USS O'Bannon (DD-987)

• 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). • Spruance-Class Destroyer: Commissioned in 1979, O'Bannon was part of the Spruance-class, known for their advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities and versatility. • Cold War Service: O'Bannon served extensively during the Cold War, conducting surveillance and participating in NATO exercises to counter Soviet naval threats. • 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. • Operation Earnest Will: The destroyer escorted reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War, protecting them from Iranian attacks. • Counter-Narcotics Operations: During the 1990s, O'Bannon participated in counter-drug patrols in the Caribbean, contributing to international anti-narcotics efforts. • Humanitarian Missions: O'Bannon provided disaster relief and humanitarian aid in the Caribbean and Latin America, exemplifying the Navy's role in peacetime assistance. • 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. • Battle Efficiency Awards: The destroyer earned multiple Battle "E" awards for excellence in combat readiness and operational effectiveness. • 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.