Sinking of USS Asheville
The U.S. Navy gunboat USS Asheville (PG-21), awnings spread to combat the sun’s heat, lies at anchor in the waters of the Panama Canal Zone, probably during one of her two tours with the special service squadron (1922-1927, 1929-1932). Note her tall stack, and tall masts (to support the antennae at the height necessary to extend the range of the primitive radio equipment in use at that time). The wind sail rigged aft provided some comfort for the crew below decks, especially in the tropics, in the days before forced draft ventilation.
Remembering the USS Asheville and the Forgotten Fleet of WWII
Each Fullbore Friday, we delve into maritime history, celebrating the extraordinary heroism of seemingly ordinary sailors. By recounting their stories, we honor their bravery and keep alive the legacy of their sacrifice.
A poignant aspect of naval history is the multitude of untold stories. For every tale that’s been passed down, countless others have vanished with time, their heroes’ deeds known only to the sea.
In a past comment section, a reader’s mention of WWII Gunboats sparked my interest, particularly recalling the USS Asheville (PG-21) while revisiting the Battle of Java Sea.
The USS Asheville, with her elegant, yacht-like appearance, was a warship in every right!
USS Asheville (PG-21) at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, South Carolina. 1 December 1919. This image is available from the Naval History and Heritage Command under the digital ID NH 57400. Aerial view of the Charleston Navy Yard in 1941 below.
Moreover, embodying the Navy’s dual role of military might and diplomatic presence. Commissioned in July 1920 under Lt. Comdr. Elliot Buckmaster, who later commanded the carrier Yorktown (CV-5) in WWII, Asheville led a relatively routine life until the outbreak of WWII.
The onset of the war saw Admiral Hart dispatching Asheville and other surface ships south from Manila Bay to the “Malay Barrier,” leaving mostly tenders and submarines in Philippine waters. Asheville left Manila Bay on December 11, 1941, and eventually reached Surabaya, Java, after Christmas. Later, she was stationed at Tjilatjap, Java.
When the seaplane tender Langley (AV-3) was attacked south of Java on February 27, 1942, Asheville was one of the rescue ships dispatched. However, as the Allied defense faltered, Allied naval command dissolved. Vice Admiral William A. Glassford ordered the remaining American naval vessels to Australian waters.
Asheville, commanded by Lt. Jacob W. Britt, departed Tjilatjap on March 1, 1942. Her last known sighting by friendly forces was the following day. On March 3, during an attack, Asheville radioed a distress signal. The minesweeper Whippoorwill (AM-35) initially moved to assist but withdrew, realizing the overpowering enemy presence.
Asheville was presumed lost and stricken from the Navy list on May 8, 1942.
Her final battle’s details only emerged post-WWII when a Houston (CA-30) survivor recounted Fireman 1st Class Fred L. Brown’s story. Brown, Asheville’s only known survivor, tragically died in a Japanese POW camp on March 18, 1945.
We can only imagine the bravery and camaraderie of Lt. Britt and his crew in their final moments. Their story, like so many from the “Forgotten Fleet” of the Asiatic Fleet, remains largely unknown, but we honor their memory and their unwavering dedication to duty.
In tribute to these brave sailors, let’s also remember the film “The Sand Pebbles,” which poignantly captures the spirit of naval service. Its Flag Day Speech, delivered by LT Collins, resonates with the ethos of dedication and sacrifice that defines the Navy. “The Sand Pebbles,” more than just a film, is a homage to the valor of those who serve at sea – a valor that continues to inspire generations.
Written by CDR SALAMANDER
A baseball used in a game between Asheville crew members and a team from the 2nd Fleet (20 August 1938)
