USS HUGH PURVIS (DD-709)

• Namesake Honor: USS Hugh Purvis (DD-709) was named after Marine Corporal Hugh Purvis, a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroism during the Korean Expedition of 1871. • Gearing-class Destroyer: She was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and versatile destroyer classes in the US Navy during and after World War II. • World War II Launch: The ship was launched on 31 March 1945 by the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey, near the end of WWII. • Postwar Operations: Although completed too late for WWII combat, Hugh Purvis was active in occupation duties in Japan and China after the war. • Korean War Service: She saw significant action during the Korean War, conducting shore bombardments, screening aircraft carriers, and patrolling blockade stations. • Cold War Deployments: Hugh Purvis participated in numerous Cold War Mediterranean deployments with the US 6th Fleet, supporting NATO and US interests. • Suez Crisis 1956: The destroyer was present in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Suez Crisis, helping protect American citizens and interests. • Ship Collision: In 1967, Hugh Purvis collided with the USS Newman K. Perry (DD-883) during nighttime exercises, resulting in significant damage but no fatalities. • Vietnam War Service: The ship conducted gunfire support missions off Vietnam, providing naval gunfire for US and allied ground forces. • Transfer to Greece: Decommissioned from US service in 1973, she was transferred to the Hellenic Navy and served as HS Kountouriotis (D213) until 1995.