About this Unit
USS Macdonough (DDG-39) was a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1959. Named after Commodore Thomas Macdonough, the ship played a vital role during the Cold War, serving primarily with the Atlantic Fleet. Macdonough participated in key operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine in 1962 and undertook multiple Mediterranean deployments with the Sixth Fleet. After three decades of service, the USS Macdonough was decommissioned in 1992 and subsequently scrapped.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Legacy: USS Macdonough (DDG-39) was named after Commodore Thomas Macdonough, a notable U.S. Navy officer recognized for his decisive victory at the Battle of Lake Champlain during the War of 1812.
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Class and Role: She was a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer, originally designated as DLG-8 (a guided missile frigate), before being reclassified as DDG-39 in 1975.
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Commissioning: Macdonough was commissioned on 4 November 1959, following her launch in July 1958 by the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts.
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Cold War Service: Throughout her career, Macdonough served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous NATO exercises and operations that were pivotal during the Cold War.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: In the fall of 1962, USS Macdonough was part of the naval quarantine during the Cuban Missile Crisis, playing a critical role in intercepting and tracking Soviet ships.
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Mediterranean Deployments: The ship deployed multiple times to the Mediterranean Sea, serving with the U.S. 6th Fleet and supporting American presence and interests in the region.
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Reclassification: On 30 June 1975, she was reclassified from DLG-8 to DDG-39 as part of a Navy-wide change to better reflect the ship’s destroyer role.
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Technological Advances: Macdonough was among the first destroyers to be equipped with the Terrier missile system, giving her advanced anti-aircraft capabilities for her time.
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Humanitarian Missions: During her service, the ship also participated in humanitarian missions, including evacuations and disaster relief operations.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Macdonough was decommissioned on 23 October 1992 and later sold for scrap in 1994, marking the end of over three decades of distinguished service.
