About this Unit
The USS **Lynde McCormick (DDG-8)** was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1961. Named after Admiral Lynde D. McCormick, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet and was actively involved in operations during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers. Throughout her career, Lynde McCormick participated in multiple international exercises and deployments, demonstrating the Navy's commitment to global presence and alliance cooperation. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1991 and later sunk as a target in 2001.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Lynde McCormick (DDG-8) was named after Admiral Lynde D. McCormick, a distinguished U.S. Navy officer who served as Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic and was renowned for his expertise in naval tactics and logistics.
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Commissioning: The vessel was commissioned on June 3, 1961, at the Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, Michigan, and was the eighth ship of the Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyers.
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Role in the Cold War: As a guided missile destroyer, USS Lynde McCormick played a vital role in Cold War-era naval strategy, providing air defense and surface warfare capabilities to carrier task forces.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, shortly after commissioning, the destroyer was deployed to the Caribbean during the Cuban Missile Crisis, participating in the U.S. naval quarantine of Cuba.
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Vietnam War Service: USS Lynde McCormick saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties for aircraft carriers, and participating in "Operation Sea Dragon" to interdict North Vietnamese logistics by sea.
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Innovation: The ship was equipped with the Tartar Guided Missile System, making it one of the first U.S. destroyers designed from the keel up to carry surface-to-air missiles, enhancing fleet air defense.
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WestPac Deployments: She completed numerous deployments to the Western Pacific (WestPac), regularly operating out of bases in Japan and the Philippines and participating in joint exercises with allied navies.
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Rescue Operations: In 1972, Lynde McCormick rescued the crew of a downed U.S. aircraft off the coast of Vietnam, showcasing the versatility of destroyers in both combat and humanitarian missions.
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Decommissioning: After nearly 30 years of service, the ship was decommissioned on December 1, 1988, and was later scrapped in 1992.
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Cultural Reference: USS Lynde McCormick was featured in several naval publications and was recognized for her exemplary service, earning multiple battle stars and unit commendations throughout her long career.
