USS Dyess (DD-880)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • Korean War Service: Dyess served extensively during the Korean War, providing gunfire support, patrol, and escort duties for United Nations forces. • 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. • Cuban Missile Crisis: USS Dyess played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis naval blockade in 1962, helping to enforce the quarantine of Cuba. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.