About this Unit
USS Harwood (DD-861) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Named in honor of Commander Bruce L. Harwood, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, participating in various operations including patrols in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Harwood provided naval gunfire support during the Korean War and later took part in NATO exercises and the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade. Decommissioned in 1973, she was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Kocatepe (D354) until 1994.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Hero: USS Harwood (DD-861) was named after Commander Bruce L. Harwood, who was killed in action during the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942 while serving aboard USS Lexington (CV-2).
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Gearing-class Destroyer: Harwood was a Gearing-class destroyer, the most numerous class of destroyers built for the US Navy during World War II, known for their improved endurance and anti-submarine capabilities.
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Commissioned Post-WWII: Although launched in 1945, Harwood was commissioned too late to participate in World War II, joining the US Navy fleet on 8 December 1945.
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Korean War Service: During the Korean War, Harwood served in support roles, including screening aircraft carriers and conducting shore bombardment missions.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, Harwood participated in the naval quarantine ("blockade") of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping to enforce US policy against Soviet missile deployment.
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FRAM I Modernization: In the early 1960s, Harwood underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM I) upgrade, which extended her service life and added new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, including ASROC and DASH systems.
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Vietnam War Support: Harwood saw action during the Vietnam War, providing gunfire support for ground forces and participating in search and rescue operations for downed pilots.
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Rescue Operations: In 1967, Harwood rescued the crew of a disabled Turkish freighter in the Mediterranean, earning praise for her swift humanitarian response.
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Transfer to Turkey: After being decommissioned from the US Navy in 1971, Harwood was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Kocatepe (D354) until 1994.
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Friendly Fire Incident: As TCG Kocatepe, she was mistakenly sunk by Turkish aircraft during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, marking a tragic episode in her long and eventful career.
