USS Owen (DD-536)

USS Owen (DD-536)

USS Owen (DD-536), a Fletcher-class destroyer, was a ship of the United States Navy named for Elias K. Owen.

Owen (DD–536) was laid down 17 September 1942 by the Bethlehem Steel Corp., San Francisco, California; launched 21 March 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Hope Owen; and commissioned 20 September 1943, Comdr. R. W. Wood in command.

Owen, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 52 (DesRon 52), completed shakedown off California and training in Hawaii in time to join the Fast Carrier Task Force (then called TF 58, as it was then part of the 5th Fleet) for Operation Flintlock. Operating with the carriers throughout most of World War II, she escorted them to their objectives; screened them as they launched dive bombing, straffing, and torpedo attacks; and covered them as they retired.