Hingham: 68th anniversary of USS YF-415, sailors remembered

Saturday marked the 68th anniversary of  USS YF-415 which caught fire during a routine ammunition dump trip 14 miles off the coast, resulting in a total loss of 17 lives. A World War II granite monument inscribed with the names of the 11 fallen sailors was unveiled outside of the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot.

J.B. Mills, who’s now retired and lives in Whitman, was stationed in Hingham as a U.S sailor and volunteered to board the vessel that tragic day in 1944 but was reassigned.

Veterans Officer Keith Jermyn explained Mills has been waiting to see his fellow soldiers remembered, “He knew each depot sailor by name and considered them brothers and friends. Mr. Mills has worked tirelessly for a number of years to have these men properly recognized. He has even donated over $3,000 of his own savings to commission the granite monument.”

Congressman Steven Lynch also attended the ceremony and presented Mills with a national recognition certificate in memory of the 1944 tragedy.

(Congressman Steve Lynch)

(Congressman Lynch with J.B Mills)

(J.B Mills)