About this Unit
USS Sellers (DDG-11) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1961. Named after Admiral David F. Sellers, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous exercises, NATO operations, and Mediterranean deployments during the Cold War. Sellers provided anti-air and anti-submarine capabilities, supporting carrier battle groups and performing escort duties. After more than two decades of service, USS Sellers was decommissioned in 1989 and later scrapped.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Sellers (DDG-11) was named after Admiral David F. Sellers, who served as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy and Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet, distinguishing himself in both World Wars.
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Class and Type: She was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer, one of the first U.S. Navy destroyers specifically designed to launch guided missiles.
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Commissioning: USS Sellers was commissioned on 28 October 1961, at the Charleston Naval Shipyard in South Carolina.
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First Homeport: Her first homeport was Charleston, South Carolina, where she served as a key ship in the Atlantic Fleet.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: USS Sellers participated in the naval quarantine of Cuba during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, playing a role in one of the tensest moments of the Cold War.
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Vietnam War Service: The destroyer served off Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers during the conflict.
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Missile Armament: She was equipped with the Tartar surface-to-air missile system, advanced for its time, offering significant anti-aircraft capabilities.
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1970s Modernization: In the 1970s, Sellers underwent significant modernization, including upgrades to electronics, sonar, and weapons to enhance her combat effectiveness.
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Exercise Participation: Throughout her career, Sellers took part in numerous NATO and Atlantic Fleet exercises, strengthening alliances and demonstrating U.S. naval power.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Sellers was decommissioned on 31 October 1989 after almost 28 years of service and was later scrapped in 1995, ending her distinguished career.
