About this Unit
USS Robert L. Wilson (DD-871) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Named in honor of Marine Private First Class Robert L. Wilson, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, the ship served actively during the Cold War era. Throughout her career, she conducted anti-submarine warfare operations, participated in NATO exercises in the Atlantic, and deployed to the Mediterranean with the 6th Fleet. USS Robert L. Wilson was decommissioned in 1974, after nearly three decades of service, and was eventually sunk as a target in 1980.
Historical Facts
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Gearing-class Destroyer: USS Robert L. Wilson (DD-871) was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most prolific and versatile classes of destroyers built for the United States Navy during and after World War II.
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Named After a Hero: The ship was named in honor of Robert Lee Wilson, a U.S. Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Tinian in World War II.
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Commissioned After WWII: Although launched and commissioned in early 1946, the USS Robert L. Wilson missed combat in World War II but served in the immediate postwar years and beyond.
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Korean War Service: The destroyer participated in the Korean War, providing gunfire support, screening carriers, and other vital roles in the conflict.
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Vietnam War Operations: She served in the Vietnam War, conducting naval gunfire support missions, search and rescue operations, and carrier screening.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: USS Robert L. Wilson took part in the naval "quarantine" during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, helping enforce the blockade of Cuba.
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FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, the ship underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, receiving new anti-submarine weapons and radar to extend her service life.
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Rescue Operations: The crew of USS Robert L. Wilson conducted several rescue missions, including saving downed pilots and assisting distressed vessels during her deployments.
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Arctic Operations: The destroyer participated in NATO exercises and Arctic operations, serving as a testament to her versatility and the adaptability of her crew in challenging environments.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Robert L. Wilson was decommissioned in 1974 and eventually sold for scrap in 1994, after nearly three decades of dedicated service to the U.S. Navy.
