USS CONWAY (DD 507) is the second ship of the fleet to be named in honor of William Conway, Quartermaster, United States Navy. The second CONWAY's keel was laid 5 November 1941 and launched 16 August 1942 by Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, under the sponsorship of Mrs. Frank E. Beatty. The destroyer was placed in commission 9 October 1942, Commander Nathaniel S. Prime, USN, in command.
The CONWAY saw action in WW2, Korea, Vietnam and participated, as a recovery ship, in the "Apollo" space program. She never lost a man to the enemy. On 25 June 1946, following her participation in WW2, CONWAY was decommissioned. Recommissioned 8 November 1950 as a DDE, she reverted to her original DD designation 1 July 1962. The CONWAY made several voyages to the Pacific, Mediterranean and Great Lakes Ports of Call. On 15 November 1969, CONWAY was stricken from the register of ships. She was sunk as a target with 5" gunfire by USS HENLEY (DD-762) 26 June 1970.
She was a valiant ship. Her proud record of service in three wars was one to be envied by others who followed. CONWAY's honored grave is 149.5 nautical miles due east of the entrance to Chesapeake Bay in 10,210 feet of water.
Since the early 1980's, former sailors of the CONWAY have been searching for others who've served aboard her. Their purpose being both reunion and fellowship. The CONWAY Veteran's Association was formed in 1983. Today, it is a tax exempt organization over 600 strong. Annual reunion and membership information can be obtained by sending ones name, home address and dates of shipboard service to:
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