About this Unit
USS Rupertus (DD-851) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in March 1946. Named after Marine Corps General William H. Rupertus, the ship served extensively during the Cold War era. Rupertus saw action in the Korean War, providing gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers, and later participated in the Vietnam War, conducting naval gunfire missions and search-and-rescue operations. The destroyer remained active until 1973, after which she was transferred to the Republic of China Navy, where she continued service as ROCS Hua Yang (DD-6).
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Rupertus (DD-851) was named in honor of Major General William H. Rupertus, USMC, who served with distinction during World War II, notably commanding the 1st Marine Division during the Battle of Peleliu.
• Gearing-Class Destroyer: She was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and successful destroyer classes built for the US Navy during and after World War II.
• Commissioning: USS Rupertus was commissioned on 8 March 1946, too late to see combat in World War II, but she would go on to serve in several conflicts over her long career.
• Korean War Service: Rupertus served in the Korean War, providing gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and performing patrol and escort duties in the combat zone.
• Vietnam War Operations: The ship saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, where she conducted "gunline" operations, firing thousands of rounds in support of ground troops and conducting search-and-rescue operations.
• Collision Incident: On 29 January 1954, Rupertus collided with the destroyer USS Erben (DD-631) off the coast of Korea, resulting in significant damage but no loss of life.
• FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, Rupertus underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) upgrade, which extended her service life and enhanced her anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
• International Exercises: She participated in numerous multinational naval exercises, including operations with allied navies in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, demonstrating interoperability during the Cold War.
• Decommissioning and Transfer: Rupertus was decommissioned from US Navy service on 10 July 1973 and was subsequently transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as Kountouriotis (D213).
• Legacy: The ship earned six battle stars for Korean War service and three battle stars for Vietnam War service, reflecting her active and distinguished operational history.
