The USS Owen (DD-536) was a Fletcher-class destroyer constructed by Bethlehem Steel Corporation in San Francisco, California. She was laid down on 17 September 1942, launched on 21 March 1943, and commissioned on 20 September 1943. As a Fletcher-class vessel, Owen featured the design characteristics typical of her class, designed for versatility and combat effectiveness during World War II. Owen's service history was extensive and distinguished. During World War II, she was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 52 and participated actively in the Pacific Theater. Her operations included screening and escorting aircraft carriers, notably during the critical Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944, where she played a protective role in the carrier screen and helped neutralize Japanese naval forces. She supported numerous campaigns, including raids on Truk, Palau, Yap, and the Marianas, as well as supporting amphibious landings on Leyte, Mindoro, and Luzon. Owen was involved in key engagements, including the sinking of the Japanese destroyer Nowaki during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in collaboration with USS Miller. Her operations also extended to raids against Japan’s home islands, supporting the Okinawa campaign, and she provided air cover for the invasion of Iwo Jima. After World War II, Owen was decommissioned but was later reactivated during the Korean War, recommissioning on 17 August 1951. She served with the Atlantic Fleet and participated in operations off Korea, including patrols, shore bombardments, and blockade duties. The vessel transferred to the Pacific Fleet in 1955, continuing training and deployment activities until her decommissioning on 27 May 1958. Owen was ultimately stricken from the naval register on 15 April 1973, sold for scrap later that year, and broken up. Throughout her service, Owen earned nine battle stars in World War II and two during the Korean War, marking her as a vessel of notable maritime significance.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.