August 18, 2021: Wreath-laying Ceremony
Image courtesy of Kiska: Alaska's Underwater Battlefield expedition. Download larger version (jpg, 2.5 MB).
USS Abner Read was a 376-foot Fletcher-class U.S. Navy destroyer that shelled Kiska Island in the Aleutians, providing fire support for World War II U.S. landing operations to retake control of the island from the Japanese. Once it became apparent that the fire support was not needed, the ship was reassigned to anti-submarine patrol off the west coast of Kiska Island.
At 1:50 AM, on the morning of August 18, 1943, an explosion, presumed to be caused by a Japanese mine, resulted in a section of the ship's stern, approximately 23 meters (75 feet) in length, to break away from the vessel and sink. In total, 47 men were injured and 71 sailors lost their lives, 70 of which are listed as Missing in Action as result of sinking with the aft section of the vessel, which included berthing/sleeping quarters.
In July 2018, nearly 75 years after this tragic loss, the Kiska: Alaska's Underwater Battlefield expedition team discovered the missing stern. With the intention to honor and remember these heroes who lie at this site, they held a ceremony on the fantail of Research Vessel Norseman II, placing a wreath of remembrance over the wreck site while Taps was played. Two active duty U.S. Navy divers sailing with the team folded a U.S. flag in honor of those lost.
From: Missing Section of U.S. Navy Destroyer USS Abner Read Found Near Remote Kiska Island, Alaska.