USS Berkeley (DDG-15)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • First Combat Action: Berkeley fired her first combat rounds in July 1966, supporting ground forces near Da Nang, Vietnam. • 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. • 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. • Modernization: In 1970, Berkeley underwent a significant modernization that upgraded her electronic warfare systems and improved her missile and gun fire control capabilities. • 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. • 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.