About this Unit
USS George K. Mackenzie (DD-836) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1945. Named after Rear Admiral George K. Mackenzie, the ship served with distinction during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. Throughout the Vietnam War, the destroyer conducted patrols, participated in search and rescue operations, and supported shore bombardments. After nearly three decades of service, USS George K. Mackenzie was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to the Republic of China Navy.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Hero: USS George K. Mackenzie (DD-836) was named after Lieutenant Commander George K. Mackenzie, a decorated U.S. Navy officer who was killed in action during World War II at Bougainville in the Solomon Islands in 1943.
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Gearing-class Destroyer: She was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and long-serving classes in the U.S. Navy, designed for anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare.
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Commissioning Date: USS George K. Mackenzie was commissioned on July 13, 1945, just weeks before the end of World War II.
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Korean War Service: She saw extensive service during the Korean War, providing gunfire support, carrier screening, and blockade duties off the Korean Peninsula.
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Vietnam War Operations: The destroyer served multiple tours off Vietnam, delivering naval gunfire support, search and rescue, and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers.
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FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, she underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) upgrade, which improved her anti-submarine warfare capabilities and extended her service life.
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Rescue Operations: In May 1967, USS George K. Mackenzie rescued the crew of a downed U.S. Navy F-4 Phantom jet off the coast of Vietnam, demonstrating her versatility and quick response.
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Cold War Patrols: She participated in Cold War patrols and exercises in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. interests and alliances in the region.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: The ship was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy in 1976 and transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where she served as ROCS Chin Yang (DD-908).
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Decorations: USS George K. Mackenzie earned 8 battle stars for Korean War service and 5 battle stars for Vietnam War service, reflecting her distinguished and active combat record.
