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Navsource Online: Destroyer Escort Photo Archive



Ship's patches courtesy of Mike Smolinski
Name Tab courtesy of Al Grazevich

USS Thomas C. Hart (DE 1092)


Flag Hoist / Radio Call Sign:
N - T - C - H

Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons



Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Navy Unit Commendation - CG Meritorious Unit Commendation - Navy Battle "E" Ribbon (2)
Second Row: Navy Expeditionary Medal - National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 star - Southwest Asia Service Medal w/ 2 stars
Third Row: Sea Service Deployment Ribbon - Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) - Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)


"Securitas, Pax, Victoria"
(Security, Peace, Victory)
Specifications:
Class: Knox
Type: SCB No. 199C / 1964
Number in Class: 46
Displacement: 3020 tons (std), 4065 tons (full)
Length: 415' (wl), 438' (oa)
Beam: 46' 9" (extreme)
Draft: 24' 9" (draft limit)
Propulsion: 2 Combustion Engineering 1200psi boilers; 1 Westinghouse geared turbine; 35,000 shp; 1 shaft
Speed: 27 kts
Range: 4,500 nm @ 20 knots
Complement: 16 / 211
Missiles: 1 8-tube Mk25 Sea Sparrow BPDMS in DE 1052-1069, 1071-1083, 1 8-tube Mk29 NATO Sea Sparrow IPDMS in DE 1070, Harpoon missiles from modified ASROC launcher
Guns: 1 x 5"/54 cal. DP Mk 42 (600 rds)
ASW Weapons: 1 Mk16 ASROC launcher (16 missiles), 4-12.75" (324mm) Mk 32 (4x1 fixed) tubes / Mk 46 torpedos (6)
Radars: AN/SPS-10 (surface), AN/SPS-40 (air), AN/SPS-58 threat warning in some ships
Sonars: AN/SQS-26CX, AN/SQS-35 IVDS in FF-1052, 1056, 1063-1071, 1073-1076, 1078-1097
Fire Control Systems: Mk68 Mod. 11/13/14 Gun FCS, Mk114 Mod 14/16 ASW FCS
Helicopter: 1 - SH-2 LAMPS Helicopter
Thomas C. Hart (DE 1092) Building and Operational Data:
  • 25 August 1966: Building contract awarded to Avondale Shipyards, Inc.
  • 08 October 1971: Keel laid at the Avondale Shipyards, Inc., Westwego, La.
  • 12 August 1972: Launched and christened, sponsored by Mrs. Reginald Bragonier, grand-daughter of Adm. Hart
  • 28 July 1973: Commissioned at the Boston Naval Shipyard, Cmdr. Ronald J. Forst in command, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 10 at Norfolk, Va.
  • 30 June 1975: Reclassified Frigate (FF 1092)
  • 30 August 1993: Decommissioned after 20 years and 1 month of service; leased to Turkey, renamed TCG Zafer (F-253)
  • 11 January 1995: Struck from the NVR
  • 30 August 1998: Lease to Turkey renewed, still in service
  • .. .... 2012: Decommissioned from the Turkish Navy
  • .. May 2016: Sunk as a target ship as part of Turkish Navy Exercise Beyaz Firtina (White Storm) 2016

    Note: Thomas C. Hart was the last warship commissioned at the Boston Naval Shipyard
    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image
    Size Image Description Contributed
    By And/Or Copyright
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109201a
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109201
    57k
    50k
    Thomas Charles Hart was born on 12 June 1877 in Genessee County, Mich. and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1897. He served his initial tours of sea duty in Massachusetts (Battleship No. 2) and in the steam yacht Vixen, during the Spanish-American War. In the years before the First World War, Hart filled a variety of billets: as a junior officer in battleships, torpedo boats, and submarines; as an instructor at the Naval Academy; as aide to an Ass't Secretary of the Navy; and as commander of the Pacific Torpedo Flotilla. By spring 1917, Hart was commanding the cruiser Chicago and the Sub Base at New London, Conn., while also acting as Chief of Staff to the Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet.

    During WW I, he served as commander of Submarine Divisions 2 and 5, with Bushnell (AS 2) as his flagship. One division was based at Bantry Bay, protecting sea approaches to the British Isles; the second was based at Punta Delgada in the Azores, protecting routes to that vital island. In 1918 he was appointed Director of Submarines in the Office of the CNO. Serving as its head until 1922, Hart fought doggedly to improve the lot of the submarine force. His tenacity was responsible for the Navy's acquisition of surrendered German U-boats after World War I to learn the details of the technical innovations in the enemy craft. Receiving the Distinguished Service Medal for his service as Director of Submarines, Hart spent the ensuing years of the '20's and '30's in a succession of sea and shore billets. He studied at the Army and Navy War Colleges; commanded the Atlantic Fleet Submarine Divisions, battleship Mississippi (BB-42), and Submarine Flotilla 3; served as Ass't Commandant of the 3d Naval District; Inspector of Ordnance at the Naval Torpedo Station, Newport RI; and Commander of the Control Force. After a tour as Superintendent of the Naval Academy, he went to sea as Commander, Cruiser Division 6, in June 1934. Reporting to the General Board after this tour of sea duty, Hart became its chairman in 1937.

    With the temporary rank of admiral, Hart relieved Adm. Harry E. Yarnell as Commander-in-Chief, Asiatic Fleet on 25 July 1939. For the next two years, Hart prepared the small Asiatic Fleet for war with Japan. He reduced the presence of his fleet in Chinese waters and concentrated it in the Philippines to await the onslaught. He also badgered Washington for reinforcements in the way of planes and submarines. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor catapulted the United States into World War II. The Americans, with their Filipino allies, fought a delaying action in the Philippines, while a mixed American, British, Dutch, and Australian (ABDA) military structure was set up to operate from Java in an attempt to hold the Japanese at the Malay Barrier. In command of ABDA naval forces, Hart directed this defense into mid-February 1942. By then, it had become evident that, despite ABDA, the Japanese were not to be denied. Despite the obstacles, Hart persevered in the face of "discouraging surroundings and complex associations" and earned a gold star in lieu of his second DSM for unfailing judgment, sound decisions, and moral courage. Transferred to the retired list in July 1942 with the rank of Admiral, Thomas C. Hart nevertheless continued on active duty with the General Board through 1944. From February to April 1944, he was chairman of the committee which conducted the "Hart Inquiry" into the Pearl Harbor attack, a duty which took him to the length and breadth of the Pacific Ocean area.

    On 09 February 1945, Hart retired from the Navy to fill an appointment as senator from Connecticut. He served in Congress until 3 January 1947 and did not seek reelection. Admiral Hart then returned to his family home in Sharon, Conn., and died there on 04 July 1971, at the age of 94.

    USS Thomas C. Hart (DE 1092) was the first ship named in his honor.
    Bill Gonyo
    Downey, Cal.

    Assoc. Researcher
    Navsource
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109202
    65k undated

    (U.S. Navy photo)
    Wendell R. McLaughlin, Jr.
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109215
    119k 14 August 1975: Overhead bow view of USS Thomas C. Hart (FF 1092) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) being refueled by USS Truckee (AO 147).

    (U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 1996.488.128.017)
    Mike Green
    Port Angeles, Wash.
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109203
    75k circa 1977 Bob Hurst
    Worksop, Nottinghamshire,
    England, United Kingdom
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109204
    61k Spring 1980: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF 1092) entering Djibouti, prior to the start of her Persian Gulf deployment.

    (Photo © Walter Bengtson)
    Walter Bengtson
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109205
    189k 01 January 1983: At sea - An aerial starboard view of Thomas C. Hart underway. (date incorrect: Hart was in an SRA (Selected Restricted Availability) shipyard period at Horne Brothers Shipyard, downtown Newport News, Va. from November 1982 to March 1983. Thanks to Neal Jefferis, 1st LT and Gunnery/Fire Control Officer from September 1982 to September 1985.)

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-84-00641 from the Defense Visual Information Center)
    Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109216
    196k February 1984: Norfolk, Va. - USS Thomas C. Hart (FF 1092) moored at the Norfolk Naval Station. This shot of the Destroyer - Submarine piers was taken on approach to NAS Norfolk.

    (Heilenday photo #II 0420A from the Heilenday Collection)
    Mark Heilenday
    Virginia Beach, Va,

    Captain, USN (ret.)
    June 1974 - July 2004
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109206
    287k 01 April 1984: anchored in Norwegian territorial waters near Tromso, Norway with other NATO units - A starboard bow view of Thomas C. Hart, foreground, and the destroyer tender USS Yellowstone (AD 41) anchored. The ships are participating in United Effort/Teamwork '84 exercises.

    (location provided by J.L. MacMichael, Hart's CO at the time)

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-85-01569 by PH2 Ronald D. Brigham from the DVIC)
    Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109207
    76k undated, but after hull upgrade (Photo © Ignacio F. Lopez) Igancio F. Lopez
    Spanish Navy (ret.)
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109208
    52k undated, but after hull upgrade Joe Radigan
    Mine Warfare,
    Patrol Vessel
    Archives Manager, Navsource
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109209
    189k 21 February 1985: At sea, VACAPES OpArea - A port bow view of Thomas C. Hart underway. Photo taken while on Post Repair Sea Trials at the completion of overhaul. The ship finished a month ahead of schedule as a result of some great teamwork by the crew and shipyard. That is Chesapeake Light in the right background.

    (location provided by J.L. MacMichael, Hart's CO at the time) (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-11621 from the DVIC)
    Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109213
    366k 21 February 1985: At sea, VACAPES OpArea - A port bow view of Thomas C. Hart underway.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-11622 from the DVIC)
    Bob Hurst
    Worksop, Nottinghamshire,
    England, United Kingdom
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109217
    486k April 1985: Norfolk, Va. - USS Thomas C. Hart (FF 1092), as a unit of Destroyer Squadron 10, underway in Hampton Roads Channel.

    (Heilenday photo #1 00040A from the Heilenday Collection)
    Mark Heilenday
    Virginia Beach, Va.

    Captain, USN (ret.)
    June 1974 - July 2004
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109210
    210k 22 January 1990: At sea - A port quarter view of the fleet oiler USS Caloosahatchee (AO 98) and Thomas C. Hart during underway replenishment operations.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-90-03839 from the DVIC)
    Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109212
    220k 28 March 1991: Norfolk, Va. - A port bow view of Thomas C. Hart with sailors manning the rails as the vessel returns to port from deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-91-09395 by PH2 Carl from the DVIC)
    Bill Gonyo
    Downey, Cal.
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109211
    68k 16 May 2001: Toulon France - TCG Zafer (F-253), ex-USS Thomas C. Hart (FF 1092), entering port at Toulon.

    (Photo by Guy Schaeffer, from the collection of Paolo Marsan)
    Paolo Marsan
    Thomas C. Hart
    0602109214
    241k 21 May 2001: Toulon France - TCG Zafer (F-253), ex-USS Thomas C. Hart (FF 1092), departing port at Toulon.

    (Photo by Carlo Martinelli)
    Carlo Martinelli
    Genoa, Italy

    Thomas C. Hart History
    View the USS Thomas C. Hart (DE 1092) DANFS history entry located on the Naval History and Heritage Command web site.

    Thomas C. Hart's Commanding Officers
    Thanks to Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves
    Dates of Command Commanding Officers
    1.)   28 Jul. 1973 - 23 May 1975Cmdr. Ronald J. Forst (USMMA ‘57) (New York City, N.Y.)
    2.)   23 May 1975 - 14 Apr. 1977Cmdr. John Davis Rohrbough (USNA '58) (Glenville, W.V.)
    3.)   14 Apr. 1977 - 01 Jun. 1979Cmdr. John F. Bennett (OCS '60) (Washington, D.C.)
    4.)   01 Jun. 1979 - 20 Jun. 1981Cmdr. John Davis Pearson (USNA '61) (Pinetops, N.C.) (ret. as Radm.)
    5.)   20 Jun. 1981 - 10 Jun. 1983Cmdr. Frank Richard Whalen (USNA '63) (Norfolk, Va.)
    6.)   10 Jun. 1983 - 15 Oct. 1985Cmdr. John Lee (Skip) MacMichael (USNA '65) (Norristown, Pa.)
    7.)   15 Oct. 1985 - 21 Nov. 1987Cmdr. Louis Adolph Nick, Jr. (OCS '68) (New Orleans, La.)
    8.)   21 Nov. 1987 - 10 Oct. 1989Cmdr. James Douglas Stevens (USNA '69) (Sacramento, Cal.)
    9.)   10 Oct. 1989 - 16 Jun. 1992Cmdr. David Campbell Rollins (Salem, Mass.)
    10.) 16 Jun. 1992 - 30 Aug. 1993Cmdr. James William McGloon (USNA '75) (Washington, D.C.)

    Crew Contact And Reunion Information

    Hart's Next Reunion:
    21 - 26 June 2022 at Washington, D.C.
    Contact Name: Dave Neimeyer
    Address: 9026 Haaf Road
    City/State: Fogelsville, PA 18051
    Phone: 484-378-2725
    E-mail: D. Neimeyer

    Visit Hart Web Site Below For Further Information
    Note About Contacts

    Contact information is compiled from various sources over a period of time and may, or may not, be correct. Every effort has been
    made to list the newest contact. However, our entry is only as good as the latest information that's been sent to us. We list only
    a contact for the ship if one has been sent to us. We do NOT have crew lists or rosters available. Please see the Frequently Asked
    Questions section on Navsource's Main Page for that information.


    Additional Resources

    USS Thomas C. Hart Association Website
    Tin Can Sailors
    The U.S. Navy Memorial
    The Destroyer Escort Historical Museum
    The Destroyer History Foundation
    To The DE, FF, LCS Photo Index Page
    Back To The Main Photo Index

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    This Page Created And Maintained By Mike Smolinski
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    by Paul R. Yarnall, All Rights Reserved.
    Page Last Updated: 15 September 2024