USS Holder
 DD 819 (Gearing Class) 

Builder:       Consolidated Shipbuilding, Orange, Texas
Laid Down:     April 23, 1945
Launched:      August 25, 1945
Commissioned:  May 18, 1946
Fate:          Stricken October 1, 1976

We are seeking information on the USS Holder and her crews. Files and photos may be emailed to us and we will incorporate them into this page. When enough information has been assembled we will then build the ship her own section.

The Gearing Class as Constructed 

          Displacement:  2,616 tons (3,460 tons full load)
          Length:        390 feet 6 inches
          Beam:          40 feet 10 inches
          Draught:       14 feet 4 inches (mean)
          Machinery:     four Babcock & Wilcox boilers;
                         2-shaft G.E.C. geared turbines
          Performance:   60,000 shp for 36.8 knots
          Bunkerage:     740 tons
          Range:         4,500 nautical miles at 20 knots
          Guns:          six 5 inch DP; twelve 40 mm;
                         eleven 20 mm
          Torpedoes:     ten 21 inch in two mounts


Picture of Holder on Med cruise 1973, Home ported in Boston Mass, relieved HR Dickson as reserve trainer in summer of 1972. Captain H. A. Ellis.
Photo Courtesy
Ken Robertson



Subject: USS Holder DD-819
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2001
From: David Silverthorn

Hi Mark,

I looked for someone who was handling the Gearing Class ships but there was no one mentioned. I hope you don't mind this intrusion. I know you're busy with this project. I served on the USS Holder from 1973 - 1975 as an OS 3. I'm interested in being included in any future correspondence regarding the Holder. Also very interested in getting a hold of former shipmates. Are there any reunions planned? Thanks for this service, Mark. I'm sure we all appreciate your efforts.

David Silverthorn
Wilmington, NC

Date: Sun, 03 Aug 1997 13:43:43 -0500
From: Dawn Vitz [email protected]
Subject: Holder DD

Richard,

I served aboard the Holder from1969 to 1972. The ship went into reserve status at that time. I was then transferred to the USS Austin LPD-4. If there is anyway I can help you, let me know?

Joseph J Vitz

From: [email protected]
Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997
Subject: USS Holder DDE-819

Hi Richard

I was a member of the crew of Holder during 1959. In to December 1959 I went to Underwater Swimmers School and on to Explosive Ordnance Disposal School. Retired in 1977 as A Senior Chief Gunners Mate. Great Site!!!!!!!! Henry H. Holder, GMCS (DV) USN, (Ret.)

Subject: USS Holder DD819
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 1999 18:09:36 -0700
From: "retinaz"[email protected]

Dear Robert,

I served on the USS Holder in 1961 and 1962. I was on board when Holder took part in the Cuban Missile Crisis. I would be interested in hearing from any of my shipmates who were aboard at that time.

Bob Warren (RM2)
e-mail: [email protected]

Subject: USS Holder cruise
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2000
From:Don Johnson"[email protected]"

I served aboard the Holder in Feb and March 1972. I was a Communications Technician stationed at Rota, Spain at the time. I picked up the ship in Naples, Italy. We sailed with the Sixth Fleet for some of the time, but mostly by ourselves (or so it seemed)...We encountered what we thought was a Soviet sub somewhere east of Malta. We also took part in a search and rescue operation in the Straits of Messena. I remember the ship taking some 30 to 35 degree rolls while in those straits...we had quite a time keeping our quarters presentable! Our ports of call on this deployment were Naples, Brindisi , Palma de Majorca, Valencia, Barcelona, and Rota, where I returned to my regular duty. Our C.O. aboard the Holder was CMDR Ace Trask. I still remember walking out on the aft deck (the Helo deck) one night at about midnight. I stepped out into the darkness and thought to myself "where are all the stars?"... With that thought, I looked up and all I could see was this HUGE ship sailing along right beside us. It was the Independence!! I guess we had come along side while I was sleeping. I'll never forget that for as long as I live. I have some other memories about the Holder that I can share if anybody wants to chat. My e-mail address is "[email protected]"

Don Johnson
Lansing, N.Y.


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