About this Unit
USS Nicholson (DD-982) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1979. Named after five generations of Nicholsons who served in the U.S. Navy, the ship participated in numerous operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and support missions during Operation Desert Storm. Throughout her service, Nicholson provided vital anti-submarine warfare capabilities and escorted carrier battle groups. After over two decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in 2002 and later expended as a target during a training exercise in 2004.
Historical Facts
•
Spruance-class Destroyer: USS Nicholson (DD-982) was a Spruance-class destroyer, a class renowned for its anti-submarine warfare capabilities and versatility in the Cold War and post-Cold War eras.
•
Namesake Legacy: The ship was named after five members of the Nicholson family, each of whom served with distinction in the U.S. Navy from the Revolutionary War through World War I.
•
Commissioning: USS Nicholson was commissioned on March 12, 1979, at the Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
•
Persian Gulf Operations: The ship participated in multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf, including significant operations during the Iran-Iraq War and Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
•
Missile Strikes in Kosovo: In 1999, USS Nicholson fired Tomahawk cruise missiles at targets in Yugoslavia as part of NATO's Operation Allied Force during the Kosovo conflict.
•
Humanitarian Missions: The destroyer assisted in rescue and humanitarian operations, including the evacuation of American citizens from war-torn Liberia in 1996 during Operation Assured Response.
•
Modernization: During her service, USS Nicholson received significant upgrades, including the installation of Vertical Launching System (VLS) for Tomahawk missiles, making her more lethal and versatile.
•
Final Deployment: The ship’s final deployment was in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002, conducting operations in the Middle East following the September 11 attacks.
•
Decommissioning and Fate: USS Nicholson was decommissioned on December 20, 2002, and subsequently sunk as a target during a training exercise off the coast of Virginia in July 2004.
•
Battle Honors: Throughout her service, USS Nicholson earned several awards and commendations, including Navy Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Southwest Asia Service Medal.
