COMNAVSURFGROUP4(USSEDSON)DD-946

• COMNAVSURFGROUP4 (Commander Naval Surface Group Four): This was a U.S. Navy command responsible for the operational readiness and administration of surface combatants on the East Coast, including destroyers like USS Edson (DD-946). • USS Edson (DD-946) Namesake: The ship was named after Major General Merritt "Red Mike" Edson, a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic leadership during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. • Forrest Sherman-class Destroyer: USS Edson was one of 18 Forrest Sherman-class destroyers, the first class of U.S. destroyers built after World War II, featuring all-gun armament before the missile age. • Vietnam War Service: USS Edson served multiple tours off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support for ground forces and participating in "Operation Sea Dragon" against North Vietnamese logistics. • Haunted Reputation: During her service and after decommissioning, Edson developed a reputation for being haunted, with numerous reports of unexplained phenomena by crew and museum staff. • Flagship Status: At various times, Edson served as flagship for Destroyer Squadron 12 and Destroyer Squadron 28, reflecting her importance within the Atlantic Fleet. • Combat Action Ribbon: Edson earned several awards, including the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and multiple campaign medals for her Vietnam service. • Rescue Operations: Edson was involved in several notable rescues at sea, including assisting distressed vessels and saving Vietnamese refugees during the fall of Saigon in 1975. • Cold War Patrols: The ship participated in numerous Cold War operations, including NATO exercises and shadowing Soviet naval vessels in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. • Preserved as a Museum Ship: After her decommissioning in 1988, USS Edson became a museum ship, first at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York, and later at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum in Bay City, Michigan.