USS Coontz (DDG-40)

• Namesake: USS Coontz (DDG-40) was named after Admiral Robert E. Coontz, who served as Chief of Naval Operations and was a prominent figure in early 20th-century naval history. • Originally a DLG: The ship was originally commissioned as USS Coontz (DLG-9), a guided missile frigate, before being reclassified as a guided missile destroyer (DDG-40) in 1975. • First of Her Class: Coontz was the lead ship of her class, which was based on the Farragut-class design but with advanced weapons and sensor systems for her time. • Cuban Missile Crisis Deployment: USS Coontz participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis naval quarantine in 1962, helping enforce the blockade against Soviet ships. • Vietnam War Service: The ship saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and participating in search-and-rescue missions for downed pilots. • Technological Innovations: Coontz was among the first destroyers equipped with the Tartar Guided Missile System, enhancing fleet air defense capabilities. • Mediterranean Deployments: The ship regularly deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, supporting NATO and U.S. interests during the Cold War. • Collision Incident: In 1972, USS Coontz collided with USS Rowan (DD-782) during night exercises near San Diego, resulting in damage but no fatalities. • Decommissioning: After nearly three decades of service, USS Coontz was decommissioned on October 2, 1989, and later scrapped in 1994. • Legacy: USS Coontz received multiple awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, highlighting her distinguished service record.