About this Unit
USS Henderson (DD-785) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named after Marine Corps Commandant Archibald Henderson, she served with distinction during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening carrier task forces. Throughout the Vietnam War, Henderson conducted multiple deployments, offering shore bombardment and plane guard duties. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1980 and later transferred to Pakistan, where she served as PNS Tughril.
Historical Facts
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Fletcher-Class Destroyer: USS Henderson (DD-785) was actually an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, not a Fletcher-class, and was named after Marine Colonel Archibald Henderson, the longest-serving Commandant of the Marine Corps.
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Commissioning Date: She was commissioned on 4 August 1945, just days before the end of World War II, and thus did not see service during that conflict.
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Korean War Service: Henderson saw extensive combat duty during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and conducting anti-submarine patrols.
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Rescue Operations: The ship was involved in several daring pilot rescues off the coast of Korea, saving downed aviators under heavy enemy fire.
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Vietnam War Deployments: USS Henderson served multiple tours off Vietnam, supporting carrier operations, coastal bombardments, and search and rescue missions.
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FRAM Modernization: In 1962, Henderson underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, upgrading her anti-submarine capabilities with modern sonar, torpedo launchers, and ASROC.
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“Grey Ghost of the Korean Coast”: She earned the nickname for her frequent and effective night operations during the Korean War.
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Notable Commanding Officer: Future Admiral William J. Crowe, who later became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, served aboard Henderson as a young officer.
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Transfer to Pakistan: In 1980, the ship was transferred to the Pakistan Navy and renamed PNS Tughril (D165), where she served until 2001.
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Awarded Honors: During her service, USS Henderson earned two battle stars for Korean War service and five for Vietnam War service, acknowledging her long and active combat history.
