USS Ozbourn (DD-846) and USS Blue (DD-744) firing on targets off North Vietnam; December 4, 1967

[@jamesrobertson9582]

I was stationed aboard the USS Ozbourn, DD-846 from 1973 to 1975, home port Portland, Oregon. We were sailing down the Coast of California when we hit a severe storm. She received a tremendous amount of damage, including 5 cracks in the hull below the waterline. The flooding was so bad that we were put into emergency drydock and once the damage was assessed, it was decided to decommission her. I had no idea this video existed but I am glad I found it. I was 14 years old when she was in this battle.

[@paulsmith2380]

Thank You for serving in the United States Navy. My ship DD835 USS Charles P. Cecil,was there in Vietnam in 1972. During Linebacker operations, ships, including our ship the Cecil firing on targets close to shore, in North Vietnam took heavy fire from shore batteries. We were fortunate they did not have the range and the shells exploded nearby, causing flak to hit the ship. Many ships came under fire,it is very unfortunate that the USS Ozbourne got hit and it caused the loss of life of two sailors and injured three ,one seriously. In addition, I also had no idea this video existed. I now have it in My KZbin history, to save and honor those that served on the Ozboune in December 1967.

[@jamesrobertson9582]

@@paulsmith2380 Thank You for your service and courage. I joined the Navy in 1972, boot camp in San Diego, then assigned to a brand new destroyer escort, the USS Brewton, DE-1086. I consider myself as a Vietnam Era Veteran but you are a true Vietnam Veteran and I truly thank you for your service. I transferred to the USS Ozbourn in 1973. She was a Reserve Status Destroyer home ported in Portland, Oregon until her decommissioning in 1974. She was replaced by the USS Hamner, DD-718 and about half the crew from the USS Ozbourn was transferred to her, including me and thats where I remained until I left the Navy. My biggest regret in life is that I didn't make a career in the Navy because it was the best six years of my life. I will be 71 the 20th of this month and I still regret not staying in the Navy. Again, Thank You for your service and smooth sailing to you Sir.

[@johninalaska9563]

Thank you for your service. I was only 17 when I reported aboard the "OZ" Ray, Ed and I clicked right away and became best friends. I was devastated when they died and had to be sedated. They will never leave my heart or my memory.

[@michaelmack1966]

Much Respect John🙏

[@michelelenz2322]

❤

[@johninalaska9563]

I served on the U.S.S. Ozbourn DD 846 1965-1968. I was onboard when we took the hits Ray Cook and Ed O'Brian were KIA. They both were my best friends. I miss them very much. On Dec. 4th every year, I shut down to remember our times together.... "Non sibised patriae" "Not for self but, for country"

[@michaelmorgan6796]

They named the ice rink in Woburn Ma. For Edward O’Brien. My home town where he was from. Sorry for your loss.

[@jpkdd850]

Thank you for the story...and thus why we must always remember all of these sailors

[@johninalaska9563]

@@michaelmorgan6796 Thank you so much

[@davidsoule1252]

I'm sorry for your loss! USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16 for me during deployments in 70 & 72. After Strauss's 72 deployment, I transferred to USS John S. McCain DDG-36 and caught the last 3 months of McCain's 72 deployment.