USS Rupertus (DD-851)

• 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.