About this Unit
USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1945, just as World War II was ending. Named in honor of Marine Sergeant Floyd B. Parks, a hero of the Battle of Midway, the ship served in both the Pacific and Atlantic fleets. During the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Floyd B. Parks provided vital gunfire support, participated in patrols, and performed search and rescue operations. The destroyer remained active throughout the Cold War, conducting multiple deployments before being decommissioned in 1973.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884) was named after Marine Major Floyd Bruce Parks, a Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action during the Battle of Midway in June 1942.
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Class and Launch: The ship was a Gearing-class destroyer, launched on 31 March 1945 and commissioned on 31 July 1945, just weeks before the end of World War II.
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Korean War Service: Parks was deployed to Korean waters in 1950, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in the blockade of North Korea.
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Vietnam War Duty: During the Vietnam War, the destroyer served multiple tours, supporting carrier operations, conducting gunfire missions against shore targets, and operating on "Yankee Station."
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FRAM Modernization: Parks underwent Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) Mark I conversion in 1962, receiving new anti-submarine warfare equipment, including ASROC and DASH drone helicopters.
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Collision Incident: In 1956, the ship collided with the USS Columbus (CA-74) in heavy fog off Southern California, suffering serious bow damage that required it to be towed to San Francisco for repairs.
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Cold War Patrols: The destroyer conducted Taiwan Strait patrols, participated in SEATO exercises, and operated in the Pacific as part of the US Navy's Cold War presence in Asia.
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Humanitarian Missions: Parks was involved in rescue operations, including saving the crew of a downed aircraft and assisting distressed vessels during her deployments.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: After over 30 years of service, Parks was decommissioned on 2 July 1973 and transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy, where she served as ROKS Sam Chung (DD-73).
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Legacy: USS Floyd B. Parks earned five battle stars for her service in the Korean War and two for Vietnam, reflecting her distinguished and active career in two major conflicts.
