Fletcher-Class Destroyers: The USS Kidd and the USS Greyhound in Greyhound the Movie

The movie Greyhound, based on C.S. Foster's 1955 novel The Good Shepherd, has sparked curiosity and discussion among military enthusiasts and historians alike. Many often wonder about the historical accuracy of the ships depicted in the film. In this article, we delve into the significance of the Fletcher-class destroyers, with a particular focus on how the real-life USS Kidd was used to depict the fictional USS Greyhound.

The USS Kidd: A Real-Life Fletcher-Class Destroyer

The Fletcher-class destroyers, known for their speed, firepower, and versatility, were a prominent class of warships built during World War II. Many of these ships served with distinction throughout the war and beyond. Among them is the USS Kidd, a remarkable example that now serves as a museum ship, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

Historical Context and Specifications of the USS Kidd

The USS Kidd, hull number DD-661, was commissioned in 1944 and played an active role in several significant battles. It is noteworthy that the Kidd was never modernized, allowing it to maintain its World War II appearance. This ship is the only Fletcher-class destroyer that retains its original World War II configuration, making it a unique and valuable asset for historical preservation. It even returned to active duty for a period in 1997, when its torpedo tubes were reloaded to commemorate its service.

Special Mooring and Maintenance

The Kidd is moored at the Louisiana Naval War Memorial State Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is maintained in her August 1945 configuration. Since 1997, the museum has restored her to ensure that visitors can relive the experience of the mid-20th century. The special mooring on the Mississippi River allows the Kidd to adapt to the annual changes in river depth, which can vary by up to forty feet. During half of the year, the ship floats in the river; the other half, it is dry-docked, out of the water, for maintenance and protection.

The Fictional USS Greyhound and Real-Life USS Kidd

While the movie Greyhound depicts the fictional USS Greyhound, there is a real-life destroyer that shares its name and type: the USS Grayhound (DD-783), a Fletcher-class destroyer. During the war, the Grayhound was met with distinguished service before being decommissioned in 1946 and sold for scrap. However, the Kidd continues to serve visitors as a tangible piece of naval history.

Historical Adjustments for the Film

When creating the film, the producers had to make several adjustments to align with the time period of the story. The USS Grayhound was commissioned in 1945, after the events depicted in the novel. Therefore, it was more practical to film aboard the USS Kidd, which was commissioned in 1944 and maintained in its original WW II configuration. The decision to use the USS Kidd was influenced by several factors, such as the ship's available status, the film studio's proximity, and the ease of adapting the Kidd for the role.

Accurate vs. Fictitious: The Plot and the Film

The book The Good Shepherd by C.S. Foster is set in February 1942, with the fictional USS Keeling serving as a Mahan-class destroyer. The key distinction here is the existence or non-existence of real Mahan-class destroyers. Since the Mahan-class ships are non-existent, the USS Kidd, a Fletcher-class destroyer, was the realistic and historically appropriate choice. Thus, the film Greyhound cleverly uses the USS Kidd to create a believable and historically accurate representation.

Fletcher-Class Destroyers in Modern Context

The Fletcher-class destroyers have left a lasting legacy, not only in naval history but also in popular culture. Their design and capabilities had a significant impact on naval warfare during World War II and beyond. The USS Kidd, now a museum ship, serves as an educational tool, enabling people to learn about this critical chapter of maritime history.

Conclusion

While the film Greyhound is a work of fiction, the real-life USS Kidd provides an accurate and true-to-life representation of a Fletcher-class destroyer. This aligns with the historical context of the period in which the movie is set, allowing audiences to experience the story in a historically authentic atmosphere. The Kidd not only serves as a valuable educational resource but also as a cherished piece of American naval heritage.