About this Unit
USS Robert H. McCard (DD-822) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1946 and named in honor of Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert H. McCard, a Medal of Honor recipient. Throughout her service, she participated in Cold War operations, including NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments with the 6th Fleet. The ship supported naval blockade and patrol duties during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and later served in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and escort services. Decommissioned in 1975, the USS Robert H. McCard was subsequently transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she continued her service as TCG Kocatepe (D354).
Historical Facts
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Namesake Heroism: USS Robert H. McCard (DD-822) was named in honor of Gunnery Sergeant Robert H. McCard, a U.S. Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his gallantry during the Battle of Saipan in World War II.
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Gearing-class Destroyer: She was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and successful classes of destroyers built for the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Cold War.
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Launch and Commissioning: The ship was launched on 9 December 1945 by Consolidated Steel Corporation in Orange, Texas, and commissioned on 23 October 1946.
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Cold War Service: Throughout her career, USS Robert H. McCard played a significant role in Cold War naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare exercises and patrols in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: She participated in the naval blockade ("quarantine") of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, a pivotal moment in Cold War history.
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Vietnam War Deployment: The destroyer provided naval gunfire support and carrier escort duties during the Vietnam War, supporting U.S. operations in Southeast Asia.
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FRAM Modernization: USS Robert H. McCard underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul in the early 1960s, receiving new anti-submarine weapons and sensors.
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NATO Operations: She regularly participated in NATO exercises, strengthening alliances and demonstrating U.S. naval presence in European waters.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: The ship was decommissioned by the U.S. Navy on 12 December 1980 and was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Kocatepe (D354).
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Decorations: During her U.S. Navy service, USS Robert H. McCard earned several awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation and multiple campaign medals for her participation in various conflicts.
