About this Unit
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.
Historical Facts
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Gearing-Class Destroyer: USS Hawkins (DD-873) was a Gearing-class destroyer, among the most numerous and advanced destroyers built for the US Navy during World War II.
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Commissioning: She was commissioned on February 10, 1945, near the end of World War II, and named in honor of Commodore Richard Hawkins.
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World War II Service: Although commissioned late in WWII, USS Hawkins joined the Pacific Fleet and participated in post-war occupation duties in Japan.
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Korean War Deployment: USS Hawkins served with distinction during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and patrolling for enemy submarines.
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FRAM I Modernization: She underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM I) program in the early 1960s, receiving upgrades such as new sonar, anti-submarine weapons, and helicopter facilities.
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Vietnam War Operations: USS Hawkins provided gunfire support, participated in carrier screening, and performed search and rescue operations during the Vietnam War.
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International Incidents: In 1967, the Hawkins was involved in the search and recovery efforts following the USS Liberty incident in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Space Program Support: The destroyer was occasionally assigned as a recovery or tracking ship for NASA's early space missions, including during the Mercury and Gemini projects.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: USS Hawkins was decommissioned from US Navy service in January 1979 and sold to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she served as ROCS Tze Yang (DD-924).
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Legacy: During her three decades of service, USS Hawkins earned multiple battle stars and commendations, reflecting her versatile and dedicated service across three major conflicts and numerous peacetime missions.
