USS Hamner (DD-718)

• Namesake: USS Hamner (DD-718) was named in honor of Henry Rawlings Hamner, a US Navy officer who was killed in action during the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands in World War II. • Class: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, an improved version of the previous Fletcher-class with enhanced anti-aircraft capabilities. • Commissioning: USS Hamner was commissioned on July 12, 1945, just before the end of World War II, and thus missed combat in that conflict. • Korean War Service: Hamner served off the coast of Korea, providing naval gunfire support for United Nations forces during the Korean War. • Cuban Missile Crisis: She participated in the naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, helping to enforce the quarantine of Cuba. • Vietnam War: USS Hamner was deployed multiple times to the waters off Vietnam, supporting carrier operations and performing naval gunfire missions against enemy positions. • FRAM Overhaul: In the early 1960s, Hamner received a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul, modernizing her sensors, weapons, and anti-submarine capabilities. • Humanitarian Missions: In 1975, Hamner assisted in the evacuation of Vietnamese refugees during Operation Frequent Wind, the fall of Saigon. • Hollywood Appearance: The ship appeared in the 1970 film "Tora! Tora! Tora!" portraying destroyers present during the attack on Pearl Harbor. • International Service: After decommissioning from the US Navy in 1979, Hamner was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Alcitepe (D-346) until 1994.