About this Unit
USS **John Rodgers (DD-983)** was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1979. Named after three generations of distinguished naval officers, the ship served with distinction during the Cold War, participating in numerous exercises and deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. In 1991, she supported Operation Desert Storm, providing escort and naval gunfire support. After over two decades of active service, USS John Rodgers was decommissioned in 1998 and later sunk as a target in 2001.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Legacy: USS John Rodgers (DD-983) was named in honor of three generations of naval officers, all named John Rodgers, who served from the American Revolution through World War I, exemplifying a family legacy of naval service.
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Spruance-class Destroyer: The ship was a Spruance-class destroyer, a class known for its advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and versatility during the Cold War era.
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Commissioning: USS John Rodgers was commissioned on July 14, 1979, at Pascagoula, Mississippi, with Commander Robert E. Rogers as her first commanding officer.
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Maiden Deployment: The destroyer’s first major deployment was to the Mediterranean Sea in 1981, operating with the Sixth Fleet and participating in multi-national exercises.
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Lebanon Crisis Response: In 1983, the John Rodgers provided support during the Lebanon crisis, demonstrating the flexibility and rapid response capabilities of the U.S. Navy following the Beirut barracks bombing.
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Operation Earnest Will: The ship participated in Operation Earnest Will in the late 1980s, escorting re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War, a critical mission to ensure safe navigation and oil flow.
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Technological Innovations: The John Rodgers was among the first Spruance-class destroyers to receive the Vertical Launch System (VLS), enhancing her anti-air and strike warfare capabilities.
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Drug Interdiction: In the 1990s, the ship played a role in counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea, intercepting smuggling vessels and supporting law enforcement efforts.
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Final Deployment and Decommissioning: The destroyer’s final deployment was in 1997, after which she was decommissioned on August 4, 1998, marking nearly two decades of service.
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Sunk as a Target: USS John Rodgers was sunk as a target during a fleet training exercise off the coast of Hawaii on August 27, 2001, allowing her to contribute to the Navy’s readiness even after her operational life ended.
