About this Unit
USS Manley (DD-940) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Named after Captain John Manley, a notable figure from the American Revolutionary War, the ship served extensively during the Cold War era. Manley participated in significant operations including the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962 and deployments during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support. The destroyer continued service through NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments until being decommissioned in 1983.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Manley (DD-940) was named after Captain John Manley, a distinguished officer in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 1 February 1957 at the Boston Naval Shipyard, marking its official entry into the U.S. Navy fleet.
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Class: Manley was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, part of the first post-World War II destroyer design for the U.S. Navy.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: USS Manley played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), participating in the naval quarantine of Cuba during this tense Cold War standoff.
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Vietnam War Service: The ship saw combat service off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support and participating in search and rescue operations.
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Collision Incident: In October 1966, Manley collided with the oiler USS Waccamaw (AO-109) during underway replenishment operations, resulting in damage but no serious injuries.
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Technological Upgrades: In 1964–1965, Manley received significant upgrades, including new sonar and anti-submarine warfare systems, during an extensive modernization overhaul.
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Rescue Missions: The destroyer was involved in several high-seas rescues, including saving the crew of the burning Greek freighter SS Ioannis M. in 1965.
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Decommissioning: USS Manley was decommissioned on 4 March 1983 after more than 25 years of service and was subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
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Final Fate: The ship was used as a target and sunk during fleet training exercises off the coast of Puerto Rico in 1988, ending her long and eventful career.
