About this Unit
USS Kinkaid (DD-965) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on December 9, 1976. Named in honor of Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, the ship served extensively in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting carrier battle groups and conducting various operations, including Middle East Force deployments and Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Throughout her service, USS Kinkaid participated in joint exercises with allied navies and performed escort, anti-submarine, and surface warfare missions. After nearly three decades of active service, she was decommissioned on January 6, 2003, and later sunk as a target in 2004.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Kinkaid (DD-965) was named after Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, a notable World War II naval commander who played a major role in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
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Spruance-class Destroyer: Kinkaid was part of the Spruance class, designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare but later adapted for multiple roles, including anti-air and anti-surface warfare.
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Launch and Commissioning: The ship was launched on 6 August 1974 at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and commissioned on 9 December 1976.
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First Deployment: USS Kinkaid’s first deployment was to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans in 1978, where she operated with the U.S. Seventh Fleet.
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Iran Hostage Crisis: In 1980, Kinkaid participated in Operation Eagle Claw, the failed mission to rescue American hostages in Iran, serving as part of the supporting naval task force in the Arabian Sea.
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Collision Incident: On 12 November 1989, Kinkaid collided with the merchant ship M/V Kota Petani in the Strait of Malacca. The incident caused significant damage, but the crew managed emergency repairs to continue operations.
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Persian Gulf War Service: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Kinkaid was deployed to the Persian Gulf, providing escort and anti-air warfare support for coalition naval forces.
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Humanitarian Missions: Kinkaid participated in Operation Fiery Vigil in 1991, helping evacuate U.S. military personnel and their families from the Philippines after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.
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Technological Upgrades: Throughout her service, Kinkaid received several upgrades, including the addition of the Tomahawk cruise missile system and advanced sonar and electronics, keeping her combat-ready.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Kinkaid was decommissioned on 6 April 2003 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise (SINKEX) off the coast of California on 14 July 2004.
