About this Unit
USS Dyess (DD-880) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Aquilla J. Dyess, a Marine Corps hero of World War II, the ship served with distinction during the Cold War era. Dyess participated in multiple Mediterranean deployments with the 6th Fleet, supported Korean War operations, and conducted various Atlantic and Caribbean exercises. The destroyer was decommissioned in 1970 and later transferred to the Greek Navy, where she served as Kimon before being retired.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Dyess (DD-880) was named after Lieutenant Colonel Aquilla James Dyess, a Medal of Honor recipient for heroism during World War II on Kwajalein Atoll.
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Gearing-class Destroyer: Dyess was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most prolific and advanced destroyer classes built by the United States during World War II.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 21 May 1945, just months before the end of World War II, and was built by the Consolidated Steel Corporation in Orange, Texas.
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Korean War Service: Dyess served extensively during the Korean War, providing gunfire support, patrol, and escort duties for United Nations forces.
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FRAM Modernization: The ship underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul in the early 1960s, receiving updated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, including ASROC and DASH drone helicopter systems.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: USS Dyess played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis naval blockade in 1962, helping to enforce the quarantine of Cuba.
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Humanitarian Rescue: In 1956, Dyess rescued survivors from the sinking Italian liner Andrea Doria after its collision with MS Stockholm off the coast of Nantucket.
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Vietnam War: The destroyer deployed to Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support for ground troops and participating in "Operation Sea Dragon" to interdict North Vietnamese logistics.
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International Service: After decommissioning from the US Navy in 1981, Dyess was transferred to Greece and served as Kimon (D-218) in the Hellenic Navy until 1993.
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Battle Stars: USS Dyess earned numerous awards during her service, including battle stars for action in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, reflecting her long and active career.
