About this Unit
USS **Compton** (DD-705) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction during World War II, participating in operations in the Pacific, including the Okinawa campaign and post-war occupation duties in Japan. After the war, Compton saw extensive service during the Korean War era and throughout the Cold War, conducting Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments as part of the U.S. 6th Fleet. The ship was decommissioned in 1972 and subsequently transferred to the Hellenic Navy, where she served as **HS Kanaris (D212)** until 1991.
Historical Facts
• Commissioning and Class: USS Compton (DD-705) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, commissioned on 4 November 1944 at the tail end of World War II.
• Namesake: The ship was named after Commodore Andrew H. Compton, a noted US Navy officer who served in the 19th century.
• Pacific War Service: Shortly after commissioning, Compton joined the Pacific Fleet and participated in operations supporting the Okinawa campaign in 1945, providing vital anti-aircraft and anti-submarine screening.
• Kamikaze Encounters: During the Okinawa campaign, Compton endured intense kamikaze attacks and was instrumental in shooting down several enemy planes, saving larger ships from potential damage.
• Post-War Occupation Duties: After Japan’s surrender, Compton was involved in occupation duties, helping to stabilize the region and repatriate Allied prisoners of war.
• Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, USS Compton provided gunfire support for United Nations troops and participated in blockade operations along the Korean coast.
• Cold War Patrols: Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Compton conducted NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and anti-submarine patrols, reflecting her adaptability in the Cold War era.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: The destroyer played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine in 1962, enforcing the naval blockade that pressured the Soviet Union to withdraw its missiles from Cuba.
• Humanitarian Missions: Compton was involved in several rescue operations at sea, including saving the crew of a burning merchant ship in the Atlantic, showcasing the destroyer’s versatility beyond combat.
• Final Fate: After nearly 30 years of service, USS Compton was decommissioned in December 1972 and transferred to Greece, where she served as Kriezis (D217) until her retirement and eventual scrapping.
