US Navy Destroyers off Vietnam - Part II

Tribute to US Navy Destroyers and sailors who operated off Vietnam from 1964-1975. Images, video, and music is copyright by the respective owner. Use is for Non-profit and educational purposes.
Special thanks to all Destroyer sailors who shared images including the USS John R. Craig DD885 Association, USS George K. MacKenzie DD836, and Bill Wasson DD886.

[@wfwillis]

I was not on a tincan in Nam, but an APA (USS Bexar APA-237) in 1967. We dropped ammo and troops in DaNang, spent several weeks as a barracks ship for ATC river boats in Vung Tau, and sailed up the Saigon River to pick up 1500 Thai Queen Cobra troops to transport to Bangkok. CWO4 USN Ret.

[@davidmurphy8190]

Great imagery of the greyhounds of the sea.

[@dianecenteno5275]

Much respect to all of you that have come before us and taught us your lessons learned. My first Captain was a former Destroyer Sailor and Vietnam Veteran. His experience and leadership, helped save our butts in the Persian Gulf. Thanks again and best to everyone from a former FFG 58 Sailor.

[@g.t.richardson6311]

My uncle Mike, two tours Massey and Dyess … still around, saw him last July , in his early 80s , sharp as a tack, looks like he’s 65 tops. “Main Propulsion Assistant Engineering Officer “

[@andysolorzano4126]

USN '71-'75. USS Wiltsie DD716, RVN 72-73. MMFN at the time. GQ station, Main Control Throttles. Enjoying all the Tin Can vids. Brings back memories of my time aboard this Greyhound.

[@TenderEnginesDontShunt]

My grandfather was a Gunner aboard rhe USS Rogers when he served during the Vietnam

[@l.garcia3525]

I Served as a SM2 aboard Destroyers kept getting transferred to many because I had a Critical Seagoing Rate. Served on DDE-446, DD-745, DD-717, DE-1045, DE1050. Lover, Fighter, Tin Can Rider. Proud of it. 🇺🇸😊

[@JamesMcComas-dr2xi]

My dad was aboard dd795 USS preston. Westpac 68.

[@user-nc3pt7zc3c]

I was on the T.E. Chandler DD-717 in 67 we ceased fire for 6hrs on Xmas and Nyrs. SM2 L Garcia USN...Lover, Fighter Tin- Can Rider...

[@andreasleepermccurdy4805]

My Dad was C.O. from 1967-1968. He was on scene during Forrestal fire. Capt. S.J. Sleeper❤

[@CombatVeteranUSNAVY]

I was a Gunner's Mate on a Navy Destroyer, so the 8 months my ship spent off the coasts of both North and South Vietman was difficult. I spent 95% of my time as the Trainer in the aft gun mount, or I was helping to repair it. What caused us to be transferred from the East Coast, was what is called the 1972 Easter Offensive. The North Vietnamese Regulars invaded the South with many tanks, and heavy artillery. If I remember correctly, it took us about one month to get there, and when we did, we were immediately supporting the troops (mostly ARVN) off the coast of South Vietnam with our forward and aft 5"38 twin gun mounts. By the time we arrived the South was secure, but before we arrived destroyers were getting hit by the North's artillery. We did night time raids in the North, and that's when we were shot at by counter battery sites. We did one day time raid in the North, supporting the Heavy Cruiser Newport News. Our target as a Mig Base. The four destroyers went along to take out what for sure would-be counter battery sites while the Newport News’ 8” guns shot at the Mig Base. Let’s me tell you, they opened up on us even before we got into position. The North was expected to launch Migs, but that did not happen, or I probably would not be here today.

[@TimGivens-cx7cf]

I was on the uss Samuel n Moore dd 747 off the coast of South Vietnam in 64 with the turnerjoy and Maddox in the gulf of tongkon

[@stephenfutak419]

God bless america, we went through hell at times. Steve Futak SM2 on the Warrington DD843, I served on this fantastic ship, and the great men who protected our country.I served on this Tin Can 1964 to October 1968, I would do it again if I was called by my Country to protect it.

[@l.garcia3525]

BZ SM2 Mr. Futak fm SM2 Garcia USS T. E. Chandler DD717... 1967-1968...

[@davidsoule1252]

Thank you for your service! I kind of have a connection to USS Warrington. On June 4, 1972, I was aboard USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16. While Strauss was making a run on targets in North Vietnam after the Easter Offensive of 1972 was on, Strauss experienced two huge underwater explosions. The first explosion picked up the front half of Strauss, a 437' long ship out of the water. Strauss was dead in the water. While still dead in the water, the second underwater explosion rolled Strauss to almost 45 degrees before Strauss uprighted itself. After divers inspected the hull the next morning, Strauss remained on station. Official report was that Strauss was damaged by two 115mm enemy rounds. I only know this from reading recent reports. Strauss' Captain, warned other ships that these blasts were probably from underwater mines. Warrington had the same fate in July 1972 in the same area. Two huge underwater explosions! Warrington was so badly damaged that she was towed to Subic Bay and decommissioned. USS Hollister had the same fate and in the same area. These were U.S. mines.

[@user-nc3pt7zc3c]

Hey Mr. Futak, DE SM2 L.Garcia. I was on the Chandler DD-717 same time. We may have communicated by flashing light at some time. GOD Bless..

vietnam was NOT protecting USA< 50,000 died in vain

[@ccjensen4670]

Served on USS Horne DLG-30 in 1967..did sea trials and went on "good will Tour" in orient before being stationed as carrier escort in Viet Nam. Picked up ditched cartier pilots with our Helo Spent some time off the coast of North Viet Nam 65 miles from Haiphong with a carrier that headed south during the "cease fire" and left us with a WWIi destroyer as escort..mig alerts every day for 30 days...

[@edwardpate6128]

I was in from 80 to 86, but little had changed for destroyer sailors. We layed in a ton of NGFS fire off of Lebanon.

[@stevenholeman1577]

Did Operation Seadragon on Hubbard, DD-748, in 1967. We picked shrapnel off of our weather decks for keepsakes.

[@stevenjones1171]

I was on DD -746 USS Taussig. 69-70.

[@andreasleepermccurdy4805]

My Dad was C.O. on DD836 during Seadragon. He received the Bronze Star❤

[@chuckhenrickson3995]

My dad served on the USS McKean DD784 in Vietnam.

[@johninalaska9563]

I served on the U.S.S. Ozbourn DD846 1965-end of 1968, then transferred to the U.S.S. Sterett DLG31 until 1970. I was a Signalman on both ships. 17 years old when I enlisted.

[@lenape1234]

I was on my first tour of duty to nam when this event occurred. Dec. 19th, 1967. Three days earlier I had turned 21 years old. I was on the signal deck of the McCormick and witnessed the USS Newport News to our starboard, firing a full broadside toward the beach. Almost spilled my coffee(Frenchman FTM3)! Close call.

[@davidsoule1252]

I was an FTG aboard USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16 during WestPac tours in '70 and '72. FTG's got most of the glory because of round fired. But it was the FTM's and the missiles that DDG's were there, riding shotgun for the cruisers and other DD's. So I thank you!

[@michaelmcdonald3057]

USS Cone DD866, 70-73, BT.Only film of her I have ever seen is in Naples tied to other Tin Cans at the pier. I was serving 10 days restriction for insubordination. Nothing aboard ship reminds you to respect higher rank than scullery duty. She was scrapped after serving in the Peruvian Navy I believe. She was old and tired even when I served, but she got us home after two ops. in Nam and several monster typhoons. Peace to all my mates, living or dead.

[@texascclp1445]

Always enjoy watching these videos that cover the Destroyers involvement in The War. Tin Cans didn't get the recognition they deserved. DD878

[@peteortiz775]

Way to go DD878

[@peteortiz775]

DD878 71-74

[@oceanmariner]

On the gun line, on a Sumner, our 4 forward guns were pointed as far aft as possible. It put the end of one barrel close to a bridge opened port. There was a wind. A boot ensign with a clipboard had his back to the port with his head lining up with the hole. I have no idea what he was doing, just one of those jobs boot ensigns get to keep them busy. I tried to tell him the gun was about to fire and the flash was coming thru that porthole. But someone had told him not to listen to enlisted men and it was a nice cool place to stand. We were shooting smokeless powder that makes a nice flash. It came thru the port, pushed by the wind, and took of most of his hair below his cap. The rest was frizzy, his cap, ears & neck burned. He later became a good officer and learned to listen, but was killed by a ship handling mistake by another officer.

[@davidsoule1252]

Wow! Sad ending for him! True story! I was an FTG on USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16 during the 70' and 72' Westpac cruises. I was on the sound powered phones with both gun mounts and the gun director. I was also assigned to watch the left side of the computer. Strauss was receiving counterbattery and my instructions from the chief was to tell the gun director to "get on the counterbattery and commence firing with both guns". We had turned control of the gun mounts to the gun director. The officer in the director did so and the gum mounts commenced firing at the counterbattery. After 20-30 rounds from each gun, I saw on a dial on the computer that the gun director had just swung about 90 degrees (taking the guns with the swing). I yelled into the phone, "Cease fire, cease fire." The chief and everyone looked at me. I explained that the gun director was not on target and had swung 90 degrees. Both guns reported, "Hot gun"! The chief directed me to tell the director to get back on the target. The gun director said they could no longer see the target. Strauss then fired the rounds from the "hot guns" safely into the ocean away from any U.S. ship. We found out hours later that the last couple of rounds before I yelled, "Cease fire", had bracketed USS Buchanan DDG-14. I did not have the authority to "cease fire" the guns. I did what I had to. The officer in the gun director decided to move the gun director elsewhere while still firing the guns. He made a huge mistake.

[@mikey--mike]

USS Jouett DLG 29 here. I remember when the USS Higbee DD 806 got hit. We saw her in Subic. We relieved the USS Steritt DLG 31

[@henrywalters5696]

We were nearby on the OK City when the Higbee got hit. Some of the casualties were taken to our sick bay for treatment.

[@johninalaska9563]

mikey--mike I served on the Sterett DLG31 68-70

[@Mikey-mike]

Yeah. Jouett relieved Steritt in 72 after the Steritt was attacked with low level Migs. Thanks for your reply.

[@robertflor1662]

USS McMorris (DE-1036) '67-'68

[@faranger]

DD-825 My Dad was Chief of the Boat 1966-1970 When he retired They were heading back to Vietnam they pulled into Guam to let my dad off. The Captain had everyone in dress white to pipe him off the ship. As he was going down the gangplank 3 Chiefs where coming up as his replacement. One of them asked my Dad. " Who's the Admiral that visiting?"

so he gave up

[@faranger]

22.5 years NAVY 12 years on the Iowa and a couple of years on the Newport NEWS I would not call it "giving up".

[@radwhack1]

A thrill to see my ship (USS Hanson DD-833) in the beginning of this video! Was on-board ‘66-‘67, visited Southeast Asia, sat in Radio Central when the Hanson initiated Operation Sea Dragon (thank you Captain Curtain [sp.?] for getting us through that unscathed)...

[@edukossatz]

I’ve dived many times in USS DAVIDSON (CT Paraiba), in Rio de Janeiro.

[@jessicaanderson3339]

USS Carpenter, DD-825; I was onboard her for 4 years; 2 Westpac cruises; lots of time plane guarding and on the gun line. A good ship with a good crew.

[@faranger]

My Dad was Chief 1966-1970

[@johnkeister5302]

The USS McCormick was our Shotgun Newport News CA148 when picture was taken 1967-1968

[@davidsoule1252]

I assume that you are talking about the pic at 1:22 on the video. It looks like a DDG and the hull number looks like an 8. I was aboard USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16 during deployments in '70 and '72. Strauss rode shotgun for USS Saint Paul CA-73 for much of '70 when we were on the gunline. Strauss was shotgun for Providence, Oklahoma City and Newport News in 1972 especially after the Easter Offensive started and spent the last 5 months of a 7 month deployment off the coast of North Vietnam. I was an FTG. We set up the computer and radar to fire the ship's guns. So we worked closely with the Gunners Mates. When Strauss returned to Pearl Harbor in August '72, I requested a transfer to any ship on the east coast. I received orders to a DE homeported in Mayport, FL. Hopefully no more Vietnam for me as I didn't believe in the Vietnam War. In late September, '72, I was called to go to the Personnel Office to hopefully pick up my orders to the DE homeported in Mayport, FL. Nope, my orders were changed. I was being transferred to USS John S. McCain DDG-36 homeported in San Diego, CA. On October 1, 1972, I was waiting at Hickam AFB in Honolulu to fly to the Philippines and I knew I would be transferred to McCain off the coast of North Vietnam. While watching TV waiting for our flight, there was news that a gun mount on Newport News blew up and 20 sailors were killed and many more injured. I teared up for those aboard Newport News.

[@greagior]

Loved NGFS OPS

[@gregorys6838]

At time code 1:45 is the image of Mount 51 on the U.S.S. Lloyd Thomas, DD764. This damage is a result of the port barrel overheating after firing too many rounds and lodge a round and then blew up. It killed several sailors and required the ship to be out of action for sometime during a rebuild.

[@49woodie]

Gregory S - served on the LT.

[@gregorys6838]

Wow! You would be the first LLoyd Thomas crew member I met. I was on the boat around 1970 until it was sold to the chineses and was transferred to the Higbee DD806

[@jodielangford.6401]

USS Hull DD945 summer of 73.

[@jason08131973]

Wow at the 2:23 my dad is in that picture

[@MEME-yu7vw]

Was on DD 703 W L LIND WestPac Aug70--July 71

[@randydelabarcena4988]

Did all destroyers have that same motto “Have Gun Will Travel” ??? Because that was on the front of my dads USN book for the DDR 875 Henry W Tucker ??? The ship had a RC helicopter as big as an old VW van that carried a TORPEDO the size of a 🛶 canoe

[@2010gwf]

My dad was also on DD-875 from about 67-71 and did alot of NGFS; he worked Tuck's Tavern also.

[@johninalaska9563]

randydelabarcena4988 We had the same drone on the U.S.S. Ozbourn DD846 and it was called "Snoopy"

[@ralphrinaldi8649]

That's the real deal. DD882 was my ship USS Furse SM 3

[@jonanderson1519]

Was on Bradley de 1041 when we had round landed 50 from our bow in 2 Corp. Sphincter muscles close fast you hear this is NOT A DRILL GENERAL QUARYERS GENERAL QUARTERS

[@davidsoule1252]

My first GQ was aboard USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16 on in late March and on Easter Saturday, April 1, 1972. Hundreds of splashes near Strauss, but no hits. Strauss was operating near the DMZ when the 1972 Easter Offensive started. First time my ship was fired on was. 2nd GQ was on Sunday, April 2, 1972. Strauss was again fired on with hundreds of rounds splashing close to the ship. Two surface to air missiles were also fired at Strauss. First one went over the stacks. Second one went between the twin stacks. I was an FTG. We set up the computer to fire the ships guns. Strauss and USS Buchanan DDG-14 were involved in one or the most storied operations during the Vietnam War. Strauss and Buchanan each pounded out about 3,000 rounds from our 5" 54 caliber guns. We later learned that Captain John Ripley was attempting to blow up Dong Ha Bridge and that the bridge and the marine spotters were being advanced on. The naval gunfire support from Strauss and Buchanan allowed Captain John Ripley to blow up the bridge. The marine spotters were saved. Later, several of the marine spotters came aboard Strauss to thank us for saving their lives. Captain John Ripley, an American hero, often mentions during his speeches about naval gunfire support allowing him to complete his mission. That was from Strauss and Buchanan!

[@georgebrubaker554]

Was aboard the USS John S. McCain 69-72...gunline commander with commo aboard...wish someone would have posted some photos of DDG36 in action...God knows we saw it...and lots of it...

[@davidsoule1252]

I was aboard USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16 for a 70' Westpac cruise and a 72' Westpac cruise. I transferred to USS John S. McCain in October 72' and spent another couple of months off the coasts of S. Vietnam and N. Vietnam.

[@1redrubberball]

Operation Sea Dragon, 1967, USS Charles R Ware DD865.

[@allansater6095]

Been there done that - 1969 1973 USS BAUSELL

[@user-ry6oh9xn1u]

On the USS Berkeley DDG-15 in 'Nam. Turned 19 doing this. Enabled me to be independent at a young age. Never went back to Raymondville, TX. Surely some chicks wondered what happened to Frank.

[@vandliszt]

If anyone has any footage of the USS Perkins dd-877 telecommunications team my grandfather whom has just passed away about a month from now served on that team. I’d like to see him work, maybe contact some of his shipmates.

[@rogermerritt6470]

DD-729 Lyman K Swenson '68 to '71. SM3.

[@user-my8wf6ph5h]

I was on the Lyman K. Swenson from Oct 63 - Sept 66. RM-3 We were on NGS in summer of 65, Robert L. Thorson was Captain. They said we shot the most ammo at that time, burned the paint off the Gun Barrels. We got a nick name "Thorson`s Raiders". met up with the MT Pyro ammo ship for an ammo unrep, May of 64 went up the river to Saigon after a Viet Cong placed a charge on the hull of the Card and sank her. Actually sitting low in the water by the stern. Had to show the bad guys our big guns. 5 days later left, get out in the gulf and Sonar was flooded. Hit something in the river and put a slice in the hull. Put in a Floating dry Dock in Subic. 24 hrs later on our way all patched up. Yeah, we were part of the "Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club". I tell people I was in "Mc Hales Navy"...LOL Tin Can duty was great. We have a Ships reunion coming up in Sept in Colorado Springs, Co. Look up LKS Association.

[@rogermerritt6470]

@@user-my8wf6ph5h Ive been to a few of the reunions. This one is too far away from my location. Have fun!

[@zook9265]

USS Jenkins DD447 Three tours to Vietnam 66-69.

[@l.garcia3525]

USS Radford DDE-446 1961...

[@johnmayo6906]

USS Gurke DD783 Vietnam April 1975

[@alanpollock1343]

My father served on the Gurke, Inchon Invasion, one of the 6 in the Sitting Ducks group.

[@davidmurphy8190]

Spent summers on the Vineyard (61-72). Fourth of July weekends we had NRF tin cans come by. I remember the STEINAKER, HOEL ?, and sadly 😂missed others. Some SSKs came by, including CAVALLA…and oddly enough ALBACORE. sa 2:32

[@RICHMOND94114]

USS CHEVALIER DD805, 1971-72, VIETNAM.

[@akosmetatos8106]

USS Myles C Fox DD 829, 1972

[@greasyflight6609]

Not enough books by Navy Vets South China Sea

[@davidsoule1252]

I have only recently mentioned some of my Vietnam experience aboard USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16 to my family and friends. One of my brothers and my granddaughter talked me into writing a memo. It was 10 pages (could have been many more). I was an FTG. The 1970 deployment was very easy. The ship rotated between the gunline, escorting carriers at Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin, going to ports and returning from ports and port visits. 1972 deployment started the same for two months. Then came hell! Easter Saturday, April 1, 1972, Strauss was fired on (counterbattery) for the first time and the ship went to GQ for the first time since I was aboard Strauss. Hundreds of nearby splashes but no hits. We fired back! April 2, 1972, GQ for the second day in a row. Two surface to air missiles were fired at Strauss that just went overhead. Those on deck said that one of them went between the twin stacks on Strauss. Again hundreds or perhaps thousands of nearby splashes but no hits. Strauss, and other warships, had Marine spotters to direct our fire. Strauss fired and fired for hours (also USS Buchanan I later learned). The Easter Offensive of 1972 had started. Us peons in Gun Plot did not know this. I'm sure the Captain, CIC and others knew what was happening. Both ships provided Naval gunfire support while the NVA was advancing toward the bridge while then Captain John Ripley was planting explosives under Dong Ha Bridge in an attempt to blow up the bridge to stop the advancement of the NVA toward the bridge and toward the Marine spotters. Captain Ripley dangled under the bridge for 3 hours planting the explosives. Captain Ripley was successful in blowing up the bridge and the Marine spotters were saved. There are many KZbin videos about this event. Do a search on KZbin: Dong Ha Bridge or Captain John Ripley.

[@rayphilpott5286]

What about dd877?

[@andreasleepermccurdy4805]

My Dad may have been his C.O.

[@barneymm2204]

1:22 Who's this?

[@davidsoule1252]

Looks like an Adams class DDG. Looks like the hull number is 8 USS Lynde McCormick DDG-8 or 6 USS Barney DDG-6. I was stationed aboard Joseph Strauss DDG-16 and Benjamin Stoddert DDG-22, both Adams class destroyers.

[@davidsoule1252]

I read through all of the comments and it appears that it is USS Lynde McCormick DDG-8. One of the comments below says, "The USS McCormick was our Shotgun Newport News CA148 when picture was taken 1967-1968." Evidently the pic was from Newport News. I assume that is the pic he is talking about.

[@mestreroberto1234]

O SELO PSICOSE RIO GB 1969 MESTRE ROBERTO CABOTAGEM MCB MM TURMA QUEBEC EAM SC. 1968. CT PARÁ DELTA 27 ESQUADRA BRASIL RIO GB 1969