About this Unit
USS *Richard B. Anderson* (DD-786) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in October 1945. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Private First Class Richard B. Anderson, the ship served in the Pacific during the final months of World War II and later participated in the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening carrier operations. During the Vietnam War, *Richard B. Anderson* conducted shore bombardment and search and rescue missions. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1975 and transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she served as ROCS *Kai Yang* (DD-924) until 1999.
Historical Facts
•
Namesake Heroism: USS Richard B. Anderson (DD-786) was named after Private First Class Richard Beatty Anderson, USMC, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life to save fellow Marines on Kwajalein Atoll in 1944.
•
Gearing-class Destroyer: The ship was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and successful American destroyer classes of World War II and the Cold War era.
•
Commissioned Shortly After WWII: Anderson was commissioned on 26 October 1945, too late for World War II combat, but she quickly became active in postwar Navy operations.
•
Korean War Service: The destroyer served extensively during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening carriers, and conducting patrols against North Korean and Chinese forces.
•
Operation "Wigwam": In 1955, USS Richard B. Anderson participated in Operation Wigwam, a deep-water atomic bomb test off the coast of California, helping to test the effects of nuclear explosions on naval vessels.
•
Vietnam War Duties: Anderson was active in the Vietnam War, conducting search and rescue operations, gunfire support, and carrier escort missions throughout the conflict.
•
FRAM Modernization: The destroyer underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul in the early 1960s, receiving updated anti-submarine warfare capabilities and electronics.
•
Notable Rescue: In June 1966, Anderson rescued 16 crewmen from the burning Vietnamese ship Le Van Duyet off the coast of Vietnam, highlighting the ship’s humanitarian role.
•
Service with the Republic of China Navy: After decommissioning from the US Navy in 1975, Anderson was transferred to Taiwan where she served as ROCS Kai Yang (DD-924) until 1999.
•
Hollywood Appearance: USS Richard B. Anderson appeared in the 1954 movie The Caine Mutiny as the fictional USS Caine, bringing her to the big screen.
