USS O'Brien (DD-725)

• Namesake: USS O'Brien (DD-725) was named after Jeremiah O'Brien, an American Revolutionary War naval commander who led the capture of the British schooner Margaretta in 1775. • Class and Commission: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, commissioned on 25 February 1944 at Bath, Maine. • D-Day Invasion: O'Brien provided gunfire support during the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944 (D-Day), supporting troops at Omaha Beach. • First Hit: On June 25, 1944, she was hit by enemy shore battery fire off Cherbourg, resulting in 13 killed and 19 wounded, but she continued her mission. • Pacific Theater: After repairs, O'Brien joined the Pacific Fleet, participating in the Battle of Okinawa and providing anti-aircraft and fire support. • Kamikaze Attack: On 27 March 1945, she was struck by a kamikaze aircraft off Kerama Retto, suffering damage and casualties, but managed to stay afloat and fight on. • Korean War Service: O'Brien was recommissioned for the Korean War and served in combat operations, including shore bombardment and escort missions. • Vietnam War Operations: She also served during the Vietnam War, conducting naval gunfire support missions and patrols along the Vietnamese coast. • Longest Serving Sumner: O'Brien was one of the longest-serving Sumner-class destroyers, remaining in active U.S. Navy service until 1972. • Final Fate: After decommissioning, the USS O'Brien was sunk as a target off the coast of California in 1972, serving one last time in naval training.