USS Piedmont (AD-17)

• Commissioned During WWII: USS Piedmont (AD-17) was commissioned on January 5, 1944, serving as a destroyer tender for the United States Navy during World War II. • Namesake: The ship was named after the Piedmont region in the eastern United States, following the Navy tradition of naming tenders after geographical areas. • Vital Repair Role: Piedmont provided essential repair and maintenance services to destroyers and other ships in the Pacific, especially during the critical battles of Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. • Survived Kamikaze Attacks: While anchored at Okinawa in 1945, Piedmont worked under the threat of frequent Japanese kamikaze attacks but avoided direct hits, thanks to effective anti-aircraft defenses. • Medical Assistance: The ship’s medical team treated both American and Allied casualties, and even Japanese prisoners of war, highlighting the humanitarian side of naval logistics. • Korean War Service: Piedmont was active during the Korean War, providing repair support at Sasebo, Japan, and directly supporting United Nations naval operations. • Vietnam War Operations: The ship continued its service into the Vietnam War, servicing ships in the Western Pacific and playing a crucial logistical role for the 7th Fleet. • Longest-Serving Destroyer Tender: At the time of her decommissioning, Piedmont held the distinction of being one of the longest-serving destroyer tenders in U.S. Navy history. • International Service: After decommissioning in 1982, USS Piedmont was transferred to the Turkish Navy where she served as TCG Derya (A-579) until 1994. • Awards and Honors: Piedmont received numerous commendations, including five battle stars for World War II service, two for the Korean War, and four campaign stars for Vietnam, reflecting her long and distinguished career.