What was the USS Camp (DE-251)?

The USS Camp (DE-251) was a destroyer escort belonging to the Edsall-class, constructed for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Its primary role was to provide protection for naval vessels and convoys against submarine and air attacks in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

To which specific class of naval vessels did the USS Camp belong?

The USS Camp (DE-251) was part of the Edsall-class of destroyer escorts. This class was a significant group of ships built for the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Who built the USS Camp, and where was this shipyard located?

The USS Camp was built by Brown Shipbuilding Company, located in Houston, Texas.

What were the key dates in the construction and commissioning timeline of the USS Camp?

The USS Camp was laid down on January 27, 1943, launched on April 16, 1943, and commissioned into U.S. Navy service on September 16, 1943.

Who was Jack Hill Camp, the namesake of the USS Camp?

Jack Hill Camp was born in Jennings, Louisiana, on August 27, 1916. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve in January 1941 and became a naval aviator in December 1941. He was attached to Patrol Squadron 44.

How did Ensign Jack Hill Camp, the namesake of the USS Camp, die?

Ensign Jack Hill Camp was killed in action on June 7, 1942, during the Battle of Midway while serving with Patrol Squadron 44.

What was the initial duty assignment for the USS Camp after its commissioning?

Following its commissioning, the USS Camp initially served as a school ship, training pre-commissioning crews for other escort vessels before reporting to the United States Atlantic Fleet.

When did the USS Camp undertake its first deployment for North Atlantic convoy escort duty, and what was its initial destination?

The USS Camp departed Norfolk, Virginia, on December 14, 1943, to escort a convoy bound for Casablanca. This convoy carried personnel and supplies crucial for operations in Italy.

What was the primary operational area for USS Camp's convoy escort missions for approximately a year and a half?

After returning to Norfolk in January 1944, USS Camp spent the next year and a half conducting convoy escort operations primarily between New York and ports in the United Kingdom. These convoys were vital for supplying the buildup and support efforts for the Allied assault on the European continent.

How effective was the USS Camp in protecting the convoys it escorted during its North Atlantic service?

Despite facing harsh weather conditions common in the North Atlantic, the USS Camp maintained a strong record of alertness against submarine attacks. Its diligence ensured that no losses occurred in any of the convoys it accompanied during this period.

Describe the collision incident involving the USS Camp in November 1944.

On November 16, 1944, the USS Camp collided with the tanker Chrysler's Field off the south coast of Ireland. Tragically, one crew member of the Camp lost his life as a result of this collision.

What significant modifications were made to the USS Camp following its collision in November 1944?

As a result of the collision, the USS Camp required repairs during which it received a new bow. Additionally, its armament was updated with the acquisition of 5-inch guns.

When did USS Camp conclude its North Atlantic convoy escort duties and prepare for transfer to the Pacific?

USS Camp's dedicated escort duty in the North Atlantic concluded on June 19, 1945, after which it prepared for its transfer to the Pacific theater.

From which U.S. port did USS Camp depart for the Pacific, and what were its initial destinations upon arrival?

USS Camp departed Charleston, South Carolina, on July 9, 1945, heading for the Pacific. Its initial stops included Pearl Harbor for training duties and then Eniwetok for occupation responsibilities.

What specific occupation and rescue duties did USS Camp perform in the Pacific theater after World War II?

In the Pacific, USS Camp supervised the evacuation of the Japanese garrison from Mili Atoll. Following this, it undertook air-sea rescue duties off Kwajalein until November 4, 1945, before sailing for home.

When was the USS Camp initially decommissioned following its World War II service?

The USS Camp was first decommissioned on May 1, 1946, and its U.S. Coast Guard crew was subsequently removed.

What was the purpose of the USS Camp's conversion and recommissioning in the mid-1950s?

The USS Camp was recommissioned on July 31, 1956, to serve as a radar picket ship, playing a role in the early warning system. This involved operating further out from shore to detect incoming aircraft or missiles.

What new hull classification designation did USS Camp receive when it was converted into a radar picket ship?

When converted to a radar picket ship, USS Camp was reclassified as DER-251 on October 21, 1955 (though the text also mentions December 7, 1955, for reclassification). This designation indicated its role as a Destroyer Escort Radar.

How did the armament of the USS Camp change during its conversion to a radar picket ship?

During its conversion to a radar picket ship, the USS Camp's armament was modified. Its two original 5-inch/38 caliber guns were replaced with two 3-inch/50 caliber guns.

In which geographical areas did the USS Camp primarily operate during its service as a radar picket ship from 1957 through 1963?

After reporting to Newport, Rhode Island, in February 1957, the USS Camp operated between Newport and Argentia, Newfoundland, covering the North Atlantic. From 1962 to 1963, it operated out of Greenock, Scotland.

What significant operational incident occurred involving USS Camp while it was on picket duty in the Irish Sea?

While on picket duty in the Irish Sea, USS Camp experienced damage when a large section of its external bilge keel broke off. Emergency repairs were conducted at sea to prevent fuel oil leaks.

What specific duties did USS Camp perform off the coast of Cuba in 1964 and 1965?

In 1964 and 1965, USS Camp served off Cuba as a Radar Picket Ship. Its duties included tracking Russian convoys and rescuing Cuban refugees who had fled the island.

When was USS Camp deployed to Vietnam, and what was its primary mission during this deployment?

In 1965, USS Camp was sent to Vietnamese waters to participate in Operation Market Time, a mission focused on coastal patrol and interdiction efforts by the U.S. Navy.

How did USS Camp respond to the Viet Cong attack on the Republic of Vietnam Navy base on the Trà Khúc River in August 1967?

Upon notification of the attack, USS Camp immediately proceeded to the Trà Khúc River to provide assistance. It was directed to assume duties as Operational Scene Commander and offer gunfire support, though initial firing was delayed due to lack of spotters. The ship then directed PCFs (Patrol Craft Fast) to evacuate wounded personnel and provided star shell illumination for three nights to aid the base's defense.

What medical assistance did USS Camp provide during the Trà Khúc River incident?

During the Trà Khúc River incident, USS Camp treated 15 wounded Vietnamese individuals, including a baby, and a U.S. Naval Advisor. It also coordinated the evacuation of these wounded personnel via U.S. Army medical helicopters and directed PCFs to transport 25 additional evacuees.

What significant damage did USS Camp sustain while navigating through Typhoon Carla in the Formosa Straits in late 1967?

While avoiding Typhoon Carla, USS Camp encountered severe weather, including 40-foot seas and 70-knot winds. This resulted in the total destruction of its forward gun shield, the loss of its fire control radar system, and damage reducing mount 31 to wreckage.

Where did USS Camp undergo emergency repairs after being damaged by Typhoon Carla?

Following the damage sustained from Typhoon Carla, USS Camp was directed to Sasebo, Japan, for emergency dry-dock repairs. During these repairs, an 8-foot section of its hull was found to be nearing failure.

Did USS Camp provide escort support to any notable capital ships after its typhoon damage and repairs?

Yes, after completing repairs in Sasebo, USS Camp returned to Vietnam and resumed duty, which included providing escort support to the battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62).

What symbol of operational excellence did USS Camp display on its bridge?

USS Camp displayed the Naval symbol for excellence, the "E", on its bridge, indicating it had achieved high marks in all assessed categories.

How were the communications capabilities of USS Camp improved by 1968?

By 1968, USS Camp's radio center had been rebuilt multiple times to enhance communications efficiency. The rebuilt center became highly effective, capable of handling simultaneous communications globally while managing heavy local demand.

What role did USS Camp fulfill in Hong Kong harbor during its service period?

USS Camp served as the "Station Ship" in Hong Kong harbor, providing radio guard services for all U.S. Navy ships that were undergoing extended stays in port.

In what capacity did USS Camp contribute to the filming of the movie *Tora! Tora! Tora!*?

The USS Camp was used for filming the sea-based action sequences in *Tora! Tora! Tora!*, specifically the gunfire and depth charge scenes. The interior scenes of the USS Ward were filmed aboard the decommissioned USS Newell, but the exterior naval action sequences utilized the USS Camp, identifiable by its open rear gun mount.

When was the USS Camp transferred to the South Vietnamese Navy?

The USS Camp was transferred to the South Vietnamese Navy on February 13, 1971.

What was the name and designation of the USS Camp when it served in the South Vietnamese Navy?

When transferred to South Vietnam, the ship was renamed RVNS Tran Hung Dao (HQ-1). It was designated as a frigate.

What happened to the RVNS Tran Hung Dao (formerly USS Camp) following the surrender of the South Vietnamese government in April 1975?

Following the surrender of the South Vietnamese government, the RVNS Tran Hung Dao escaped to the Philippines. The ship was acquired by the Philippines later that year.

When was the former USS Camp commissioned into the Philippine Navy, and under what name and hull number?

The ship was formally transferred to the Philippine Navy on April 5, 1976, and commissioned on July 27, 1976, as RPS Rajah Lakandula (PS-4). In July 1980, it was renumbered and reclassified as BRP Rajah Lakandula (PF-4).

What was the final status and likely fate of the ship after its service in the Philippine Navy?

The ship was struck from the Philippine Navy List in 1988. It remained in service as a stationary barracks ship in Subic Bay until at least 1999 and was likely later sold as scrap.

When was USS Camp officially stricken from the U.S. Naval Vessel Register?

USS Camp was officially stricken from the U.S. Naval Vessel Register on December 30, 1975.

What were the general dimensions of the USS Camp, including its length, beam, and draft?

The USS Camp measured 306 feet (93 meters) in length, had a beam of 36 feet 6 inches (11.13 meters), and a draft of 10 feet 4 inches (3.15 meters).

Describe the propulsion system used by the USS Camp.

The USS Camp was propelled by four Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines, supported by four diesel-generators, producing a total of 6,000 shaft horsepower (shp) to drive two screws.

What was the operational range of the USS Camp at a cruising speed?

The USS Camp had an operational range of 9,000 nautical miles (17,000 km) when traveling at a speed of 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph).

What armaments did the USS Camp initially carry upon commissioning?

Initially, the USS Camp was armed with three single 3-inch/50 caliber guns, one twin 40 mm anti-aircraft gun, eight single 20 mm anti-aircraft guns, one triple 21-inch torpedo tube mount, eight depth charge projectors, one hedgehog anti-submarine mortar, and two depth charge tracks.

What was the standard and full load displacement of the USS Camp?

The USS Camp had a standard displacement of 1,253 long tons (1,273 metric tons) and a full load displacement of 1,590 long tons (1,616 metric tons).

What was the complement of officers and enlisted personnel typically assigned to the USS Camp?

The typical complement for the USS Camp consisted of 8 officers and 201 enlisted personnel.

Besides the U.S. Navy, which other navies operated ships belonging to the Edsall-class destroyer escort lineage, according to the provided navbox?

According to the navbox, ships from the Edsall-class destroyer escort lineage were also operated by the United States Coast Guard, Mexican Navy, Philippine Navy, Tunisian Navy, Republic of Vietnam Navy, and Vietnam People's Navy.

Who was Tran Hung Dao, the namesake for the ship when it served in the South Vietnamese Navy?

Tran Hung Dao was a prominent Vietnamese military leader, a royal prince of the Trần dynasty, renowned for his military strategies and victories against the Mongol invasions of Vietnam in the 13th century. He is a national hero in Vietnam.

What hull classification symbol was assigned to the ship when it served in the Philippine Navy as BRP Rajah Lakandula?

When serving in the Philippine Navy as BRP Rajah Lakandula, the ship held the hull classification symbol PF-4.

In what capacity was the ship still serving in Subic Bay in 1999?

In 1999, the ship was still in use as a stationary barracks ship berthed in Subic Bay.

What is the primary source cited for the historical information presented about the USS Camp?

The article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS), which is cited as a primary source.

What external resource provides a photo gallery of the USS Camp?

An external link to NavSource Naval History provides a photo gallery of the USS Camp.

Describe the image caption for the photograph showing the USS Camp after a refit.

The caption for the image states that it shows the USS Camp after a refit where it was equipped with two 5-inch/38 caliber guns.

Uss Camp Wiki: The Maritime Chronicle of USS Camp: A Destroyer Escort's Journey

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Ship Overview

Class and Type

The USS Camp (DE-251) was a notable vessel belonging to the Edsall-class destroyer escort. These ships were designed and built to provide crucial escort protection against submarine and air threats during naval operations.

Builder: Brown Shipbuilding, Houston, Texas
Laid down: 27 January 1943
Launched: 16 April 1943
Commissioned: 16 September 1943

Namesake

The ship was named in honor of Jack Hill Camp, a United States Naval Reserve aviator. Ensign Camp was born in Jennings, Louisiana, and tragically lost his life in action during the pivotal Battle of Midway on 7 June 1942. (opens in new tab)

Initial Role

Upon commissioning, the USS Camp joined the United States Atlantic Fleet. Her primary mission involved providing vital destroyer escort protection for naval vessels and convoys, safeguarding them from the persistent threats posed by enemy submarines and aircraft, particularly during the critical phases of World War II.

Operational History

World War II Atlantic Operations

Following her commissioning, Camp initially served as a school ship for pre-commissioning crews. She then commenced convoy escort duties, departing Norfolk, Virginia, in December 1943. For over a year and a half, she navigated the challenging North Atlantic, escorting convoys carrying essential personnel and materiel to the United Kingdom in support of operations in Europe. Despite facing severe weather and the constant threat of submarine attack, Camp successfully completed her escort missions without loss of any accompanied vessels. A collision with the tanker Chrysler's Field in November 1944 necessitated repairs, including a new bow, and resulted in the loss of one crew member.

Pacific Theater and Occupation Duty

After her Atlantic service, Camp transited to the Pacific Ocean in July 1945. She served as a training vessel at Pearl Harbor before proceeding to Eniwetok for occupation duties. Her responsibilities included supervising the evacuation of Japanese garrisons from Mili Atoll and undertaking air-sea rescue missions off Kwajalein until November 1945, when she sailed for the United States, arriving in New York in December.

Radar Picket Conversion

Decommissioned in May 1946, Camp was later reclassified as DER-251 and recommissioned on 31 July 1956. She was converted into a radar picket ship, a critical component of the early warning system. Her armament was modified, with two 5-inch guns replaced by two 3-inch guns. Operating from Newport, Rhode Island, and Argentia, Newfoundland, she patrolled the North Atlantic through 1962. Her service included operations off Cuba in 1964-1965, tracking Soviet convoys and assisting Cuban refugees.

Vietnam Service

In 1965, Camp was deployed to Vietnamese waters as part of Operation Market Time, focusing on coastal patrol and interdiction. In August 1967, she bravely responded to a Viet Cong overrun of a Republic of Vietnam Navy base on the Trà Khúc River, providing crucial support, evacuating wounded personnel, and illuminating the base with star shells for three consecutive nights. Her service continued with escort duties, including support for the battleship USS New Jersey. Despite facing severe weather, including Typhoon Carla, which caused significant damage, Camp underwent repairs and resumed her duties, earning the Naval symbol of excellence, the "E", for her performance.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Displacement

The Edsall-class destroyer escorts were designed for efficient operation and endurance.

Specification	Details
Displacement	1,253 long tons (1,273 t) standard 1,590 long tons (1,616 t) full load
Length	306 ft (93 m)
Beam	36 ft 6 in (11.13 m)
Draft	10 ft 4 in (3.15 m)

Propulsion and Performance

Camp was powered by a diesel-electric system, enabling sustained operations over long distances.

Component	Details
Propulsion	4 Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines, 4 diesel-generators, 6,000 shp (4.5 MW), 2 screws
Speed	21 knots (39 km/h; 24 mph)
Range	9,000 nmi (17,000 km) at 12 kn (22 km/h; 14 mph)

Armament

The ship's armament was configured for anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare, evolving slightly over its service life.

3 × single 3-inch (76 mm)/50 guns
1 × twin 40 mm AA guns
8 × single 20 mm AA guns
1 × triple 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes
8 × depth charge projectors
1 × depth charge projector (Hedgehog)
2 × depth charge tracks

Note: Post-conversion to Radar Picket Ship, armament was modified, notably replacing two 5-inch guns with two 3-inch 50 caliber guns.

Post-War Service and Transfers

United States Coast Guard and Reclassification

Following World War II, USS Camp was decommissioned on 1 May 1946. Her crew was removed, and she entered a period of reserve status. She was later reclassified as DER-251 on 7 December 1955, signifying her new role as a Radar Picket Destroyer Escort, before being recommissioned in July 1956 for this specialized duty.

International Service

The Camp's journey continued beyond U.S. naval service. She was transferred to the South Vietnam Navy on 13 February 1971, where she was renamed RVNS Tran Hung Dao (HQ-1). Following the fall of South Vietnam in 1975, the ship escaped to the Philippines. Acquired by the Philippine Navy, she was commissioned as RPS Rajah Lakandula (PF-4) in 1976, later reclassified as BRP Rajah Lakandula (PF-4). She served until 1988 and was reportedly used as a stationary barracks ship in Subic Bay in 1999, likely sold for scrap thereafter.

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References

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Historical naval records can be complex, and interpretations may vary.

This is not professional historical or military advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official naval archives, historical texts, or seeking advice from qualified maritime historians. Always refer to primary sources and expert analysis for definitive historical accounts.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Maritime Chronicle of USS Camp

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Ship Overview ℹ️

🚢 Class and Type

👤 Namesake

🛡️ Initial Role

Operational History 🗺️

🌊 World War II Atlantic Operations

🌏 Pacific Theater and Occupation Duty

📡 Radar Picket Conversion

🇻🇳 Vietnam Service

Technical Specifications ⚙️

📏 Dimensions and Displacement

⚡ Propulsion and Performance

💥 Armament

Post-War Service and Transfers 📜

🇺🇸 United States Coast Guard and Reclassification

🌍 International Service

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Ship Overview

Class and Type

Namesake

Initial Role

Operational History

World War II Atlantic Operations

Pacific Theater and Occupation Duty

Radar Picket Conversion

Vietnam Service

Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Displacement

Propulsion and Performance

Armament

Post-War Service and Transfers

United States Coast Guard and Reclassification

International Service

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice