About this Unit
USS Robert L. Wilson (DD-847) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Named after Marine Private First Class Robert L. Wilson, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served extensively during the Cold War era. Throughout her career, she participated in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, including NATO exercises and crisis response missions. The destroyer also provided support during the Cuban Missile Crisis and later served as a training ship before being decommissioned in 1974.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Robert L. Wilson (DD-847) was named in honor of Marine Private First Class Robert Lee Wilson, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Tinian in World War II.
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Ship Class: The vessel was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous destroyer classes built for the US Navy, designed for greater range and improved anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
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Commissioning: USS Robert L. Wilson was launched on January 5, 1946, at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, and commissioned on March 28, 1946.
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Korean War Service: Although commissioned after World War II, the destroyer served during the Korean War, providing escort and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers operating off the Korean Peninsula.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: In October 1962, USS Robert L. Wilson participated in the naval quarantine of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping enforce the US blockade against Soviet ships.
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Cold War Operations: The ship took part in numerous NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments throughout the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting the US Navy’s global commitments during the Cold War.
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FRAM Overhaul: In the early 1960s, the destroyer underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, which upgraded her anti-submarine warfare systems and extended her service life.
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Vietnam War: USS Robert L. Wilson saw action in the Vietnam War, performing escort, search and rescue, and naval gunfire support missions.
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Decommissioning: After more than three decades of service, she was decommissioned on September 30, 1974, and struck from the Naval Vessel Register the same day.
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Final Fate: The destroyer was sold for scrap in 1975, marking the end of her naval career, but her legacy endures in the stories of her crew and the history she helped shape.
