USS Robert H. McCard (DD-822)

• 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. • 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. • Launch and Commissioning: The ship was launched on 9 December 1945 by Consolidated Steel Corporation in Orange, Texas, and commissioned on 23 October 1946. • 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. • 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. • Vietnam War Deployment: The destroyer provided naval gunfire support and carrier escort duties during the Vietnam War, supporting U.S. operations in Southeast Asia. • 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. • NATO Operations: She regularly participated in NATO exercises, strengthening alliances and demonstrating U.S. naval presence in European waters. • 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). • 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.