USS Burns (DD-588)

The second Burns (DD-588) was laid down on 9 May 1942, at Charleston, S.C., by the Charleston Navy Yard; launched on 8 August 1942 and sponsored by Mrs. Harry L. Smith, great-granddaughter of Capt. Burns; and commissioned on 3 April 1943, Cmdr. Donald T. Eller in command.

After a six-week shakedown off Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, through April 1943, Burns steamed westward through the Panama Canal for action against the enemy. Arriving at Pearl Harbor on 17 September 1943, she underwent a few weeks of training, until getting underway to participate in several Pacific War operations. After a few preliminary operations in the Gilbert Islands and Bismarck Archipelago, she received a duty assignment attaching her to the fast carrier task force 38/58. Active as an anti-submarine escort, picket ship, fighter-director ship, and aircraft rescue vessel, Burns began her combat career during a raid on Wake Island (5–6 October).

Burns continued to contribute to several actions throughout 1943, including the raids on Palau, Yap, Ulithi, and Woleai (30 March–1 April), and a month later at Truk, Satawan, and Ponape [Pohnpei] (29 April–1 May). She also provided anti-submarine patrol duties during the Hollandia, Western New Guinea, operation (21–24 April). The ensuing campaign in the Marianas Islands (15 June–6 April) included the first, second, third, and fourth Bonin raids, the Battle of the Philippine Sea , capture and occupation of Saipan and Guam , and the Palau, Yap, and Ulithi raids.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Burns II (DD-588)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.