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USS Callaghan (DDG-994)

U.S. Navy•12 members

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About this Unit

USS Callaghan (DDG-994)

U.S. Navy

USS Callaghan (DDG-994) was a Kidd-class guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1981. Named in honor of Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan, a World War II hero, the ship specialized in air defense and multi-threat warfare. During her service, Callaghan operated primarily in the Pacific and Middle East, participating in exercises, patrols, and escort duties, including operations during the Iran-Iraq War. The vessel was decommissioned in 1998 and later sold to Taiwan, where she serves as ROCS Su Ao (DDG-1802).

About USS Callaghan (DDG-994)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Name and Namesake: USS Callaghan (DDG-994) was named in honor of Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan, a Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
Kidd-Class Destroyer: USS Callaghan was the third ship in the Kidd-class of guided missile destroyers, a class originally ordered by the Shah of Iran before the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Unique Design: The Kidd-class ships, including Callaghan, were specifically designed with enhanced air conditioning and filtration systems for operations in hot, dusty, and chemical environments, reflecting their intended use in the Persian Gulf.
Commissioning: USS Callaghan was commissioned on 27 August 1981 at Pascagoula, Mississippi, and was homeported in San Diego, California.
Service in the Pacific: While in service with the U.S. Navy, Callaghan was primarily assigned to the Pacific Fleet and conducted numerous deployments in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.
Humanitarian Missions: In 1983, Callaghan was involved in the rescue of Vietnamese refugees (boat people) in the South China Sea, demonstrating the humanitarian role of modern warships.
Advanced Weaponry: The ship was equipped with the formidable Standard Missile (SM-2) air defense system, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles (later in her career), and advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Decommissioning: USS Callaghan was decommissioned on 31 March 1998 after 17 years of U.S. Navy service.
Transfer to Taiwan: After decommissioning, the ship was sold to Taiwan (Republic of China Navy), where she was renamed ROCS Su Ao (DDG-1802) and continues to serve as part of their fleet.
Legacy: USS Callaghan was known for her reliability and versatility, earning multiple awards during her service, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Battle "E" Efficiency Award.

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USS Callaghan (DDG-994)

U.S. Navy•12 members

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About this Unit

USS Callaghan (DDG-994)

U.S. Navy

Unit members

GEORGE ROWLEY

U.S. Navy · 1984 - 1985

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James Kneipp

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1990 - 1992

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James Kneipp

U.S. Navy · 1990 - 2008

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Jesse Dews

U.S. Navy · 1979 - 1982

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About USS Callaghan (DDG-994)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Name and Namesake: USS Callaghan (DDG-994) was named in honor of Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan, a Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
Kidd-Class Destroyer: USS Callaghan was the third ship in the Kidd-class of guided missile destroyers, a class originally ordered by the Shah of Iran before the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Unique Design: The Kidd-class ships, including Callaghan, were specifically designed with enhanced air conditioning and filtration systems for operations in hot, dusty, and chemical environments, reflecting their intended use in the Persian Gulf.
Commissioning: USS Callaghan was commissioned on 27 August 1981 at Pascagoula, Mississippi, and was homeported in San Diego, California.
Service in the Pacific: While in service with the U.S. Navy, Callaghan was primarily assigned to the Pacific Fleet and conducted numerous deployments in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.
Humanitarian Missions: In 1983, Callaghan was involved in the rescue of Vietnamese refugees (boat people) in the South China Sea, demonstrating the humanitarian role of modern warships.
Advanced Weaponry: The ship was equipped with the formidable Standard Missile (SM-2) air defense system, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles (later in her career), and advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Decommissioning: USS Callaghan was decommissioned on 31 March 1998 after 17 years of U.S. Navy service.
Transfer to Taiwan: After decommissioning, the ship was sold to Taiwan (Republic of China Navy), where she was renamed ROCS Su Ao (DDG-1802) and continues to serve as part of their fleet.
Legacy: USS Callaghan was known for her reliability and versatility, earning multiple awards during her service, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Battle "E" Efficiency Award.