About this Unit
USS Cochrane (DDG-21) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on 21 March 1964. Named after Rear Admiral Edward L. Cochrane, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in operations during the Vietnam War and later providing escort and support missions throughout the Cold War era. Cochrane was known for her advanced missile systems and anti-aircraft capabilities, playing a crucial role in fleet air defense. After nearly three decades of service, USS Cochrane was decommissioned on 1 October 1990 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Cochrane (DDG-21) was named after Vice Admiral Edward L. Cochrane, a prominent naval architect and Director of Naval Reactors, who notably contributed to the modernization of the U.S. Navy.
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Class and Type: USS Cochrane was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer, designed primarily for anti-aircraft warfare and equipped with advanced missile systems for its time.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 21 March 1964, marking its entry into service during a period of rapid technological advancement for the U.S. Navy.
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Vietnam War Service: USS Cochrane served multiple tours during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving as a plane guard for aircraft carriers on Yankee Station.
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Rescue Operations: In addition to combat roles, the Cochrane was involved in several rescue operations, saving downed pilots and sailors in distress during its deployments.
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Missile Capabilities: The ship was armed with the RIM-24 Tartar surface-to-air missile system, which was state-of-the-art for the period and provided critical air defense for fleet operations.
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Pacific Deployments: USS Cochrane was homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and undertook many deployments across the Pacific, participating in exercises with allied navies and showing American presence in the region.
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Operation Frequent Wind: In April 1975, Cochrane participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon, helping to safely withdraw American personnel and Vietnamese refugees.
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Decommissioning: After nearly 30 years of service, USS Cochrane was decommissioned on 1 October 1990, marking the end of an era for the Charles F. Adams-class destroyers.
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Legacy and Fate: After decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Naval Vessel Register and eventually sold for scrap in 2000, but her legacy is remembered through veterans' associations and historical records.
