About this Unit
USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Okinawa campaign. After the war, the ship supported occupation duties in Asia and later took part in the Korean War, providing shore bombardment and escort services. USS Charles S. Sperry continued to serve through the Cold War era, including deployments in the Mediterranean and participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis, before being decommissioned in 1973.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697) was named after Rear Admiral Charles Stillman Sperry, a distinguished U.S. Navy officer who commanded the Great White Fleet during its historic circumnavigation of the globe (1907-1909).
• Class: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, one of the most advanced destroyer classes of World War II, featuring improved anti-aircraft armament and radar over previous designs.
• World War II Service: Commissioned on May 17, 1944, USS Charles S. Sperry participated in major Pacific campaigns, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and operations against Japanese forces in the Philippines and Okinawa.
• Kamikaze Defense: During the Okinawa campaign in 1945, the ship provided vital anti-aircraft defense against frequent kamikaze attacks, helping protect larger vessels and troop transports.
• Typhoon Encounter: USS Charles S. Sperry survived the powerful Typhoon Louise in October 1945, suffering only minor damage while many other ships were grounded or sunk.
• Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, the destroyer performed escort, patrol, and bombardment missions off the Korean peninsula from 1951 to 1953.
• Cold War Deployments: Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she took part in NATO exercises, Mediterranean cruises, and deployments with the 6th Fleet, reflecting U.S. naval commitments during the Cold War.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, USS Charles S. Sperry was part of the U.S. naval quarantine during the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping to enforce the blockade against Soviet ships.
• Humanitarian Mission: In 1957, the ship assisted in rescue operations following the collision of the Swedish ship Stockholm and Italian liner Andrea Doria off the coast of Nantucket.
• Decommissioning and Fate: The ship was decommissioned on December 15, 1973, and later sunk as a target in 1974, ending nearly 30 years of distinguished service.
