This photograph was scanned out of my grandfather John "Jack" Baker's warbook. It is believed to have been taken during mid-summer, 1944. The photographer is unknown, but it could be Dale Rooks who was the combat photographer aboard the USS Duane at that time.

According to official USCG history Admiral Frank J. Lowry of the 8th Fleet joined the USS Duane on April 23rd. The official ship history published on the USCG website explains this in a bit more detail:

The Duane departed Norfolk on 3 April as a member of convoy UGS-38, which was escorted by Task Force 66.  On the 18th she reported to the Commander, Eighth Amphibious Force, Mediterranean for duty.  She was detached on the 20th and proceeded under escort to Algiers.  The Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters, inspected her on the 22nd.  She left Algiers on the 23rd for Naples, arriving there on the 25th and the next day RADM F. J. Lowry, Commander, Eighth Amphibious Force, Mediterranean shifted his flag to Duane from  USS Biscayne (AGC-18).  The Duane stood out of Naples on the 28th, escorted by Biscayne and USS Seer (AM-112) and after the 29th proceeded independently to Bizerte, Tunisia.  She proceeded to Palermo, Sicily on May 5th and to Naples on the 9th, returning to Bizerte on the 20th.  She departed Bizerte on the 11th.  Between the 14th and 21st Duane made another trip to Palermo, Salerno, and Naples, where she remained until 29 July 1944.  On the 30th MAJGEN John W. O’Daniels and his staff reported on board to take part in assault practice exercises on the 31st.

According to The U.S Coast Guard in World War II by Malcolm Francis Willoughby, F. J. Lowry was again on board on August 9 for the start of “Operaton Dragoon.” If anyone has any personal stories about the Admiral, please send them our way. It is unknown who or when this photo took place but it was likely on the USS Duane. View full size.
This photograph was scanned out of my grandfather John "Jack" Baker's warbook. It is believed to have been taken during mid-summer, 1944. The photographer is unknown, but it could be Dale Rooks who was the combat photographer aboard the USS Duane at that time. According to official USCG history Admiral Frank J. Lowry of the 8th Fleet joined the USS Duane on April 23rd. The official ship history published on the USCG website explains this in a bit more detail:
The Duane departed Norfolk on 3 April as a member of convoy UGS-38, which was escorted by Task Force 66. On the 18th she reported to the Commander, Eighth Amphibious Force, Mediterranean for duty. She was detached on the 20th and proceeded under escort to Algiers. The Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters, inspected her on the 22nd. She left Algiers on the 23rd for Naples, arriving there on the 25th and the next day RADM F. J. Lowry, Commander, Eighth Amphibious Force, Mediterranean shifted his flag to Duane from USS Biscayne (AGC-18). The Duane stood out of Naples on the 28th, escorted by Biscayne and USS Seer (AM-112) and after the 29th proceeded independently to Bizerte, Tunisia. She proceeded to Palermo, Sicily on May 5th and to Naples on the 9th, returning to Bizerte on the 20th. She departed Bizerte on the 11th. Between the 14th and 21st Duane made another trip to Palermo, Salerno, and Naples, where she remained until 29 July 1944. On the 30th MAJGEN John W. O’Daniels and his staff reported on board to take part in assault practice exercises on the 31st.
According to The U.S Coast Guard in World War II by Malcolm Francis Willoughby, F. J. Lowry was again on board on August 9 for the start of “Operaton Dragoon.” If anyone has any personal stories about the Admiral, please send them our way. It is unknown who or when this photo took place but it was likely on the USS Duane. | Click image for Comments. | Home | Browse All Photos