About this Unit
USS Chevalier (DD-805) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Named after Lieutenant Commander Godfrey Chevalier, a pioneer in naval aviation, the ship served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in bombardments, screening operations, and rescue missions. After the war, Chevalier took part in Korean War operations, providing gunfire support and escort services. The destroyer continued to serve through the Cold War before being decommissioned in 1975 and later transferred to South Korea.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Chevalier (DD-805) was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Godfrey DeCourcelles Chevalier, a pioneer in naval aviation who was killed in an aircraft accident in 1922.
• Fletcher-class Destroyer: Chevalier was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most successful and numerous classes of destroyers built during World War II, with 175 completed.
• Launched in 1944: The ship was launched on 29 October 1944 by Bath Iron Works in Maine and commissioned on 9 January 1945.
• World War II Service: USS Chevalier joined the Pacific Fleet in May 1945, participating in the final months of the war, including raids on the Japanese home islands and supporting the occupation of Japan.
• Korean War Veteran: The destroyer saw extensive combat service during the Korean War, including shore bombardments, patrols, and anti-submarine operations.
• Rescue Mission: In August 1950, Chevalier rescued 38 survivors from the South Korean vessel ROKS PC-703, which had been sunk by enemy fire off the Korean coast.
• Cold War Deployments: Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Chevalier took part in numerous Cold War operations, including patrols and exercises in the Western Pacific and support for Taiwan during periods of tension with China.
• Modernization: In the late 1950s, Chevalier underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) upgrade, which improved her anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
• Vietnam War Duty: Chevalier served in the Vietnam War, conducting shore bombardments, plane guard duty for aircraft carriers, and search-and-rescue missions in the Gulf of Tonkin.
• Transfer to South Korea: After being decommissioned from the U.S. Navy in 1972, she was transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy as ROKS Chung Buk (DD-915), serving until 2000, thus extending her active life to over 55 years.
