USS Perkins (DD-877)

• Second Ship Named USS Perkins: USS Perkins (DD-877) was the second US Navy ship named after Commodore George Hamilton Perkins, a distinguished Civil War naval officer. • Gearing-Class Destroyer: Commissioned in 1945, Perkins was a Gearing-class destroyer, a class known for its durability and service through World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. • Post-WWII Service: Although launched at the end of World War II, USS Perkins missed wartime combat but played a vital role in post-war operations and Cold War patrols. • Radar Picket Ship Conversion: In 1952, she was converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR-877), equipped with advanced radar for early warning against air attacks during the early Cold War. • Korean War Service: USS Perkins served multiple tours during the Korean War, providing gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and performing blockade duties. • Vietnam War Operations: Perkins participated extensively in the Vietnam War, conducting naval gunfire support missions, search and rescue operations, and carrier escort duties. • FRAM Modernization: The ship underwent FRAM (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) I conversion in the early 1960s, receiving new anti-submarine weapons and improved electronics. • Humanitarian Missions: In 1969, Perkins aided in rescuing Vietnamese refugees at sea, demonstrating the Navy’s humanitarian as well as combat roles. • Australian Service: Stricken from the US Navy in 1973, she was transferred to the Argentine Navy as ARA Comodoro Py (D-27), where she served until 1987. • Battle Stars: USS Perkins earned two battle stars for Korean War service and five for her Vietnam War deployments, marking her as a highly decorated vessel of her era.