USS Harwood (DD-861)

• 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). • 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. • 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. • Korean War Service: During the Korean War, Harwood served in support roles, including screening aircraft carriers and conducting shore bombardment missions. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Rescue Operations: In 1967, Harwood rescued the crew of a disabled Turkish freighter in the Mediterranean, earning praise for her swift humanitarian response. • 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. • 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.