USS Ringgold

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Ringgold

USS **Ringgold** refers to two U.S. Navy destroyers named in honor of Rear Admiral Cadwalader Ringgold. The first, **USS Ringgold (DD-89)**, was a Wickes-class destroyer commissioned in 1918, serving in World War I before being decommissioned in 1922. The second, **USS Ringgold (DD-500)**, was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned in 1942 and saw extensive combat in World War II, including action in the Pacific Theater such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf. After the war, DD-500 was transferred to the German and later the Greek navy, serving under other names before being scrapped. Both ships were recognized for their service and contributions to U.S. naval operations.

Unit Members

Carmen Ganni

U.S. Navy

USS RinggoldView Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About USS Ringgold

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: USS Ringgold (DD-500) was named in honor of Rear Admiral Cadwalader Ringgold, a distinguished 19th-century US Navy officer and explorer. • Class: She was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most successful and numerous destroyer classes of World War II. • Commissioning: USS Ringgold was commissioned on 30 December 1942, at the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey. • Battle Participation: Played a significant role in the Gilbert Islands campaign, providing fire support at the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943. • D-Day Operations: She was the first US warship to enter the Lagoon at Tarawa and helped guide landing craft to the beaches under heavy fire. • Pacific Battles: Participated in major World War II Pacific operations, including the Marianas, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa campaigns. • Kamikaze Attack: During the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Ringgold was damaged by a kamikaze attack but managed to remain operational. • Postwar Service: Decommissioned in 1947, she was later transferred to the German Navy in 1959, serving as Zerstörer 2 (D171). • Return and Fate: After her service in Germany, she was returned to the US Navy in 1981 and scrapped in 1981. • Battle Stars: USS Ringgold earned 12 battle stars for her service during World War II, marking her as one of the more decorated destroyers of her time.