USS Goldsborough (DDG-20)

• 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.