About this Unit
USS Goldsborough (DDG-20) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1963. Named after Rear Admiral Louis M. Goldsborough, the ship served extensively in the Pacific Fleet during the Cold War era. Goldsborough saw multiple deployments to the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and participating in carrier escort operations. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she served as ROCS An Yang.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Goldsborough (DDG-20) was named after Rear Admiral Louis M. Goldsborough, a distinguished US Navy officer who served during the Civil War.
• Class: She belonged to the Charles F. Adams-class of guided missile destroyers, notable for being among the first US ships designed to launch guided missiles.
• Commissioning Date: Goldsborough was commissioned on November 9, 1963, at the Puget Sound Bridge and Dry Dock Company in Seattle, Washington.
• Vietnam War Service: The ship played an active role in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guarding for aircraft carriers, and performing search and rescue missions in the Gulf of Tonkin.
• Rescue Heroics: On multiple occasions, Goldsborough rescued downed American pilots from the waters off Vietnam, highlighting her critical role in search and rescue operations.
• Missile Engagement: She was armed with the RIM-24 Tartar surface-to-air missile system, enhancing her anti-aircraft warfare capabilities and reflecting Cold War era naval advancements.
• Firsts: Goldsborough was the first US Navy ship fitted with an improved version of the Tartar missile fire control system, making her a testbed for new naval technology.
• Homeport: Her homeport was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where she was a familiar sight for nearly three decades and participated in numerous Pacific Fleet exercises.
• Decommissioning and Fate: The ship was decommissioned on April 29, 1993, and eventually sold for scrap in 1994, marking the end of her distinguished service.
• Awards: USS Goldsborough earned 9 battle stars for her service during the Vietnam War, recognizing her valor and contributions to US naval operations.
