About this Unit
USS Power (DD-839) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in September 1945, just after the end of World War II. Throughout her service, Power operated extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in NATO exercises and serving with the 6th Fleet during the Cold War. She played roles in crises such as the Lebanon intervention in 1958 and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. After nearly three decades of active service, USS Power was decommissioned in 1977 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she served as ROCS Shen Yang (DD-923).
Historical Facts
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Commissioning and Class: USS Power (DD-839) was a Gearing-class destroyer, commissioned into the United States Navy on 13 September 1945, just after the end of World War II.
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Namesake: The ship was named in honor of First Lieutenant John V. Power, USMC, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Battle of Kwajalein in 1944.
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Cold War Service: Although too late for WWII combat, USS Power played a significant role throughout the Cold War, operating in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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Korean War Era: While not deployed to Korea, Power participated in fleet exercises and patrols designed to counter the Soviet threat during the Korean War period.
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Suez Crisis Deployment: In 1956, USS Power was deployed to the eastern Mediterranean during the Suez Crisis, helping to protect American interests and assist in the evacuation of civilians.
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FRAM Overhaul: In 1960, Power underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul, which significantly upgraded her anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: The ship was part of the US naval quarantine force during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, helping to enforce the blockade against Soviet vessels.
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Vietnam War: Power served off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support and participating in search and rescue operations for downed pilots.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: She was decommissioned from the US Navy on 22 September 1977 and subsequently transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where she served as ROCS Shen Yang (DD-923).
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Legacy and Final Fate: After years of service with Taiwan, the ship was finally retired and scrapped, but her legacy lives on through numerous veterans’ associations and historical records.
