Emily Flores
Most ships fade from memory once they’re docked for good, left behind by time. However, one destroyer, USS Cassin Young, still holds her place and proves it’s not only by sailing that a ship serves. She is not defined by plaques but by what she lived through. Let’s take a trip through her story.
Commissioned For WWII
Launched in 1943, the USS Cassin Young (DD-793) entered the Pacific fleet during World War II’s deadliest phase. This Fletcher-class destroyer played a key role in major operations, including Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. Its wartime service carved out a reputation that still commands respect in naval history.
Survived Kamikaze Attacks
Two separate kamikaze strikes in 1945 didn’t sink her but immortalized her. Cassin Young absorbed the hits and kept fighting. In a time when such attacks shattered entire fleets, this destroyer’s survival became a symbol of grit and resilience under fire.
Served In The Korean War
After World War II, most ships were retired or left idle, but this destroyer didn’t sit out for long. Called back during the Korean War, she proved she still had a role to play. Her return highlighted her strength and the Navy’s need for trusted power.
Decommissioned In 1960
When her final decommissioning came in 1960, it was the beginning of remembrance. This retirement wasn’t due to irrelevance but obsolescence. By then, Cassin Young had earned her place in history, with seven battle stars and countless stories etched into her hull.
Saved From Scrapping
Thousands of ships were scrapped post-service, but Cassin Young wasn’t one of them. The Navy chose preservation over profit, recognizing her historical weight. Instead of being dismantled for metal, she was handed to the National Park Service to secure her future as an artifact.
Restored For Public
Visitors are allowed to step into the Cassin Young, located at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Restored with care, she’s more than a display. Details like torpedo launchers and radar gear make the experience feel real. With her, history is something you can walk through.
Recognized As A Landmark
Designation as a National Historic Landmark doesn’t come easily. It was awarded to sites of exceptional national significance, and in 1986, Cassin Young earned that honor. Her service and continued role in education helped secure her place as a site of lasting national importance.
Veterans Preserve History
Some of the ship’s caretakers once stood on decks just like hers. Many volunteers are veterans who bring firsthand stories to the tour. Their presence turns a simple visit into something personal. Cassin Young stays alive because those who served helped carry her story forward.
Maintained For Future Use
Behind every visitor walk-through is a long list of inspections, repairs, and environmental safeguards. The Cassin Young requires continuous attention to prevent decay, from rust treatment to structural reinforcements. Maintenance teams work year-round to preserve not just the look but the integrity of this historic vessel for future generations.
Honoring A Generation
The Greatest Generation didn’t ask for statues, but they left legacies. Cassin Young stands not just for her crew but for every sailor who served in World War II and Korea. Her decks echo with honor, inviting the public to witness—and never forget—the sacrifice behind the stripes.