About this Unit
USS Leftwich (DD-984) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy on 25 August 1979. Named after Lieutenant Colonel William G. Leftwich, Jr., a decorated Marine killed in action during the Vietnam War, the destroyer served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout its service, USS Leftwich participated in numerous operations, including escort missions and multinational exercises, and played a role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, launching Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets. The ship was decommissioned on 28 March 1998, after nearly two decades of active service.
Historical Facts
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Named After a Hero: USS Leftwich (DD-984) was named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel William G. Leftwich, Jr., a Marine Corps officer posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism during the Vietnam War.
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Spruance-Class Destroyer: The ship was part of the Spruance-class, a class of destroyers designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare but later adapted for other roles.
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Commissioned in 1979: USS Leftwich was commissioned on August 25, 1979, at the Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
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Gulf War Service: Leftwich participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing escort and screening services for aircraft carriers and launching Tomahawk cruise missiles at Iraqi targets.
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First Tomahawk Launch: During Operation Desert Storm, USS Leftwich was among the first ships to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles in combat.
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Collision Incident: On June 9, 1982, Leftwich collided with the submarine USS Thomas A. Edison (SSBN-610) during exercises off the coast of California, but both vessels were able to return to port for repairs.
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Humanitarian Missions: The ship also took part in humanitarian operations, including rescuing Vietnamese refugees ("boat people") in the South China Sea during the early 1980s.
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Advanced Technology: Leftwich was equipped with the latest sonar, radar, and weapons technology of its time, including the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System for missiles.
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Decommissioned in 1998: After nearly 20 years of service, USS Leftwich was decommissioned on March 28, 1998, and later scrapped.
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Battle Efficiency Award: The ship earned the coveted Battle "E" award multiple times, recognizing its excellence in combat readiness and overall performance.
