About this Unit
USS O'Brien (DD-975) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on February 3, 1977. Named in honor of Jeremiah O'Brien, a hero of the American Revolutionary War, the ship served extensively in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Throughout her service, O'Brien participated in major operations including Operation Earnest Will during the Iran-Iraq War and provided support during Operation Desert Storm. After over 26 years of service, USS O'Brien was decommissioned on September 18, 2004, and later sunk as a target during a training exercise.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS O'Brien (DD-975) was the fifth ship named after Captain Jeremiah O'Brien, a hero of the American Revolution who captured the first British warship in combat by an American crew in 1775.
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Spruance-class Destroyer: The O'Brien was a Spruance-class destroyer, designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare but also capable of surface and anti-air warfare.
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Commissioning: USS O'Brien was commissioned on 3 December 1977 at Bath, Maine, after being constructed by Bath Iron Works.
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Homeport: During her service, O'Brien was homeported at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and later at Yokosuka, Japan, reflecting her key role in Pacific operations.
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Gulf War Service: USS O'Brien participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing escort and support for U.S. carrier battle groups in the Persian Gulf.
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Tomahawk Strikes: In 1996, O'Brien launched Tomahawk cruise missiles against Iraqi targets during Operation Desert Strike, becoming one of the first destroyers to fire Tomahawks in combat.
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International Incidents: In 2000, USS O'Brien responded to the terrorist attack on USS Cole in Yemen, providing security and support after the bombing.
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Humanitarian Missions: O'Brien was involved in multiple humanitarian operations, including disaster relief after the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines.
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Decommissioning: USS O'Brien was decommissioned on 19 September 2004 after nearly 27 years of service and was later sunk as a target during live-fire exercises in 2006.
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Legacy: Throughout her career, O'Brien earned several awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and is remembered for her versatility and service in both peacetime and combat operations.
