Saving Sammy B: A frigate's heroic legacy. What do you think of the crew's fight to save their ship?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 22 May 2015 14:13:19 -0400

It was April 14, 1988: the day USS Samuel B. Roberts, on her maiden cruise, should have sunk in the Persian Gulf but was saved by a herculean effort.

For the next four hours, the Sammy B's beleaguered crew waged a fight for survival that stands as a testament to the simple truth that a well-trained, well-led crew can overcome seemingly impossible odds. The lessons have been passed down to successive generations of Roberts' crew members through the ship's traditions and, even as the ship prepares to retire from active service May 22, it's a legacy that will live on.

http://www.militarytimes.com/longform/military/2015/05/22/samuel-b-roberts-frigate-legacy-1988-mine-report/27593135/

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Saving Sammy B: A frigate's heroic legacy

It was April 14, 1988: The day USS Samuel B. Roberts, on her maiden cruise, should have sunk in the Persian Gulf but was saved by a herculean effort.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made May 22 at 2015 4:16 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Fri, 22 May 2015 16:16:14 -0400

Really great article. Thanks for posting.
I had the opportunity of watching the Iwo Jima's fire fighting drills on a VIP cruise. Those kids busted there ass.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 22 at 2015 4:25 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 22 May 2015 16:25:31 -0400

Her history goes back to one of the most important battles in naval history! I pray they will commission another vessel under her name.
PLEASE continue to read about this vessel and her Herculean acts in the face of certain death. It will blow your mind!

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/the-uss-samuel-b-roberts-the-destroyer-escort-that-fought-like-a-battleship

The USS Samuel B. Roberts. "The destroyer escort that fought like a battleship." | RallyPoint

If David and Goliath met on the sea.......... The destroyer escort Samuel B. Roberts participated in the Battle off Samar, an unlikely victory in which relatively light U.S. warships prevented a superior Japanese force from attacking the amphibious invasion fleet off the large Philippine island of Leyte. This destroyer escort, along with the handful of destroyers, destroyer escorts, and escort carriers of the unit called "Taffy 3", was...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 22 at 2015 4:53 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 22 May 2015 16:53:33 -0400

My favorite vessel right here on RallyPoint.

https://www.rallypoint.com/units/uss-samuel-b-roberts-ffg-58-naval-station-mayport-fl

USS Samuel B Roberts (FFG 58) (USS Samuel B Roberts (FFG 58)), Destroyer Squadron 14 in Naval...

Connect with members of USS Samuel B Roberts (FFG 58) (USS Samuel B Roberts (FFG 58)), Destroyer Squadron 14 } on RallyPoint. Share your knowledge and get the answers you need from others with your experience.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 22 at 2015 4:57 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 22 May 2015 16:57:46 -0400

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 22 at 2015 4:58 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 22 May 2015 16:58:24 -0400

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 22 at 2015 5:00 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 22 May 2015 17:00:41 -0400

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 22 at 2015 5:03 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 22 May 2015 17:03:23 -0400

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 5:27 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 17:27:28 -0400

Its always sad to see a piece of Naval might go away especially one who endured tragedy and overcame the odds. The efforts of her crew were a testament to the dedication and resolve of the US Sailor.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 5:38 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 17:38:03 -0400

We called it, "Fighting the Ship." The ship wants to flood and sick when damaged. This crew is the standard all others had to meet.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 5:50 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 17:50:11 -0400

That is why every Sailor is a Damage Controlman. The constant DC drills and the complete knowledge of the crew in knowing everything that needed to be done is what kept the Sammy B from ending up on the gulf floor. Also, there was some definite thinking outside of the box that saved her. With the hit she took, she by all rights should have gone down.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 22 at 2015 10:13 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 22 May 2015 22:13:12 -0400

The name "Samuel B Roberts" has a special place in US naval lore. The sailors of the current Sammy B lived up to the name....

Response by SSgt Joe V. made May 23 at 2015 12:38 AM

SSgt Joe V. — Sat, 23 May 2015 00:38:14 -0400

Not only do I get a mention, but I get to read one of the best articles on perseverance I think I have ever read. Thank you GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad . I am proud for that crew...

Response by PO1 Todd Askins made May 23 at 2015 5:27 PM

PO1 Todd Askins — Sat, 23 May 2015 17:27:16 -0400

I never will forget seeing the The Sammy B. right after the mine hit! I thought there was no way it would make it and that a lot of crew members would be dead...... luckily I was way wrong! It was the first time I seen true Damage Control training put to the test. The ship was almost in 2 halves! Operation Praying Mantis that perused is what I remember the most as I was an active part of it and we were pissed! but reflecting back to the Sammy B., it was one awesome site to see the crew all work together (with some of our help as well) as one Team and actually get that ship underway under its own power after such a devastating hit and make it to the floating dry dock!
This is all I have to say to one tough ship and crew! HOOYAH and BZ

Response by Sgt Ken Prescott made Jul 12 at 2015 11:25 PM

Sgt Ken Prescott — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 23:25:09 -0400

They lived up to the example set by their predecessors off Samar.

I can think of no higher praise.