USS Richard S. Edwards (DD 950)

• Namesake Honors: USS Richard S. Edwards (DD-950) was named after Admiral Richard Stanislaus Edwards, a distinguished U.S. Navy officer who served with distinction during both World Wars. • Forrest Sherman-class: The ship is a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, a class known for their versatility and advanced (for the era) anti-aircraft and anti-submarine capabilities. • Commissioning Date: She was commissioned on 5 February 1959 at the Puget Sound Bridge and Dry Dock Company in Seattle, Washington. • Vietnam War Service: USS Richard S. Edwards saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and carrier escort duties in the Gulf of Tonkin. • Operation Sea Dragon: She participated in Operation Sea Dragon (1966–1968), targeting North Vietnamese logistics and supply lines along the coast. • Rescue Operations: In February 1967, the destroyer rescued a downed American pilot in the Gulf of Tonkin, demonstrating the navy's commitment to "no man left behind." • Technological Upgrades: Over her career, the ship received several upgrades, including enhanced electronics and weapons systems to keep pace with Cold War threats. • Hollywood Connection: USS Richard S. Edwards appeared in the 1962 film In Harm’s Way, starring John Wayne, showcasing her deck and silhouette on the big screen. • Decommissioning: The ship was decommissioned on 15 December 1982, after over two decades of service, and was later sold for scrap in 1997. • Legacy: Despite her scrapping, the ship’s legacy lives on through her crew’s associations and reunions, as well as through her impressive battle record and contributions to Cold War naval operations.