News Release
USS O’Callahan DE-1051 Reunion
September 2013
Pensacola
Contact: Vic Campbell 850 994 6120 -- vic@buzzcreek.com
Website www.ussocallahan.org
Veterans of USS O’Callahan will enjoy Pensacola for a reunion October 5-10 in Pensacola.
USS O”Callahan was named for a recipient of the Medal of Honor in WWII, Fr. Joseph O’Callahan who was one of the chaplains aboard USS Franklin, which was bombed near the end of the war with a loss of over 800 dead. Fr. O’Callahan’s actions among the crew to organize and dispose of exploding ordnance on deck saved the lives of many sailors. A film clip of him, and still photos of his giving last rites to a sailor on the deck of the Franklin is one of the most recognizable scenes of the Pacific War. That sailor was interviewed by a USS O’Callahan shipmate and it exists on youtube. (Search me3tv, franklin). Yes, Bob Blanchard survived !
One of the key events for the reunion is to be a memorial service at Pensacola's Veteran’s Park at 10AM on October 7 (Friday). The veterans will honor their namesake, Fr. O’Callahan and all the dead of the USS Franklin and the more recent passing of fellow shipmates. The chaplain from NAS Pensacola and an honor guard will participate. The O’Callahan veterans invite those who wish to honor the Chaplain Corps, the USS Franklin, the USS O’Callahan and the US Navy, our veterans and our Nation are welcome to join us at the ceremony. Following the ceremony everyone is welcome to celebrate with them at McGuire’s.
The vessel served in the the US Navy fleet from 1968 - 1988 and was decommissioned. The hull was then leased to the Pakistan Navy for about five years after which it was scrapped.
In its history the ship made three Vietnam deployments where it served primarily as gunfire support for troops ashore. In later years it was involved in many West Pac (and Rim Pac) deployments and maritime activities in the service of American interests. The veterans will be enjoying the Pensacola Naval Air Museum and other area attractions while staying at the Ashton, Inn on Navy Boulevard. The group will be using Beach Bum Trolleys for transportation and tours and the crew welcomes any who wish pay tour and meal fees to join them. The ship’s website with more information is www.ussocallahan.org. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDN2FpPA99c
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