USS Hull (DD-945)

• Namesake Honor: USS Hull (DD-945) was the fourth ship named after Commodore Isaac Hull, a distinguished U.S. naval officer renowned for his command of USS Constitution during the War of 1812. • Forrest Sherman-class Destroyer: Hull was part of the Forrest Sherman-class, the last class of all-gun destroyers built for the United States Navy. • Commissioning: USS Hull was commissioned on 3 July 1958 at the Boston Naval Shipyard, marking her official entry into service. • Vietnam War Service: USS Hull provided naval gunfire support, plane guard duties, and search and rescue operations during multiple deployments in the Vietnam War. • Experimental 8-inch Gun: In 1975, Hull was selected for an experimental installation of the 8"/55 Mark 71 Major Caliber Lightweight Gun, making her the only destroyer to carry such heavy artillery since World War II. • Gun Trials: The Mark 71 gun underwent extensive testing aboard Hull, but the program was ultimately cancelled in 1978, and the gun was removed. • Rescue Operations: In 1966, Hull rescued 16 survivors from the Japanese vessel Kinei Maru after a collision in the South China Sea. • Decommissioning: USS Hull was decommissioned on 11 July 1983 after 25 years of distinguished service. • Sinking as a Target: On 7 April 1998, Hull was sunk as a target during fleet training exercises off the coast of California, serving her final role in helping train future generations. • Legacy: Artifacts from the USS Hull, including her bell and memorabilia, are preserved in museums and naval heritage centers, commemorating her service and the sailors who served aboard her.