About this Unit
USS Gurke (DD-783) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in May 1945. Named after Marine Private Henry Gurke, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served late in World War II and saw extensive action during the Korean War, providing gunfire support and screening carrier task forces. During the Vietnam War, Gurke participated in naval gunfire missions and patrol operations along the Vietnamese coast. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as Tombazis (D-215) until her retirement.
Historical Facts
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Fletcher-class Destroyer: USS Gurke (DD-783) was a Gearing-class destroyer, not a Fletcher-class, built for the United States Navy during World War II and launched on 15 February 1945.
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Named After a Hero: The ship was named in honor of Private Henry Gurke, a U.S. Marine awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for sacrificing his life in the Battle of Bougainville during World War II.
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Late WWII Service: USS Gurke was commissioned too late to see combat in WWII but did participate in occupation duties in the Pacific following the Japanese surrender.
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Korean War Action: Gurke served extensively during the Korean War, providing gunfire support and serving in anti-submarine warfare operations. She earned six battle stars for service in Korea.
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Vietnam War Operations: The destroyer also saw action during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support for ground troops and participating in "Operation Sea Dragon" against North Vietnamese logistics.
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FRAM Overhaul: In the early 1960s, Gurke was modernized under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, receiving new anti-submarine weapons and updated electronics.
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Rescue Mission: In 1966, Gurke rescued 12 crewmen from the burning Greek freighter SS Ioannis in the South China Sea, demonstrating the ship's versatility in peacetime missions.
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International Exercises: Gurke participated in numerous multinational exercises with allied navies, including operations with the Royal Australian Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.
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Transfer to Greece: After being decommissioned from the U.S. Navy in 1976, Gurke was transferred to the Hellenic Navy and renamed Tombazis (D215), serving for nearly two decades before final decommissioning.
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Legacy: USS Gurke's bell is preserved at the North Dakota Heritage Center, honoring both the ship and Private Henry Gurke's legacy in his home state.
