USS Joseph Strauss (DDG-16)

• Namesake: USS Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) was named after Admiral Joseph Strauss, a distinguished officer in the United States Navy who served during World War I and was known for his expertise in naval ordnance. • Commissioning Date: The ship was commissioned on 20 April 1963, entering service as the fifth Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer. • Vietnam War Service: Joseph Strauss saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties for aircraft carriers, and serving as a part of the naval blockade. • Operation Linebacker: During 1972, the destroyer participated in Operation Linebacker, launching surface-to-air missiles and providing gunfire support against North Vietnamese targets. • First to Launch RIM-24 Tartar Missiles in Combat: USS Joseph Strauss was among the first ships to fire the RIM-24 Tartar surface-to-air missile in actual combat operations during the Vietnam War. • Rescue Operations: The ship was involved in rescuing downed American aviators off the coast of Vietnam, highlighting its versatility and crew bravery. • Persian Gulf Service: In the 1980s, Joseph Strauss operated in the Persian Gulf, participating in Operation Earnest Will, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers during the Iran-Iraq War. • Flagship Role: The destroyer served as the flagship for several Destroyer Squadrons and played a leading role in multiple Western Pacific deployments. • Decommissioning: USS Joseph Strauss was decommissioned on 1 February 1990 after nearly 27 years of distinguished service. • Final Fate: After being struck from the Naval Vessel Register, she was transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece in 1992 and renamed Formion (D220), serving until 2002.