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Namesake
Rear Admiral William McCombe Callaghan (August 8, 1897 - July 8, 1991), born in Chevy Chase, Maryland, was a U.S. naval officer and the first commander of the USS Missouri (BB-63). Callaghan graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1918. After commanding the USS Reuben James (DE-153) in 1936, he joined the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in 1939. In 1944, Captain Callaghan was named the first commanding officer of the Missouri, the Navy's newest battleship. On April 11, 1945, USS Missouri was struck by a kamikaze off the coast of Okinawa. The damage was minor, and no one died aboard this battleship except the Japanese pilot, Setsuo Ishino, whose body was recovered. Captain Callaghan insisted that the young Japanese airman had done his job to the best of his ability and with honor and deserved a military funeral. The following day, April 12, 1945, the pilot was given a military funeral at sea. During the Korean War, Callaghan commanded U.S. naval forces in the Far East. He retired in 1957. Admiral Callaghan died July 8, 1991, at Bethesda Naval Hospital after suffering a stroke.
US National Archives photo # 80-G-K-4600 (Color) a US Navy photo now in the collections of the US National Archives
USS Missouri (BB-63) Captain William M. Callaghan, ship's Commanding Officer, on the navigating bridge during her Summer 1944 shakedown period. |
Bill Gonyo |
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GTS Admiral W. M. Callaghan (AKR-1001) moored stern to, date and location unknown. |
CAPT. Ed Lanni Master GTS Admiral W M Callaghan |
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GTS Admiral W. M. Callaghan (AKR-1001) underway, date and location unknown. US Navy photo |
Military Sealift Command |
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GTS Admiral W. M. Callaghan (AKR-1001) underway, date and location unknown. US Navy photo |
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GTS Admiral W. M. Callaghan (AKR-1001) underway, date and location unknown. US MARAD photo |
US Maritime Administration |
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GTS Admiral W. M. Callaghan (AKR-1001) moored pierside, date and location unknown. US MARAD photo |
US Maritime Administration |