About this Unit
The USS O'Bannon (DD-987) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on 15 December 1979. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon, the ship served during the latter years of the Cold War, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, NATO exercises, and Persian Gulf operations. O'Bannon played a key role in maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, and enforcing sanctions during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. After over two decades of service, the destroyer was decommissioned on 19 August 2005 and later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2008.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Legacy: USS O'Bannon (DD-987) was named after Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon, a hero of the First Barbary War, famous for his leadership in the Battle of Derna (1805).
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Spruance-Class Destroyer: Commissioned in 1979, O'Bannon was part of the Spruance-class, known for their advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities and versatility.
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Cold War Service: O'Bannon served extensively during the Cold War, conducting surveillance and participating in NATO exercises to counter Soviet naval threats.
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Lebanon Crisis: In 1983, O'Bannon was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in response to the Lebanese Civil War, providing naval gunfire support and escort duties.
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Operation Earnest Will: The destroyer escorted reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War, protecting them from Iranian attacks.
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Counter-Narcotics Operations: During the 1990s, O'Bannon participated in counter-drug patrols in the Caribbean, contributing to international anti-narcotics efforts.
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Humanitarian Missions: O'Bannon provided disaster relief and humanitarian aid in the Caribbean and Latin America, exemplifying the Navy's role in peacetime assistance.
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Decommissioning: After over 24 years of service, O'Bannon was decommissioned in August 2005 and later sunk as a target during a naval exercise in 2008.
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Battle Efficiency Awards: The destroyer earned multiple Battle "E" awards for excellence in combat readiness and operational effectiveness.
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Legacy of the Name: O'Bannon (DD-987) was the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name, carrying forward a distinguished tradition of valor and service dating back to the early 19th century.
