Virtual Tour of the Velos II
The destroyer VELOS D-16 (formerly USS CHARRETTE DD 581) was built in Boston, USA, during World War II. It was launched on June 3, 1942, and commissioned on May 18, 1943.
The USS Charrette departed from New York on September 20, 1943, to escort the aircraft carrier Monterey into service in the Pacific. Arriving at Pearl Harbor on October 9, the Charrette participated in training exercises until November 10, when it sailed with Task Force 50 (TF 50) for air raids against Japanese bases in the Marshall Islands.
The USS Charrette departed from New York on September 20, 1943, to escort the aircraft carrier Monterey into service in the Pacific. Arriving at Pearl Harbor on October 9, the Charrette participated in training exercises until November 10, when it sailed with Task Force 50 (TF 50) for air raids against Japanese bases in the Marshall Islands.
360 Virtual Tour Presentation
Charrette's Role in Allied Successes During World War II
During the war, the Charrette participated in many significant operations, such as the raids on the Kwajalein and Eniwetok islands, and the operation against the Japanese at Truk. It also participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and supported landings at Leyte Gulf. The destroyer performed escort and anti-submarine defense duties, contributing decisively to the success of Allied operations.
After World War II, the Charrette was placed in reserve and later transferred to Greece in July 1959, where it was renamed Velos (D16).
In service with the Hellenic Navy, the Velos participated in almost all exercises of the Greek and NATO navies and played an active role in the crises with Turkey in 1964, 1967, 1974 (Cyprus crisis), and 1987.
After World War II, the Charrette was placed in reserve and later transferred to Greece in July 1959, where it was renamed Velos (D16).
In service with the Hellenic Navy, the Velos participated in almost all exercises of the Greek and NATO navies and played an active role in the crises with Turkey in 1964, 1967, 1974 (Cyprus crisis), and 1987.
Velos as a Museum of the Anti-Dictatorship Struggle: From Decommissioning to Restoration
On May 25, 1973, the Velos, under the command of Nikos Pappas, while participating in a NATO exercise, anchored at Fiumicino, Italy, and refused to return to Greece, protesting against the dictatorship. This action attracted international attention to the situation in Greece. The captain and six officers sought political asylum and remained in Italy as political refugees.
The Velos was decommissioned on February 26, 1991, having sailed 362,622 nautical miles in its 48-year career. In 1994, the Velos was declared a Museum of the Anti-dictatorial Struggle. After maintenance and restoration work, the ship was transferred to the Naval Tradition Park in Palaio Faliro, Athens, on June 26, 2002, where it remained until September 9, 2019. From September 9, 2019, the Velos is anchored at the Thessaloniki waterfront, near the city's Concert Hall, and is open to visitors. The Velos is still considered to be in active service.
The Velos was decommissioned on February 26, 1991, having sailed 362,622 nautical miles in its 48-year career. In 1994, the Velos was declared a Museum of the Anti-dictatorial Struggle. After maintenance and restoration work, the ship was transferred to the Naval Tradition Park in Palaio Faliro, Athens, on June 26, 2002, where it remained until September 9, 2019. From September 9, 2019, the Velos is anchored at the Thessaloniki waterfront, near the city's Concert Hall, and is open to visitors. The Velos is still considered to be in active service.
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