About this Unit
USS Henley (DD-762) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in October 1946. Designed for anti-submarine warfare and fleet escort duties in the post-World War II era, she served primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in NATO exercises and Cold War operations. Henley was modernized in the 1950s under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program to enhance her capabilities against emerging submarine threats. After over two decades of active service, USS Henley was decommissioned in 1973 and subsequently scrapped.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Henley (DD-762) was named in honor of Robert Henley, a distinguished officer in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812 who played a key role in the Battle of Lake Champlain.
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Gearing-Class Destroyer: The USS Henley was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and successful destroyer classes built for the U.S. Navy during and after World War II.
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Launched in 1945: Henley was launched on April 8, 1945, by Bethlehem Steel Co. in San Francisco, California, near the end of World War II.
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Postwar Service: Although completed too late to see action in WWII, Henley served during the early Cold War years, participating in multiple fleet exercises and training missions.
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Korean War Involvement: USS Henley served during the Korean War, operating with the 7th Fleet and providing gunfire support, anti-submarine screening, and carrier escort services.
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Operation Argus: In 1958, Henley participated in Operation Argus, a series of high-altitude nuclear tests in the South Atlantic, supporting scientific and military research on nuclear effects.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, USS Henley was part of the naval blockade ("quarantine") of Cuba, helping to enforce the U.S. response to Soviet missile deployment.
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FRAM Overhaul: In the early 1960s, Henley underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, which updated her anti-submarine warfare equipment and extended her service life.
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Humanitarian Missions: The destroyer took part in various goodwill and humanitarian missions, including visits to South American ports and supporting disaster relief efforts.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Henley was decommissioned on June 2, 1973, after nearly 28 years of service, and was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. She was later sold for scrap in 1981.
