About this Unit
USS Dennis J. Buckley (DDR-808) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named in honor of Marine Private Dennis J. Buckley, a World War II hero, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean during the early Cold War period. Converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR) in 1952, Dennis J. Buckley was involved in various NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and operations supporting U.S. interests abroad. She was decommissioned in 1973 after nearly three decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Hero: USS Dennis J. Buckley (DDR-808) was named after Dennis Joseph Buckley, Jr., a U.S. Navy seaman killed in action during World War II at Guadalcanal, earning the Navy Cross posthumously.
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Gearing-class Destroyer: The ship was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most prolific and versatile destroyer designs of the U.S. Navy, launched on October 11, 1944.
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Radar Picket Conversion: In 1949, Dennis J. Buckley was converted to a radar picket destroyer and redesignated DDR-808, enhancing U.S. air defense capabilities during the Cold War.
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Operation Crossroads Support: The vessel supported Operation Crossroads in 1946, observing atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll and helping study their effects on naval vessels.
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Korean War Service: During the Korean War, the ship operated with the Seventh Fleet, providing anti-aircraft screening, shore bombardment, and patrol duties.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: USS Dennis J. Buckley participated in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine, patrolling and intercepting vessels during the U.S. naval blockade of Cuba.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The destroyer served multiple tours in Vietnam, performing gunfire support missions, plane guard duty for aircraft carriers, and surveillance operations in the South China Sea.
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Collision Incident: On February 6, 1966, Dennis J. Buckley was involved in a collision with the USS Shangri-La (CVS-38) during underway replenishment, suffering damage but remaining operational.
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Decommissioning and Fate: Dennis J. Buckley was decommissioned on July 2, 1973, after nearly three decades of service, and scrapped in 1974, ending her storied naval career.
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Decorations and Honors: The ship earned multiple awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, Korean Service Medal (with two battle stars), and Vietnam Service Medal (with three battle stars), reflecting her extensive service across three major conflicts.
