About this Unit
USS John R. Craig (DD-885) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1945. Named in honor of Lieutenant Commander John R. Craig, the ship served in the closing months of World War II and participated in occupation duties in the Far East. During the Korean War, USS John R. Craig provided naval gunfire support, screened carrier task forces, and conducted patrols. The destroyer also served extensively during the Vietnam War, offering gunfire support and participating in various operations before being decommissioned in June 1979.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS John R. Craig (DD-885) was named after Lieutenant Commander John R. Craig, a submarine officer who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism aboard USS Grampus (SS-207) during World War II.
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Gearing-class Destroyer: Commissioned on March 20, 1945, John R. Craig was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and successful classes of U.S. Navy destroyers.
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World War II Service: Although commissioned too late for significant World War II action, the ship participated in training and postwar occupation duties in the Pacific.
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Korean War Combat: John R. Craig saw extensive action during the Korean War, including shore bombardments, screening aircraft carriers, and rescuing downed pilots.
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Rescue Operations: The destroyer was credited with rescuing several pilots who had ditched in the Sea of Japan, showcasing the versatility and bravery of the crew.
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FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, John R. Craig underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, receiving new anti-submarine warfare equipment and improved electronics.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The ship served multiple tours off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties for aircraft carriers, and search and rescue missions.
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Collision Incident: In 1972, John R. Craig collided with the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne during exercises in the South China Sea, resulting in minor damage.
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Film Appearance: The USS John R. Craig appeared in the 1962 war film "PT 109," which depicted the exploits of John F. Kennedy during World War II.
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Decommissioning and Fate: After more than 30 years of service, USS John R. Craig was decommissioned on September 27, 1979, and later sold to the Republic of Turkey, where she served as TCG Mauvenet (D-347) until 1993.
