About this Unit
USS Boyd (DD-544) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in April 1943. During World War II, she served in the Pacific Theater, participating in key operations such as the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Boyd was notable for her effective anti-aircraft actions, support of amphibious landings, and rescuing downed aviators. After the war, she was decommissioned in 1946 and later transferred to Turkey in 1980.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Boyd (DD-544) was named after Joseph Boyd, a U.S. Navy officer who served with distinction during the early 19th century, including the War of 1812.
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Ship Class: USS Boyd was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most famous and numerous destroyer classes used by the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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Commissioning: The ship was launched on October 27, 1942, and commissioned on May 8, 1943, at the Bethlehem Steel Co. Shipyard in San Francisco, California.
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Pearl Harbor Arrival: After shakedown, Boyd arrived at Pearl Harbor in August 1943 and quickly joined operations in the Pacific Theater.
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Wake Island Raid: Boyd participated in the famous Wake Island raid in October 1943, providing gunfire support and anti-aircraft defense for the carrier task force.
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Kamikaze Attack: On January 27, 1945, during operations off Okinawa, Boyd was attacked by a Japanese kamikaze aircraft but managed to avoid major damage and casualties through skilled maneuvering and anti-aircraft fire.
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Rescue Missions: Boyd rescued numerous downed American aviators during her service, including during the Marianas Campaign where she saved several pilots under heavy enemy fire.
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Bombardment of Saipan: The ship provided naval gunfire support during the invasion of Saipan in June 1944, helping to silence enemy shore batteries and support ground forces.
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Post-War Service: After World War II, Boyd was placed in reserve but was recommissioned during the Korean War, serving on patrol and escort duties before being decommissioned again in 1957.
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Transfer to Turkey: In 1969, USS Boyd was transferred to the Turkish Navy and served as TCG Iskenderun (D-343) until her final decommissioning and scrapping, thus extending her legacy across two navies.
