About this Unit
USS Sarsfield (DD-837) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Named after Eugene Sarsfield, a World War II naval officer killed in action, the destroyer served primarily during the Cold War, participating in various Atlantic and Mediterranean operations, including NATO exercises and patrols. Sarsfield played a vital role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 by enforcing the naval quarantine of Cuba. The ship continued to serve until 1977, after which it was transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where it was renamed ROCS Te Yang (DD-925).
Historical Facts
• Namesake Honors: USS Sarsfield (DD-837) was named after Lt. Commander Eugene S. Sarsfield, who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism at Tulagi during World War II.
• Commissioning Date: The ship was commissioned on July 31, 1945, just weeks before the official end of World War II.
• Gearing-Class Destroyer: Sarsfield was a Gearing-class destroyer, a class renowned for its versatility and service longevity throughout the Cold War era.
• Operation Crossroads: In 1946, Sarsfield participated in Operation Crossroads, the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, serving as a support vessel.
• Korean War Service: She saw extensive service during the Korean War, providing gunfire support and serving on anti-submarine patrols.
• FRAM I Modernization: In the early 1960s, Sarsfield underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM I) upgrade, receiving advanced anti-submarine warfare equipment including ASROC and DASH drone helicopters.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Sarsfield was part of the naval quarantine enforcing the blockade around Cuba.
• Vietnam War Deployments: The destroyer made several deployments to Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support, search and rescue, and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers.
• Space Program Support: Sarsfield served as a recovery ship for several NASA missions, including Gemini and Apollo, stationed in the Atlantic to recover astronauts and capsules if needed.
• Foreign Service and Fate: After decommissioning from U.S. service in 1977, Sarsfield was transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she served as ARM Comodoro Manuel Azueta (D-111) until 2001.
