USS Scott (DE-214
/ APD-64)
USS Burke (DE-215
/ APD-65)
USS Enright
(DE-216 / APD-66)
USS Weber (DE-675 / APD-75)
USS Schmitt (DE-676 /
APD-76)
USS Frament
(DE-677 / APD-77)
Escort Divisions (also known as CortDiv) were almost exclusively comprised
of Destroyer Escorts (DE), consisting of six ships of the same class
(Buckley-class for the USS Enright), usually with sequential hull numbers.
However, this was not always the case.
While most DEs served with their original assigned division, it was
common for a DE to be moved from division to division. The move may have
been due to changing needs of the division, reclassification of the DE, or
the DEs availability for service.
One role of the CortDiv was to protect
convoys from
enemy attack, whether air, surface or underwater attack. Ships in the convoy
were of many types and included cargo ships, tankers, troop transports, and
specialty vessels such as repair ships and barges.
A second role of CortDivs were as "hunter-killer" (HUK) teams in task
forces that went to sea for the specific purpose of locating and destroying
submarines; antisubmarine and antiaircraft screening of capital ships as
they bombarded enemy shore installations prior to amphibious assaults.
A third role of CortDivs were manning "picket" stations on the outer
perimeter of fleet and landing operations to engage kamikazes and to warn
inner perimeter vessels of their approach. This was very hazardous duty and
DEs suffered personnel and material casualties.
Information courtesy of
Anne McCarthy
at the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association
web site
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