USS Briscoe DD-977

• Namesake: USS Briscoe (DD-977) was named after Admiral Robert P. Briscoe, a distinguished World War II and Korean War naval leader. • Spruance-class Destroyer: Briscoe was one of the 31 Spruance-class destroyers, designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare but later adapted for multi-mission roles. • Commissioning: She was commissioned on June 3, 1978, at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi. • First Homeport: The ship’s first homeport was Norfolk, Virginia, where she was part of the Atlantic Fleet. • Operation Desert Storm: USS Briscoe served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing escort and support missions for coalition forces. • Humanitarian Missions: In 1994, Briscoe assisted in the evacuation of US citizens and foreign nationals from Rwanda during the Rwandan genocide, demonstrating versatility beyond combat operations. • Lebanon Crisis: In 1983, Briscoe was involved in the multinational peacekeeping mission off the coast of Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War. • Technological Upgrades: She was one of the first Spruance-class destroyers to receive the Vertical Launch System (VLS) upgrade, enhancing her missile capabilities. • Decommissioning: After 25 years of service, Briscoe was decommissioned on October 2, 2003, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2005. • Distinctive Crest: The ship’s crest features a stylized anchor and trident, symbolizing naval strength, and is a tribute to Admiral Briscoe’s legacy.