Ahoy, Me Hearties!
It’s time for the tale of a Fletcher-class destroyer who sailed the briny deep with a Jolly Roger flag waving proudly on 'er mast. This isn't an ordinary Pirate ship story, but ye might want to stick around for a chance to claim some loot!
Shiver me Timbers!
Did you know that USS Kidd (DD-661) was the first U.S. Navy ship allowed to fly the Jolly Roger flag? The ship was initially named after Rear Admiral Isaac Kidd, who died on the bridge of the USS Arizona flagship during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Admiral Kidd took on the nickname Cap while attending the Naval Academy. According to his son Admiral Isaac “Ike” Kidd Jr. he had gone by his nickname his entire life. Admiral Kidd’s nickname led the crew to take on Captain William Kidd, the pirate, as the talisman.
Once the construction of USS Kidd (DD-661) was complete, the crew wished to paint the buccaneer's image on the high forward smokestack. However, not wanting to dishonor the fallen Admiral, they first sought approval from his wife. Mrs. Kidd, on the crew's behalf, obtained permission from the Navy and even took it a step further. She added the request to fly the Jolly Roger flag, despite it being offensive to fly in some regions of the world during late World War II. Since many in the Admiralty were classmates or contemporaries of Admiral Kidd and knew of his nickname, the request was granted.
When Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Kidd (DD-100) launched in 2005, she would also follow the tradition set by her predecessor by proudly hoisting the Jolly Roger flag. In 2012, crewmembers aboard USS Kidd (DD-100) rescued 13 Iranian fishermen held hostage by Somali pirates. The pirates were taken into custody, and they returned the ship to the fishermen successfully.
Kidd’s first voyage was as memorable as the Jolly Roger symbol itself. She sailed across the New York Harbor to make a delivery to the Brooklyn Naval Shipyards. On this voyage, she could be seen flying the skull and crossbones high and proud.
The Jolly Roger flag isn’t the only pirate feature of the ship. She also has a mural of Captain William Kidd, the pirate, painted on her forward smokestack. The artistic depictions of the pirate have changed multiple times over the years with it being done by different artists. The USS Kidd currently keeps backup art of the pirate for future restorations. USS Kidd will never go without her beloved pirate.
In 1944, orders were given by the U.S. Navy to all U.S. Navy ships stating "non-regulation" artwork that broke camouflage would no longer be permissible. In response, crewmembers of USS Kidd took it upon themselves to make sure the pirate imagery was there to stay. They would smear grease over the pirate and paint over the grease to quickly wash the grease off once they were at sea. Other crewmembers were assigned to then cover the pirate upon entering the port.
Today, USS Kidd (DD-661) serves as a museum ship docked in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she was restored to her 1945 configuration. The museum is open every day for public visitors to climb aboard and experience her history. The USS Kidd Veterans Museum also offers a unique virtual experience allowing you to tour the ship right from your computer screen.
For more information on the USS Kidd and to see more historical photographs, visit USS Kidd Veterans Museum.
World of Warships 2019 Anchors Away Tour at USS Kidd (DD-661)
Fun Fact: USS Kidd (DD-661) also goes by "Pirate of the Pacific".
Avast ye!
Break out the pirate dictionary, and study up on ye pirate jargon! This day isn’t meant for any old landlubber. Today, we want to paint the seas red with Talk Like a Pirate Day flags hoisted on all yer masts.
Don’t be a scallywag; go to your setting, enable the “Pirate” voice, and immerse yourself on this fine holiday.
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