“An American Destroyer: USS Hamner (DD-718)” by author Kenneth Ericksen is a fascinating look at the valiant role played by the USS Hammer destroyer during her active duty in the U.S. Navy. Drawing from his own experiences and information collected over thirty years, Ericksen revives the former warship for readers to witness her magnificent glory.

Kenneth Ericksen, who was enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956 and served in the Aleutian Islands before being transferred to the USS Hamner, was unable to complete his book before his death in 2021. But his work was not lost as Kenneth Ericksen bequeathed his manuscript to the USS Hamner DD-718 Association enabling the editor (and secretary of the association) to complete his book “An American Destroyer: USS Hamner (DD-718)”: a captivating overview of the titular Gearing-class destroyer naval ship and her incredible service to the U.S. Navy during her operation from 1945-1979.

Published by Page Publishing, Kenneth Ericksen’s thrilling tale is inspired by the author’s time serving aboard the USS Hamner (DD-178) and is accessible to readers of all backgrounds who may know only little of day-to-day naval operations. Edited by Patty Hathaway, who served the American Legion and Auxiliary for many years and has been an officer of the USS Hamner DD-718 Association for over fifteen years, “An American Destroyer: USS Hamner (DD-718)” brings a vital piece of US Naval history to life. This book preserves Hamner’s legacy and the memories of her crew.