7 October 2024: It is very rare that we do this here at Maritime Maunder, but it has come to our attention that yesterday's post on the USS Stewart was a trifle obscure in explaining how the United States destroyer came to be in Japanese hands in WWII. Following should explain it more clearly -- from the GreekReporter:
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The USS Stewart’s journey began as an American destroyer, labeled DD-224, sent to Borneo in late 1941, just before the US officially entered World War II.
During the first months of the Pacific War, it operated alongside other US warships, providing escort duties. However, its fate changed in February 1942 during the Battle of Badung Strait near Bali when Japanese warships caused severe damage.
The damaged Stewart managed to make it to Surabaya, a port on the island of Java. However, with Japanese forces advancing, the crew decided to scuttle the ship, sinking it on purpose by using explosives.
A year later, the Japanese salvaged the destroyer, putting it back to use as a patrol boat for the Imperial Navy until the war ended in 1945.
After Japan’s surrender on September 2, 1945, the ship returned to US control. The US Navy briefly recommissioned it as DD-224, but it was in poor condition by that time. In May 1946, the vessel was officially decommissioned and then used for target practice.
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We hope this will clear up any confusion as to what happened and how the ship came to be part of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
And to you folks in Southwest Florida: hang tough and stay safe! You're in our prayers!
Until next time,
Fair Winds,
Old Salt
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