WWII History
Former high society yacht Odyssey reincarnated as USS Saluda, complete with a haze gray hull.
Excerpt on Odyssey as the USS Saluda, out of the publication "American Naval Fighting Ships".
Bill Gallagher on the left, who eventually took command of Saluda.
Former Captain Bill Gallagher at the helm of Odyssey in May of 2012.
International Radio Call Sign: November - Zulu - Foxtrot - Lima (NZFL)
(‘NZFL’ in International Signal Flags)
Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons
American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal
(Precedence of awards is from top to bottom)
Odyssey was acquired by the Navy on 31 July 1942 from Mrs. Barklie Henry of Old Westbury, N. Y., converted to diesel auxiliary power in August and September at Port Everglades, Fla. and placed in service on 17 October.
Saluda was assigned to the Port Everglades Section Base under the administrative control of the Commandant, 7th Naval District and remained there for outfitting. She was commissioned on 20 June 1943, Lt.(jg.) Edward F. Valier in command, and assigned to the Bureau of Ordnance for experimental work at the Underwater Sound Laboratory, New London, Conn. In December, she sailed south to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and thence proceeded to various Caribbean ports before returning to Mayport, Fla. for overhaul during the summer of 1944.
In August, Saluda was ordered back to New London and duty with the Sound Laboratory. She continued operations there until she was decommissioned and placed in service in October 1945, to be retained at New London under the operational control of the Commandant, 3rd Naval District.
To read about Odyssey’s entire history please visit our history page.