About this Unit
USS Oldendorf (DD-972) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on March 4, 1978. Named after Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf, the ship served in various capacities, including anti-submarine warfare, surface action groups, and carrier battle group escort duties. Oldendorf participated in significant operations such as Operation Earnest Will in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War and supported coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. After over two decades of service, the destroyer was decommissioned on June 20, 2003, and was later sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2005.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Oldendorf (DD-972) was named after Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf, a distinguished U.S. Navy officer best known for his pivotal role during the Battle of Surigao Strait in World War II, part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf.
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Spruance-class Destroyer: USS Oldendorf was a Spruance-class destroyer, one of the most advanced and versatile classes of destroyers in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War era.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on March 4, 1978, at Pascagoula, Mississippi, and served the U.S. Navy for over 25 years.
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Homeport: Oldendorf was homeported in both Long Beach, California, and later in Yokosuka, Japan, making her an important asset in the Pacific Fleet.
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Operation Desert Storm: USS Oldendorf participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, serving as part of the coalition naval forces enforcing the blockade against Iraq and providing naval gunfire support.
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Collision Incident: In 1989, Oldendorf made headlines after colliding with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz during a nighttime underway replenishment in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in minor damage and no serious injuries.
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Anti-Submarine Warfare: The ship was equipped with advanced sonar and anti-submarine weaponry, playing a key role in tracking and deterring Soviet submarines during the Cold War.
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Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat operations, Oldendorf participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
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Decommissioning: USS Oldendorf was decommissioned on June 20, 2003, and subsequently sunk as a target during a training exercise, helping provide realistic training for new generations of naval forces.
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Legacy: The ship’s motto was "Stand and Fight," reflecting both her namesake’s valor and the ship’s distinguished service history across the globe.
