DESA is dedicated to keeping alive the memory of the "Trim But Deadly" ships on which its members served.

What do you get when you become a member of DESA? The organization exists primarily to offer a means of fellowship and communication among DE sailors. This is accomplished through a bi-monthly publication, DESANews, through which members and chapters can contribute information about their ship and crewmen.

DESANews carries news of ship reunions, chapter events, TAPS, lists of new members and special features about pre and post-WWII DEs, just to mention a few topics. The organization, through the paper and this web site, facilitates contact among destroyer escort sailors.

Members can attend the annual DESA Convention. Many ships use the convention as a host site for their own reunions.  The 45th and Final convention will be held in Albany, NY., August 31st through September 3rd, 2020..  You can view photos from previous conventions in the DESA Archives.

Membership is very affordable for everyone

One Year Membership $30.00
Two Year Membership $48.00
Three Year Membership $67.00
Life Membership $200.00

Membership is open to officers and enlisted men who served in a World War II type destroyer escort of the EVARTS, RUDDEROW, BUCKLEY, EDSALL, CANNON or JOHN C. BUTLER class.  These DEs served in all conflicts - World War II, Korea, Vietnam through the Cold War.

There were 43 DEs converted to APDs after commissioning, and 56 others were converted during ship-building.  An additional 76 DEs were built between 1952 and 1972 and were in service for 20+ years. They were DEALEY, JONES, GARCIA, BRONSTEIN, BROOKE and KNOX classes,and also those who served aboard a FFG of the Oliver Hazard Perry Class.  Personnel who served in these ships at any time are eligible for membership. Also included for membership are Son(s) and Grandson(s) of the above destroyer escort sailors.

Associate Membership is open to the wife, widow, children, grandchildren or other close relatives of a DE sailor.
Sustaining Membership is open to any U.S. Navy or Coast Guard veteran who served on a ship participating in antisubmarine warfare or any person having an interest in DEs specifically or in military affairs in general.
Associate and Sustaining are non-voting memberships.

Are you ready to join?  We sure hope so! Just click on the membership form.

Not sure about joining?  Let us help you decide. Allow us to send you a complimentary issue of DESANews and information about the benefits of becoming a DESA member. When you see all the great information in our newspaper, we know you will want to join. There is no obligation, of course. Please complete the membership form and follow the instructions to receive a free newspaper and membership information.

Do you have questions or need more information?