway, circa 1970. Coral Sea , with assigned Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15), was deployed to Vietnam from 23 September 1969 to 1 July 1970. U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy All Hands magazine July 1970 , p. 47 — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Blue (DD-744) underway in 1962. U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Bennington (CVS-20) 1962 cruise book available at Navysite.de — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Blue (DD-744) underway at sea on 28 April 1961. Blue had completed her FRAM II-modernisation at the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, California (USA), in January 1961. PHC Hill, U.S. Navy — Official U.S. Navy photo NH 107144 from the U.S. Navy Naval History and Heritage Command — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer tender USS Bryce Canyon (AD-36) at Terminal Island, Long Beach, California (USA), circa in 1962. Alongside are the destroyers USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729), USS Collett (DD-730), USS Blue (DD-744), and USS Shelton (DD-790). USS Colahan (DD-658) is moored on the other side of the pier. This photo shows the three U.S. Navy post-WWII destroyer classes, Fletcher -class ( Colaha U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy All Hands magazine September 1962 , p. 30 — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser USS Chicago (CG-11) in drydock No. 3 of the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, California (USA), during the autumn of 1959. The stores ship USS Regulus (AF-57) is in dock No. 2 to the left. The radar warning ship USS Scanner (YAGR-5), the ammunition ship USS Vesuvius (AE-15), the destroyer USS Blue (DD-744), the radar picket destroyer escort USS Koine r (DER-331) an U.S. Navy — Official U.S. Navy photo NH 90787 from the U.S. Navy Naval History and Heritage Command — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer tender USS Dixie (AD-14) in 1962 with six destroyers alongside, probably at Subic Bay, Philippines. Alongside are (l-r): USS Epperson (DD-719); USS Renshaw (DD-499); USS Philip (DD-498); USS Radford (DD-446); USS Collett (DD-730) and USS Blue (DD-744). U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Dixie (AD-14) 1962 cruise book available at Navysite.de — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The U.S. Navy destroyer tender USS Dixie (AD-14) in 1962 with six destroyers alongside, probably at Subic Bay, Philippines. Identifiable are (l-r): USS Renshaw (DD-499); USS Philip (DD-498); USS Radford (DD-446); USS Collett (DD-730) and USS Blue (DD-744) U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Bennington (CVS-20) 1962 cruise book available at Navysite.de — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
USS Blue (DD-744)
The four U.S. Navy destroyers of Destroyer Division 92 at Terminal Island, in 1962 (l-r): USS Shelton (DD-790), USS Blue (DD-744), USS Collett (DD-730) and USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729). The destroyer tender USS Bryce Canyon (AD-36) is partly visible on the right. U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Bennington (CVS-20) 1962 cruise book available at Navysite.de — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons

References

Every work this entry draws on. There are no numbered markers in the text above: what we hold is the provenance of the page — this history, this article, these photographs.

  1. History Blue II (DD-744) Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Naval History and Heritage Command. A work of the United States Government, in the public domain — the only text on this site reproduced verbatim.
  2. Facts USS Blue (DD-744) Structured facts only — dates, dimensions, armament and fate. No wording is taken from it. Harvested 1 August 2026.
  3. Photograph USS Blue (DD-744) underway at sea on 14 May 1944 (80-G-237962) U.S. Navy — Official U.S. Navy photo 80-G-237962 available at Destroyerhistory.org — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photograph USS Constellation (CVA-64) USS Blue (DD-744) unrep 1964-65 USN — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Constellation 1964-65 cruise book available on navysite.de [2] — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photograph Ships and aircraft of US Navy Task Group 70.4 underway in 1962 U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Bennington (CVS-20) 1962 cruise book available at Navysite.de — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  6. Photograph USS Blue (DD-744) at Parl Harbor in 1969 CDR Pete Schonenberg, USN — U.S. Navy photo [1] from Navsource.org — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  7. Photograph USS Blue (DD-744) off the San Francisco Naval Shipyard on 13 August 1956 U.S. Navy Burau of Ships photo 19-NN - DD-744 Blue - 156132 — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  8. Photograph USS Blue (DD-744) off the San Francisco Naval Shipyard on 2 January 1952 U.S. Navy Burau of Ships photo 19-NN - DD-744 Blue - 141559 — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  9. Photograph USS Blue (DD-744) refueling in 1962 Gary Schreffler, USN — U.S. Navy photo [1] from Navsource.org — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  10. Photograph USS Blue (DD-744) refueling in heavy seas 1962 Gary Schreffler, USN — U.S. Navy photo [1] from Navsource.org — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  11. Photograph USS Blue (DD-744) refuels from USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) c1970 U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy All Hands magazine July 1970 , p. 47 — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  12. Photograph USS Blue (DD-744) underway c1945 Australian armed forces — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  13. Photograph USS Blue (DD-744) underway in 1962 U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Bennington (CVS-20) 1962 cruise book available at Navysite.de — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  14. Photograph USS Blue (DD-744) underway in April 1961 PHC Hill, U.S. Navy — Official U.S. Navy photo NH 107144 from the U.S. Navy Naval History and Heritage Command — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  15. Photograph USS Bryce Canyon (AD-36) with destroyers at Terminal Island c1962 U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy All Hands magazine September 1962 , p. 30 — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  16. Photograph USS Chicago (CG-11) and other ships at the San Francisco Navy Yard in 1959 U.S. Navy — Official U.S. Navy photo NH 90787 from the U.S. Navy Naval History and Heritage Command — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  17. Photograph USS Dixie (AD-14) in 1962, with six destroyers alongside U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Dixie (AD-14) 1962 cruise book available at Navysite.de — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  18. Photograph USS Dixie (AD-14) with destroyers alongside in 1962 U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Bennington (CVS-20) 1962 cruise book available at Navysite.de — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons
  19. Photograph USS Shelton (DD-790), USS Blue (DD-744), USS Collett (DD-730) and USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729) in 1962 U.S. Navy — U.S. Navy photo [1] from the USS Bennington (CVS-20) 1962 cruise book available at Navysite.de — Public domain — Wikimedia Commons