About this Unit
USS Sampson (DDG-10) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1961. Named after Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, she served extensively during the Cold War, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments as part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Sampson played a significant role during the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine operations in 1962 and later provided naval gunfire support during the Vietnam War. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1991 and eventually scrapped, having earned several commendations for her operational excellence.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Legacy: USS Sampson (DDG-10) was named after Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, a prominent U.S. Navy officer who played a key role during the Spanish-American War, particularly at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba.
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Forrest Sherman-class Destroyer: Commissioned on 24 June 1961, USS Sampson was the tenth and final ship of the Forrest Sherman-class destroyers, known for introducing advanced anti-submarine and anti-aircraft capabilities in the Cold War era.
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First Major Refit: In 1967, the ship underwent a major overhaul to receive the advanced Tartar missile system, enhancing its air defense capabilities and making it one of the most modern destroyers of its time.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: USS Sampson played a key role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, being part of the naval blockade (quarantine) that confronted Soviet vessels headed to Cuba.
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Vietnam War Service: The destroyer provided gunfire support and carrier escort duties during the Vietnam War, demonstrating its versatility in both anti-air and surface combat roles.
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Space Program Support: USS Sampson participated in recovery missions for the Gemini and Apollo space programs, helping retrieve astronauts and capsules after splashdown.
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NATO Operations: The ship was an active participant in numerous NATO exercises in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and North Sea, strengthening alliances and demonstrating U.S. naval power.
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Humanitarian Missions: In 1972, Sampson assisted in rescue operations following the collision of the USS Warrington (DD-843) with a merchant vessel, saving several sailors' lives.
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Decommissioning: USS Sampson was decommissioned on 24 June 1974 after 13 years of distinguished service, marking the end of the Forrest Sherman-class destroyers’ era in the active fleet.
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Final Fate: After decommissioning, the ship was used as a target and sunk during a live-fire exercise in 1988, serving one last time to train new generations of sailors.
