About this Unit
USS Blandy (DD-943) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on November 26, 1957. Named after Admiral William H. P. Blandy, the ship served prominently during the Cold War era, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments. USS Blandy was involved in key operations, including the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine in 1962 and Vietnam War support missions. After more than two decades of service, she was decommissioned on November 5, 1982, and later sunk as a target in 1989.
Historical Facts
• Named After a Notable Admiral: USS Blandy (DD-943) was named in honor of Admiral William H. P. Blandy, a distinguished U.S. Navy officer who played a key role in World War II and the postwar atomic testing at Bikini Atoll.
• Forrest Sherman-Class Destroyer: She was part of the Forrest Sherman-class, the first post-WWII class of destroyers built for the U.S. Navy, designed with updated technology and improved living conditions for crew.
• Commissioning and Service Years: USS Blandy was commissioned on 26 November 1957 and served the fleet until her decommissioning on 5 November 1982, totaling 25 years of active service.
• Cuban Missile Crisis Involvement: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, USS Blandy participated in the naval "quarantine" of Cuba, helping to enforce the U.S. blockade against Soviet ships.
• Vietnam War Service: She was deployed to the Vietnam War, where she provided naval gunfire support for ground forces and participated in carrier escort duties in the South China Sea.
• Collision Incident: In 1975, USS Blandy collided with the ammunition ship USS Butte (AE-27) off the coast of Sicily, resulting in significant damage to the destroyer's bow but no fatalities.
• Technological Modernization: During her service, Blandy received upgrades including improved radar and electronic warfare systems, reflecting the evolving challenges of the Cold War era.
• Goodwill and NATO Operations: USS Blandy frequently participated in NATO exercises and goodwill visits to European ports, strengthening alliances and showcasing American naval presence.
• Rescue Operations: On several occasions, the ship was involved in rescue missions, including saving the crew of a burning merchant vessel in the Mediterranean Sea in 1968.
• Final Fate: After decommissioning, USS Blandy was used as a target ship and sunk during a training exercise in April 1989, ending her service as part of naval training for future generations.
