USS Hulbert: Difference between revisions

''Hulbert'' was converted to a [[seaplane tender]], recommissioning at [[New York Navy Yard]] as '''AVD-6''' on 2 August 1940. She arrived in San Diego 24 August via [[Guantánamo Bay, Cuba|Guantanamo Bay]] and the [[Panama Canal Zone]], and began servicing Patrol Wing 1 on operations off the West Coast, helping to perfect America's seaplane reconnaissance capability. ''Hulbert'' sailed 8 May 1941 for Pearl Harbor, where she became headquarters ship for the seaplane wing and continued servicing and repairing her planes.

 

On the morning of 7 December 1941, during the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], ''Hulbert'' was moored at the Submarine Base, [[Pearl Harbor]]. General Quarters sounded just before 08:00, and the ship's antiaircraft batteries immediately opened fire at attacking planes. This vessel went to general quarters when the Japanese attack was first sighted by the watch aboard, and is believed to have been the first ship in the fleet to open fire. As the Japanese directed their attention to [[Ford Island]] and the [[battleship]]s, she shot down one torpedo plane at 0758, shared in bringing down a dive bomber at about 0820 and damaged several other aircraft. After the attack the ship assisted in the rescue effort. After loading ammunition, she moved to Hilo 9 December to set up an advance base for the all-important patrol bombers. ''Hulbert'' was also called upon to aid aircraft at sea, as on Christmas Day she repaired a seaplane at sea and then towed it for nearly 3 days when heavy seas prevented a safe takeoff.