USS Hawkins (DD-873)

• 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. • Commissioning: She was commissioned on February 10, 1945, near the end of World War II, and named in honor of Commodore Richard Hawkins. • World War II Service: Although commissioned late in WWII, USS Hawkins joined the Pacific Fleet and participated in post-war occupation duties in Japan. • Korean War Deployment: USS Hawkins served with distinction during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and patrolling for enemy submarines. • 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. • Vietnam War Operations: USS Hawkins provided gunfire support, participated in carrier screening, and performed search and rescue operations during the Vietnam War. • International Incidents: In 1967, the Hawkins was involved in the search and recovery efforts following the USS Liberty incident in the Mediterranean Sea. • 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. • 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). • 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.