About this Unit
USS Harry W. Hill (DD-986) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on 19 September 1981. Named after Admiral Harry W. Hill, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare, surface action, and escort duties. Throughout her service, she participated in multiple deployments, including operations in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War and Operation Desert Storm. After over two decades of service, USS Harry W. Hill was decommissioned on 29 May 1998 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2004.
Historical Facts
• Named After a Distinguished Admiral: The USS Harry W. Hill (DD-986) was named in honor of Admiral Harry W. Hill, a decorated officer who served in both World War I and World War II, notably participating in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
• Spruance-Class Destroyer: Commissioned in 1979, the ship was part of the Spruance class, designed for anti-submarine warfare but later adapted for multi-mission capabilities.
• Gulf War Service: The USS Harry W. Hill played a significant role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing naval gunfire support and screening for aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf.
• Rescue Operations: In January 1991, the ship helped rescue the crew of a burning Iraqi mine-laying vessel, showcasing humanitarian and combat support capabilities.
• Tomahawk Missile Launches: The destroyer was equipped to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and participated in the first-ever use of these missiles in combat during the Gulf War.
• Homeport Changes: Over its career, the ship was homeported at both San Diego, California and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, reflecting its versatile deployment history in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
• Decommissioned in 1998: After almost 20 years of service, the USS Harry W. Hill was decommissioned on May 29, 1998, as part of post-Cold War fleet reductions.
• Final Fate—Sunk as a Target: In 2004, the ship was sunk as a target during a training exercise near Hawaii, providing valuable data and training for current naval forces.
• Humanitarian Missions: Apart from combat, the ship participated in various humanitarian operations, including disaster relief efforts and search-and-rescue missions in the Pacific region.
• Crew and Legacy: The destroyer’s crew, known for their professionalism and camaraderie, have maintained an active veteran’s network, and the ship’s legacy is honored through reunions and historical preservation efforts.
