About this Unit
USS Leary (DD-879) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Initially deployed on postwar operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, Leary later underwent conversion to a radar picket destroyer (DDR-879) during the early Cold War, enhancing her air defense capabilities. Throughout her service, she participated in various NATO exercises, crisis responses such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, and routine patrols to project American naval presence. After nearly three decades of active duty, USS Leary was decommissioned in 1973 and subsequently transferred to the Pakistani Navy, where she served as Shah Jahan.
Historical Facts
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Fletcher-Class Destroyer: USS Leary (DD-879) was actually a Gearing-class destroyer, not a Fletcher-class. She was part of an improved design over the previous Allen M. Sumner class, offering increased fuel capacity and operational range.
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Namesake: The ship was named after Lieutenant Clarence F. Leary, a naval officer who posthumously received the Navy Cross for his heroism during World War I.
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World War II Service: Although commissioned in May 1945, the USS Leary did not see combat in World War II, as the war ended shortly after her entry into service.
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Cold War Operations: Leary was actively involved in Cold War operations, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrols in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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FRAM I Modernization: In 1960-61, she received the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM I) upgrade, which equipped her with advanced ASW equipment, including ASROC and DASH drone helicopters.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: USS Leary participated in the naval "quarantine" during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, helping enforce the blockade of Soviet ships.
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Vietnam War Service: Leary served off the coast of Vietnam in the late 1960s, providing naval gunfire support and participating in "Operation Sea Dragon" against North Vietnamese targets.
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Collision Incident: In 1970, Leary was involved in a collision with the USS William V. Pratt (DLG-13) during operations, causing damage but with no loss of life.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: Leary was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy in September 1972 and transferred to the Spanish Navy, where she served as Churruca (D-61).
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Final Fate: After serving with the Spanish Navy until 1991, the former USS Leary was scrapped, closing the chapter on a vessel that served both the U.S. and Spain for nearly half a century.
