About this Unit
USS Berkeley (DDG-15) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy on December 15, 1962. Named in honor of Admiral William Frederick Durand Berkeley, the ship served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and participating in search and rescue operations. Throughout her service, USS Berkeley also conducted numerous deployments in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, taking part in fleet exercises and strengthening U.S. alliances. Decommissioned in 1992, the ship was later transferred to Greece, where she served as Themistoklis (D221).
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Berkeley (DDG-15) was named after Rear Admiral William Berkeley, a distinguished officer who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and lost his life in 1943 while commanding USS Liscome Bay.
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Commissioning: USS Berkeley was commissioned on December 15, 1962, at the New York Naval Shipyard, becoming the 15th ship of the Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyers.
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Vietnam War Service: Berkeley served multiple tours during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, search and rescue (SAR) operations, and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers on Yankee Station.
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Missile Capabilities: As a guided missile destroyer, USS Berkeley was equipped with the RIM-24 Tartar surface-to-air missile system, significantly enhancing the fleet's air defense capabilities.
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First Combat Action: Berkeley fired her first combat rounds in July 1966, supporting ground forces near Da Nang, Vietnam.
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Notable Rescue: In 1972, USS Berkeley rescued four U.S. airmen after their aircraft was shot down over the Gulf of Tonkin, showcasing her versatility and quick response.
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Cold War Operations: Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the ship participated in numerous Cold War-era operations, including surveillance of Soviet naval activities and joint exercises with allied navies.
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Modernization: In 1970, Berkeley underwent a significant modernization that upgraded her electronic warfare systems and improved her missile and gun fire control capabilities.
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International Service: After being decommissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1992, USS Berkeley was transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as "Themistoklis (D-221)" until 2002.
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Legacy: The ship's crew formed the USS Berkeley Association, dedicated to preserving her history and the fellowship among former shipmates, hosting annual reunions and maintaining an extensive online archive.
