About this Unit
USS New (DD-818) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1946. Named after Rear Admiral Spencer S. New, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, participating in a variety of operations including Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, NATO exercises, and antisubmarine warfare missions. USS New also provided naval gunfire support during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning several battle stars for her service. After decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to South Korea, where she served as ROKS Taejon (DD-918).
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS New (DD-818) was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander James New, a decorated World War II naval officer who was killed in action during the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands in 1942.
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Class: It was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the longest-serving classes in the US Navy, designed for improved endurance and anti-submarine capabilities.
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Commissioning: USS New was commissioned on April 5, 1946, shortly after the end of World War II, and was built at the Consolidated Steel Corporation in Orange, Texas.
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Korean War Service: The ship was deployed to the Korean Peninsula, supporting United Nations forces with shore bombardment, screening for aircraft carriers, and anti-submarine operations.
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FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, USS New underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, receiving advanced sonar and anti-submarine weapons, including the ASROC launcher.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: USS New participated in the naval quarantine of Cuba during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, helping enforce the blockade against Soviet ships.
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Mediterranean Deployments: The destroyer made multiple deployments with the US 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, participating in NATO exercises and supporting American interests during the Cold War.
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Vietnam War: USS New served in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support for ground troops and performing search and rescue operations in the Gulf of Tonkin.
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Awarded Honors: Over its long service, the ship earned several battle stars and commendations for its performance in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: USS New was decommissioned from US Navy service on July 1, 1976, and was transferred to South Korea, where it served as ROKS Taejon (DD-917) until 1999.
