About this Unit
USS Eaton (DD-510) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1942. She served with distinction during World War II, participating in major Pacific campaigns, including the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and the Philippines, providing fire support, screening, and escort duties. After World War II, Eaton was decommissioned but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War and continued to serve through the early years of the Cold War. The ship was finally decommissioned in 1969 and subsequently sunk as a target in 1970.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Eaton (DD-510) was named after William Eaton, a U.S. Army officer and diplomat notable for his exploits during the First Barbary War, particularly the daring 1805 attack on Derna, Tripoli.
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Class & Launch: She was a Fletcher-class destroyer, launched on 20 June 1942 by Bath Iron Works in Maine and commissioned on 4 December 1942.
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World War II Service: Eaton served extensively in the Pacific Theater during WWII, participating in major campaigns including the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, Philippines, and Okinawa.
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Torpedo Damage: On 1 November 1943, during the Bougainville landings, Eaton was struck by a Japanese torpedo, resulting in significant damage and casualties, but she managed to survive and was repaired.
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Kamchatka Incident: In November 1945, after WWII, USS Eaton was involved in a Cold War-era incident when she entered Soviet waters near Kamchatka, resulting in a tense standoff and international diplomatic protest.
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Korean War Service: After being recommissioned, Eaton served in the Korean War, providing gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and patrolling for enemy submarines.
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Suez Crisis: In 1956, during the Suez Crisis, USS Eaton was deployed to the Mediterranean as part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, helping to protect American interests and evacuate civilians.
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Peacetime Collisions: In 1956, she collided with the destroyer USS Power (DD-839) off Newport, Rhode Island, suffering damage that required repairs at the Boston Naval Shipyard.
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Decommission and Fate: USS Eaton was decommissioned on 21 May 1969. She was later sunk as a target off the Virginia Capes in 1970, ending her long naval career.
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Battle Stars: For her WWII service, USS Eaton earned 10 battle stars, marking her as one of the more highly decorated destroyers of her class and era.
