USS James E. Kyes (DD-787)

• Namesake Heroism: USS James E. Kyes (DD-787) was named after Lieutenant Commander James E. Kyes, a naval officer who heroically gave his life during World War II by ensuring his crew's safety aboard USS Leary before going down with the ship. • Gearing-class Destroyer: She was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most prolific and durable classes of destroyers produced for the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Cold War. • Commissioned in 1946: USS James E. Kyes was launched on 4 November 1945 and commissioned on 8 May 1946, entering service too late for World War II combat. • Korean War Service: The ship served actively during the Korean War, participating in multiple combat operations, including shore bombardments and escort missions. • Vietnam War Operations: James E. Kyes also saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, conducting naval gunfire support, search and rescue, and carrier escort duties. • FRAM Modernization: The ship underwent Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM I) in the early 1960s, receiving upgrades such as new anti-submarine weapons and sensors to extend her operational life. • Arctic Operations: In 1948, James E. Kyes participated in Operation Frostbite, an Arctic exercise designed to test ships and crews in extreme cold-weather conditions. • International Goodwill: The destroyer took part in "Show the Flag" missions, visiting ports in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, strengthening U.S. naval presence and diplomacy. • Transfer to Taiwan: Decommissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1973, the ship was transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where she served as ROCS Yang Yang (DD-930/919) until 1999. • Battle Stars and Honors: USS James E. Kyes earned 4 battle stars for Korean War service and 6 for Vietnam War service, reflecting her active and distinguished combat record.