DD 944 US Forrest Sherman

• Lead Ship of Her Class: USS Forrest Sherman (DD-931), later reclassified as DD-944, was the lead ship of the Forrest Sherman-class destroyers, a major class of post-WWII US Navy destroyers. • Namesake: The ship was named after Admiral Forrest Percival Sherman, Chief of Naval Operations from 1949 to 1951, who played a key role in post-WWII naval policy. • Commissioning: USS Forrest Sherman was commissioned on 9 November 1955 at the Boston Naval Shipyard, marking the beginning of her naval service. • Cold War Operations: During her service, the destroyer was heavily involved in Cold War operations, including NATO exercises, Mediterranean cruises, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. • Cuban Missile Crisis: Forrest Sherman played a role in the US naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, helping enforce the quarantine of Cuba. • Vietnam War Service: The ship served off the coast of Vietnam, providing gunfire support for ground troops and conducting search-and-rescue operations for downed pilots. • Rescue Operations: In 1966, the ship rescued the crew of a burning Greek freighter, SS Ioannis, in the Mediterranean, showcasing her crew's bravery and seamanship. • Modernizations: Forrest Sherman was modernized in the mid-1960s to enhance her anti-submarine and anti-aircraft capabilities, including the addition of new sonar and radar systems. • Decommissioning: She was decommissioned on 5 November 1982, after nearly 27 years of active service, and was later used as a test and training platform. • Legacy: In 2006, the name Forrest Sherman was revived for the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98), continuing the legacy of the original ship in the US Navy.