Namesake:
Commodore Alexander Scammel Wadsworth
USS WADSWORTH (FFG-9) is the third ship of the fleet to carry the name;
a name which bears a long history, filled with courage, heroics and
patriotism dating back to the early years of this country's Navy and
continuing through two World Wars to the present. The ship is named in
honor of Commodore Alexander Scammel Wadsworth, famous for his heroic
actions while serving aboard the USS CONSTITUTION ("OLD IRONSIDE")
during the engagement with HMS GUERRIERE in the War of 1812, for which
he received a silver medal for heroism and the thanks of Congress.
While continuing his brilliant service in the Navy, Commodore Wadsworth
was promoted to Master Commandant for gallant services while aboard the
USS ADAMS in 1814; commanded two ships in the Mediterranean Squadron (
and USS CONSTELLATION); was commander of the Pacific Squadron; and then
served as Navy Commissioner until 1840.
The first ship to be named WADSWORTH (DD-60) was a Tucker Class
destroyer commissioned in July 1915. She served to honor the name
admirably. Her squadron's record for escorting numerous convoys laden
with food, munitions, and troops of the American Expeditionary Force
bound for Europe during the First World War is beyond compare. Not one
man out of the two million "doughboys" of General Pershing's Army was
lost en route while under her convoy protection. This feat
notwithstanding, however, the WADSWORTH will always be remembered as
the flagship of the first division of American destroyers to arrive in
Europe to break the German U-boat blockade surrounding the British
Isles. This sailing of WADSWORTH and her squadron to Britain is etched
forever in the pages of history as the "Return of the Mayflower".
WADSWORTH (DD-516), a Fletcher Class destroyer commissioned in March
1943, was the second ship to proudly bear the name. Her World War II
log of combat actions, submarine sinkings, aircraft kills and
devastatingly accurate bombardments of enemy shore installations was
outstanding. She received the Presidential Unit Citation for
extraordinary heroism while successfully repelling literally hundreds
of enemy aircraft while off the coast of Okinawa. This fine ship also
earned seven battle stars and other awards for operations which
included; the Treasury-Bougainville Operation; the Consolidation of the
Solomon Island; the Bismarck Archipelago Operation; the Marianas
Operation; the Okinawa Gunto Operation; and the Third Fleet Operation
against Japan.
The story behind WADSWORTH is an involved and impressive one. It is a
tradition this ship and her crew are determined and dedicated to honor
and continue.
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Ship's Crest:
 Description
of Coat of Arms:
Blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the Naval
service, and are symbolic of the Navy's element, the sea, and
ever-present goal of excellence. The color red symbolizes action and
courage. The observer sees the oncoming prow of WADSWORTH in red, as it
cuts the blue sea, the home of the modern frigate. The three seagulls
remind the observer that three Naval Ships have borne the proud name of
"WADSWORTH". It recalls the ancient sailor's belief that seagulls are
the souls of departed sailors and bring good fortune by their presence.
The crest represents the USS CONSTITUTION under full sail and
comemmorates the fact that Commodore Alexander Scammel Wadsworth (then
second Lieutenant of CONSTITUTION) received a Silver Medal for Heroism,
and the thanks of Congress, for his part in CONSTITUTION's engagement
with the british frigate "GUERRIERE".
This engagement, in which CONSTITUTION defeated GUERRIERE in a brief
but violent action, was the first American victory over the heretofore
omnipotent Royal Navy. The act captured the heart of the American
people and gave a much needed boost to the morale and confidence of our
young nation. In this action, CONSTITUTION won her familiar title, "Old
Ironside", when GUERRIERE's shots were seen to bounce off her sides.
The motto selected for WADSWORTH is taken from the words Captain Isaac
Hull, then Commanding CONSTITUTION, addressed to his men just prior to
engaging Guerriere. "Men," he said, "now do your duty. Your officers
cannot have entire comand over you now. Each man must do all in his
power for his country." The naval service of both Commodore WADSWORTH
and USS CONSTITUTION would continue for many years, but they both won
their place in history on that day in August, 1812 when they began the
United States Navy's winning tradition of giving everything "for one's
country".
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