DD743

• USS Rupertus (DD-743): The USS Rupertus was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, named after Marine Corps Major General William H. Rupertus. • Commissioned During WWII: The ship was commissioned on 8 March 1945, joining the fleet in the final months of World War II. • Pacific Theater Service: USS Rupertus participated in operations during the final stages of the Pacific War, including escorting convoys and supporting occupation duties in Japan. • Korean War Action: The destroyer saw extensive combat during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, anti-submarine screening, and rescue operations. • Vietnam War Deployments: Rupertus served multiple tours off Vietnam, engaging in gunfire support missions, plane guard duty for carriers, and search and rescue operations. • Evacuation Operations: In 1975, USS Rupertus participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. • Collision Incident: In August 1966, Rupertus was damaged in a collision with the USS Rowan (DD-782) during exercises, requiring repairs in Yokosuka, Japan. • Multiple Modernizations: The ship underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, receiving updated sonar, weapons, and anti-submarine warfare equipment in the 1960s. • Foreign Service: After being decommissioned from the US Navy in 1977, USS Rupertus was transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece and renamed Kountouriotis (D213). • Final Fate: The ship served with the Greek Navy until 1995, when she was finally decommissioned and scrapped, ending a 50-year naval career across two nations.