About this Unit
USS LEONARD F. MASON (DD-852) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. She served extensively during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, LEONARD F. MASON participated in multiple combat operations, including search and rescue missions and shore bombardments. After decades of active service, the destroyer was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) was named in honor of Private First Class Leonard F. Mason, USMC, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Guam in World War II.
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Class and Type: She was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and long-serving destroyer classes in the US Navy.
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Commissioning: USS Leonard F. Mason was commissioned on 4 April 1946, just after World War II concluded.
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Korean War Service: The ship saw significant action during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in patrol and blockade operations.
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Vietnam War Operations: She served multiple tours in Vietnam, conducting gunfire support missions, plane guard duties for aircraft carriers, and search and rescue operations.
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Famous Rescue Mission: In July 1966, the ship participated in the dramatic rescue of the crew of the merchant vessel SS Exodus after it was attacked by North Vietnamese forces.
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FRAM Modernization: The destroyer underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul in the early 1960s, receiving updated anti-submarine warfare equipment and electronics.
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Long Service Record: USS Leonard F. Mason served for nearly 30 years in the US Navy, participating in countless exercises, patrols, and combat operations across the Pacific.
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Transfer to South Korea: In 1976, the ship was transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy, where she was renamed ROKS Jeon Ju (DD-925) and continued in service for many more years.
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Final Fate: After decades of service, the former USS Leonard F. Mason was finally decommissioned and scrapped in the early 2000s, ending a remarkable naval career spanning more than half a century.
