About this Unit
USS Richard E. Kraus (DD-849) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in May 1946. Named in honor of Marine Private First Class Richard E. Kraus, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, participating in Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments and NATO exercises. Modernized under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program in the 1960s, she supported anti-submarine warfare operations and provided naval gunfire support during the Vietnam War. Decommissioned in 1976, the USS Richard E. Kraus was later transferred to the Hellenic Navy, where she served as Nearchos (D65) until 1994.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Honoring a Hero: USS Richard E. Kraus (DD-849) was named after Private First Class Richard Edward Kraus, USMC, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Peleliu in World War II.
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Gearing-class Destroyer: The ship was a Gearing-class destroyer, a class known for its improved endurance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, built to serve in the final stages of World War II and the Cold War era.
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Commissioned in 1946: USS Richard E. Kraus was commissioned on 23 May 1946, too late to participate in World War II but became active during the early Cold War period.
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Korean War Service: The destroyer operated in the Korean War, performing escort, patrol, and shore bombardment duties as part of United Nations naval forces.
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Experimental Ship: In the 1950s, she was outfitted with experimental anti-submarine warfare equipment and served as a testbed for new naval technologies, including the DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) system.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: USS Richard E. Kraus participated in the naval blockade ("quarantine") of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, helping to enforce U.S. policy during this tense period.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The ship served in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties for aircraft carriers, and search and rescue operations in the Gulf of Tonkin.
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FRAM I Modernization: She underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM I) overhaul in the early 1960s, receiving upgraded radar, sonar, and anti-submarine capabilities to extend her service life.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: USS Richard E. Kraus was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy on 1 July 1976 and was transferred to the Hellenic Navy (Greece), where she served as Nearchos (D-219).
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Final Fate: The ship was stricken from the Greek naval register in 1994 and was later scrapped, ending nearly five decades of distinguished service under two flags.
