USS Mahan (DLG-11)

• Namesake Legacy: USS Mahan (DLG-11) was named after Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, a renowned naval strategist whose theories on sea power influenced navies worldwide. • Commissioning: USS Mahan was commissioned on 25 December 1960, serving as a guided missile frigate (later reclassified as a destroyer, DDG-42). • First of Her Name: She was the fourth U.S. Navy ship named Mahan, continuing a legacy that dates back to World War I. • Vietnam War Service: Mahan saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties, and anti-aircraft capabilities. • Missile Armament: The ship was initially equipped with the Terrier surface-to-air missile system, representing cutting-edge technology for its era. • Reclassification: In 1975, the Navy reclassified DLG-11 as a guided missile destroyer, redesignating her as DDG-42 during the fleet’s ship type realignment. • Collision Incident: In 1978, USS Mahan collided with the oiler USS Waccamaw during a replenishment operation, causing significant but repairable damage. • PACFLT Deployments: Throughout her career, Mahan conducted numerous Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) deployments, including multiple WestPac tours and participation in joint exercises with allied navies. • Decommissioning: USS Mahan was decommissioned on 15 June 1993 after over 32 years of distinguished service. • Final Fate: The ship was eventually sold for scrap, but her legacy lives on through historical records and the impact she had during the Cold War and beyond.