We are seeking information on the USS Burns and her crews. Files and photos may be E-mailed to us and we will incorporate them into these pages.

Dear Mr. Roberts,

My father, CDR George S. Mauney, USNR (Ret.), Cleveland, GA, requested that I send you the attached description of his service as the superintendent of construction for the USS Burns at the Charleston Naval Yard.

My dad started taking interest in documenting his memoirs just a few years ago, and his interest was accelerated when he was able to attend the dedication ceremonies for the WWII Memorial in Washington DC. I discovered your website around that time, and was able to relate information about the USS Burns to him that he had never known.

I was interested to find that the ship had served in the Yellow Sea supporting the occupation of China. After duty in Plymouth, England, maintaining LCTs for the D-Day invasion, my father finished his active service in Tsingtao, China, as a logistics officer with the North China Service Unit of the Seventh Fleet in 1946-47. He was in charge of readying and transferring surplus ships to the Nationalist navy.

Recently my dad was interviewed for a Memorial Day piece by the FOX affiliate in Atlanta, where he related his service. The interview appears on their website, at media.myfoxatlanta.com/mayspecial/. When he mentions the USS Burns, a still photo of the ship is shown.

Thank you for your time and efforts on this website.

Steve Mauney, Knoxville, TN

As a newly commissioned Ensign - EV-S, USNR - I was ordered to duty at the Charleston Navy Yard and placed in Production, where I was made Ship's Superintendent for the construction of the USS Burns (DD 588) whose keel had just been laid down. My duty was to inspect every phase of her construction - every weld, every rivet, and observe hydraulic and air tests on every compartment that contributes to keeping her afloat. She was launched 9 May 1942, and found completely watertight. I still have the tag I wore as a member of the launching party. She was then towed alongside a fitting-out pier.

I was promoted to LT (JG) 1 March 1943. I continued inspections on the installation of the turbines, the gears and the construction of the boilers. I tested all of the valves and piping. I didn't oversee the installation of the communication and radar equipment.

She was commissioned on 3 April 1943. I still have the invitation sent me inviting me to the ceremony. When she went to sea I felt like I had lost a good friend, and I never knew of any of her war record until my son got it off the internet. I am 93 years old and very proud of what I did.

CDR George S. Mauney, USNR (RET)