About this Unit
USS Eversole (DD-789) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1946, named in honor of Lieutenant (junior grade) John T. Eversole, who was killed in the Battle of Midway. After initial service in post-World War II operations, Eversole saw extensive action during the Korean War, providing gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. She later participated in the Vietnam War, conducting patrols, shore bombardment, and search and rescue missions. Decommissioned from U.S. service in 1973, the ship was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Gayret (D-352) until 1995 and is now preserved as a museum ship in Izmit, Turkey.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Heroism: USS Eversole (DD-789) was named after Lieutenant (junior grade) John T. Eversole, a naval aviator who was killed in action during the Battle of Midway in 1942 and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
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Gearing-Class Destroyer: Eversole was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and successful destroyer classes built for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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Launched Post-WWII: The ship was launched on January 8, 1946, by Todd-Pacific Shipyards in Seattle, Washington, and commissioned on May 10, 1946, just after the end of World War II.
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Korean War Service: Eversole saw significant action during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in blockade and escort duties.
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Vietnam War Operations: The ship was actively involved in the Vietnam War, serving on Yankee Station, conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, and naval gunfire support missions.
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FRAM Modernization: Eversole underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program in the early 1960s, receiving upgrades to its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, including new sonar, weapons, and helicopter facilities.
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Collision Incident: In 1967, while operating in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War, Eversole was involved in a collision with the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, but damage was minor and there were no serious injuries.
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International Exercises: The destroyer participated in numerous joint exercises with allied navies, including operations with the navies of Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, strengthening Cold War alliances.
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Transfer to Turkey: After being decommissioned from the U.S. Navy on December 14, 1973, Eversole was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Gayret (D-352) until 1995.
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Museum Ship Legacy: Today, the former USS Eversole serves as a museum ship at İzmit, Turkey, preserving the ship’s legacy and educating the public about naval history.
