About this Unit
USS Agerholm (DD-826) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1946. Named after Marine Corporal Harold C. Agerholm, Medal of Honor recipient, she served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing naval gunfire support and participating in carrier escort duties. Notably, in 1962, Agerholm became the first ship to fire a live nuclear anti-submarine rocket (ASROC) during Operation Dominic. After decades of service in the Pacific Fleet, she was decommissioned in 1978 and later sunk as a target in 1982.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Honor: USS Agerholm (DD-826) was named after Private First Class Harold Crist Agerholm, a U.S. Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Saipan in World War II.
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Gearing-class Destroyer: Agerholm was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and successful classes of destroyers built for the U.S. Navy, designed for fast, multi-role operations.
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Commissioning: She was launched on September 10, 1945, by Bath Iron Works in Maine and commissioned on June 20, 1946, just after the end of World War II.
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Operation Dominic: In 1962, USS Agerholm became the first ship to fire an anti-submarine rocket (ASROC) armed with a live nuclear depth charge during Operation Dominic, part of U.S. nuclear testing in the Pacific.
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Korean War Service: During the Korean War, Agerholm saw active duty, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers off the Korean coast.
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Vietnam War Operations: The destroyer participated in multiple Vietnam War tours, including "Operation Sea Dragon" and "Operation Market Time," supporting naval gunfire and interdiction missions.
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FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, she underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, receiving upgraded anti-submarine capabilities, radar, and sonar systems.
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Collision Incident: In 1970, Agerholm collided with the USS Oriskany (CV-34) in foggy conditions near the coast of California, causing minor damage but no serious injuries.
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Rescue Missions: Throughout her service, Agerholm was involved in several search and rescue operations, notably rescuing downed pilots in the South China Sea during the Vietnam War.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Agerholm was decommissioned on December 1, 1978, and later sunk as a target during a fleet exercise in 1982, ending her distinguished naval career.
