USS Harry W Hill (DD-986)

• Named After Admiral Harry W. Hill: USS Harry W. Hill (DD-986) was named in honor of Admiral Harry Wilbur Hill, a distinguished U.S. Navy officer who served in both World Wars and commanded amphibious operations during WWII. • Spruance-class Destroyer: She was a Spruance-class destroyer, a class designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare but also equipped for anti-air and surface warfare. • Commissioned in 1979: The ship was commissioned into service on 16 September 1979 at Pascagoula, Mississippi, by Ingalls Shipbuilding. • Persian Gulf War Service: USS Harry W. Hill participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing naval gunfire support and screening for allied forces. • Rescue Operations: In 1990, the ship rescued 35 Vietnamese refugees from a small boat in the South China Sea, showcasing the Navy’s humanitarian role. • First Ship with LAMPS III: She was the first ship to operate the LAMPS Mk III (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System), integrating helicopters for anti-submarine warfare. • Homeport Changes: During her service, Harry W. Hill’s homeport changed multiple times, including San Diego, California, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. • Decommissioned in 1998: After almost 20 years of service, she was decommissioned on 29 May 1998. • Sunk as a Target: In 2004, the decommissioned USS Harry W. Hill was used as a target and sunk during a training exercise off the coast of Hawaii. • Crew Traditions: The crew was known for their “Hill’s Angels” nickname, fostering strong camaraderie and esprit de corps among sailors serving aboard.