USS Hawkins (DD-873)

USS Hawkins (DD-873) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned in 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Initially serving with the Pacific Fleet, the ship participated in occupation duties in Japan and later supported operations during the Korean War, providing escort and shore bombardment services. In the 1960s, Hawkins was converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR-873) and played a significant role during the Vietnam War, conducting patrol and gunfire support missions. After decades of service, USS Hawkins was decommissioned in 1979 and subsequently transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy.