$600.00
310′ Destroyer | The famous “four-piper” of both World Wars. The four-piper USS Ward was the first American ship to sink an enemy vessel in WWII. Her sister ship, U.S.S. Reuben James, was the first U.S. destroyer lost in action. H.M.S. Campbelltown rammed the dry dock gates in the dramatic raid on St. Nazaire.
The 310′ Destroyer U.S.S. Ward was a formidable ship that played a significant role in several key moments of naval history. Commissioned in 1918, the Ward was initially designed and built to protect convoys during World War I, but it would go on to serve in multiple conflicts and operations throughout its storied career.
Their distinctive silhouettes make them unmistakable. Now, totally revised with new laser cut wood, new fittings, expanded instruction book, and more comprehensive plans! A CD showing the development of the revised kit and the display model completed from the new materials is also available. It is important to note that some pictured items may have been built with optional items not included as part of standard kits, such as pedestals, bases, cases, paint, etc.
If there are any questions about the contents of a particular kit, please contact Bluejacket.
Paint Kit Content:
Thinner (1 oz)
Clear
Primer
Flat Black
Flat White
Natural Haze Gray
Anti fouling red
Euro Gray
Brass
LOA: 39.5″
Scale: 1/8″
Finished Model: Contact us for more information
With a length of 310 feet and a top speed of 35 knots, the Ward was a fast and agile vessel that was well-suited for its role as a destroyer. The Ward, a Wickes-class destroyer, was built at Mare Island in record time of 17 days from keel laying to launching. Its main armament consisted of four 4-inch guns, twelve 21″ torpedo tubes in four triple-tube launchers, two 3-inch anti-aircraft guns, and depth charge racks, making it a formidable threat to enemy ships and submarines.
One of the most significant moments in the Ward’s history came on December 7, 1941, when it fired the first shots of the United States’ involvement in World War II. The Ward was patrolling the entrance to Pearl Harbor when it spotted a Japanese midget submarine attempting to enter the harbor. Without hesitation, the Ward opened fire and successfully sank the submarine, alerting the nearby ships of the impending attack and potentially saving countless lives.
The Ward was afterwards converted to a high-speed transport, and would go on to participate in numerous key battles and operations throughout the war, including the Guadalcanal Campaign and the Battle of Okinawa, landing troops and providing fire support.
Exactly three years after sinking the Japanese midget submarine at the entrance to Pearl Harbor, the Ward was attacked and struck by kamikaze planes, and sunk by U.S. Naval gunfire later the same day. The ship’s contributions will not be forgotten, and the 310′ Destroyer USS Ward will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who served on her and those who continue to honor her legacy.
