USS Leary (DD-879)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • Cold War Operations: Leary was actively involved in Cold War operations, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrols in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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). • 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.