USS PICKING (DD-685)

• Namesake: USS Picking (DD-685) was named after Captain Sherwood Picking, a distinguished officer who served in the United States Navy during World War I and died in 1941. • Fletcher-class Destroyer: She was part of the prolific Fletcher-class, which included 175 destroyers and was known for their versatility and effectiveness during World War II. • Commissioning: USS Picking was laid down on 24 November 1942, launched on 1 June 1943, and commissioned on 21 September 1943. • World War II Service: The destroyer participated in major Pacific campaigns, including the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Marianas, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa. • Surviving Kamikaze Attacks: During the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, USS Picking survived several kamikaze attacks and was credited with shooting down enemy aircraft. • Radar Picket Duty: She served as a radar picket ship off Okinawa, a dangerous assignment that involved early detection of incoming air attacks. • Korean War: Reactivated for the Korean War, USS Picking provided fire support for UN forces and participated in blockades and patrols along the Korean coast. • Vietnam War Support: The destroyer also saw service during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. • Decorations: USS Picking earned eight battle stars for World War II service, five for Korean War service, and two for Vietnam service. • Decommissioning and Fate: She was finally decommissioned on 6 October 1969 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1974. Eventually, USS Picking was sold for scrap in 1976.