USS Eversole (DD-789)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.