About this Unit
USS James C. Owens (DD-776) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Named after Lieutenant James C. Owens, Jr., the ship served in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II, participating in operations off Okinawa and conducting raids on the Japanese home islands. Following World War II, the destroyer saw action during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. After decades of service, USS James C. Owens was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she continued her naval service under a new flag.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS James C. Owens (DD-776) was named in honor of Lieutenant James C. Owens, Jr., a naval aviator who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism during the Battle of Midway in World War II.
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Class and Type: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, a class renowned for its improved anti-aircraft capabilities and radar systems compared to earlier destroyers.
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Launched and Commissioned: The ship was launched on 1 October 1944 and commissioned on 17 February 1945 at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation, Seattle, Washington.
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World War II Service: Shortly after commissioning, the USS James C. Owens joined the Pacific Fleet and participated in the final operations against Japan, including the bombardment of the Japanese mainland.
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Korean War Deployment: The destroyer served in the Korean War, providing gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in blockade and escort duties.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: In October 1962, the USS James C. Owens was part of the naval quarantine of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping to enforce the blockade and prevent the delivery of Soviet missiles.
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Vietnam War Operations: The ship also saw action off the coast of Vietnam, supporting carrier operations and conducting patrols during the Vietnam War era.
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Rescue Missions: On several occasions, the destroyer performed search and rescue operations, including saving downed pilots and assisting distressed vessels at sea.
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Modernizations: Over her career, USS James C. Owens was updated with new electronics, sonar, and weaponry to keep pace with technological advances in naval warfare.
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Final Fate: Decommissioned on 2 July 1973, the ship was sold to the Republic of China (Taiwan) and served as ROCS Lo Yang (DD-14) until she was finally scrapped in 1999.
