Two Great Ships

The top photo shows a great Fletcher Class destroyer in this case the USS Nicholas, the second ship of that class.  This is an excellent port side shot of the ship on a test run off the coast of Maine in 1942.  This type of ship made up the famous "Cactus Strike Force" or Destroyer Squadron 21 (DESRON 21).  The first three warships to enter Tokyo Bay were of this squadron in recognition of their outstanding service to their country. They were the USS Nicholas, O'Bannon and Radford.

The second photo was taken of the USS San Francisco after the November 13th battle.  Note the battered appearance.