About this Unit
USS **Blue (DD-744)** was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in key operations such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, where she provided fire support, anti-aircraft screening, and rescued downed aviators. After the war, Blue continued her service during the Korean War and later in the Vietnam War, performing patrol, escort, and gunfire support missions. She was decommissioned in 1974 and transferred to Taiwan, where she served as ROCS Fu Yang.
Historical Facts
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USS Blue (DD-744) Namesake: USS Blue was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander John Stuart Blue, a U.S. Navy officer who was killed in action during the Battle of Savo Island in 1942.
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Allen M. Sumner-class Destroyer: USS Blue was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, a class known for its improved anti-aircraft armament and greater stability compared to earlier destroyer classes.
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Commissioning Date: USS Blue was launched on 28 May 1944 by Bethlehem Steel Co., Staten Island, New York, and commissioned on 20 August 1944.
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World War II Service: The ship served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during WWII, participating in operations such as Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and strikes against the Japanese mainland.
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Kamikaze Attack: On 6 April 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, USS Blue was damaged by a kamikaze attack, resulting in the loss of crew and significant damage to the ship.
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Korean War Service: USS Blue was recommissioned for the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers off the coast of Korea.
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Vietnam War Participation: The destroyer also saw action during the Vietnam War, participating in naval gunfire support missions and carrier escort duties.
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Cold War Operations: Between wars, USS Blue participated in numerous training exercises, fleet maneuvers, and patrols during the early Cold War, helping project U.S. naval power in the Pacific.
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Transfer to Republic of China Navy: In 1974, USS Blue was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy and transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she served as ROCS Fu Yang (DD-907).
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Battle Stars: USS Blue earned five battle stars for her service during World War II and two for service during the Korean War, marking her as a highly decorated ship.
