USS John R. Perry (DE-1034)

• Namesake: USS John R. Perry (DE-1034) was named after Rear Admiral John R. Perry, a distinguished naval officer who served in both World Wars and contributed significantly to naval engineering and education. • Class & Type: She was a Claud Jones-class destroyer escort, designed for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War era. • Commissioning: USS John R. Perry was commissioned on 5 May 1959 at Avondale Shipyards in Louisiana, marking her entry into the Atlantic Fleet. • Caribbean Operations: The ship was heavily involved in Caribbean operations, frequently conducting patrols and training missions around Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. • Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, USS John R. Perry participated in the naval quarantine, helping enforce the blockade against Soviet ships. • Rescue Missions: On multiple occasions, the ship assisted in search and rescue operations, including aiding distressed vessels and recovering downed pilots in the Caribbean. • Training Ship: She served as a training platform for the Naval Reserve, providing valuable sea experience for hundreds of reservists and midshipmen. • Transfer to Indonesia: In 1973, the ship was decommissioned by the US Navy and transferred to the Indonesian Navy, where she was renamed KRI Samadikun (341). • Longevity: After her transfer, she continued to serve in the Indonesian Navy for several more decades, highlighting the durability and effectiveness of her design. • Legacy: USS John R. Perry earned a reputation for reliability and versatility throughout her service, reflecting the important role destroyer escorts played during the Cold War.