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USS Soley (DD 707)

U.S. Navy•4 members

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About this Unit

USS Soley (DD 707)

U.S. Navy

USS Soley (DD-707) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Named after Lieutenant Commander James R. Soley, she served in the Pacific during the final months of World War II, supporting operations such as the bombardment of Japanese-held islands and escorting aircraft carriers. After the war, USS Soley participated in the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening carriers. The ship continued her service during the Cold War, conducting various operations and training exercises until she was decommissioned in 1970.

About USS Soley (DD 707)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Namesake: USS Soley (DD-707) was named after James R. Soley, a distinguished naval historian and Assistant Secretary of the Navy in the late 19th century.
Class and Type: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, known for their improved combat capabilities and anti-aircraft armament over previous classes.
World War II Service: Commissioned in December 1944, Soley joined the Pacific Fleet in 1945 and participated in operations off Okinawa, including anti-aircraft and screening duties.
Kamikaze Encounters: During Okinawa operations, Soley faced intense kamikaze attacks, surviving near-misses and contributing to the defense against suicide aircraft.
Post-War Occupation: After Japan’s surrender, Soley served with the occupation forces in Japan and Korea, supporting the transition to peace.
Korean War Service: The ship was recommissioned for the Korean War and provided naval gunfire support, screening, and patrol duties along the Korean peninsula.
Cold War Patrols: Soley participated in NATO exercises and Mediterranean cruises with the U.S. Sixth Fleet, projecting American naval power during the Cold War.
Humanitarian Mission: In 1958, during the Lebanon Crisis, Soley helped evacuate Americans and supported U.S. Marine landings in Beirut.
Notable Rescue: In 1960, the crew of Soley rescued survivors from the burning Greek freighter Marina in the Atlantic Ocean, showcasing their peacetime readiness.
Decommissioning: After over 25 years of service, USS Soley was decommissioned in 1970 and later sold for scrap in 1975, closing the chapter on a distinguished naval career.

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USS Soley (DD 707)

U.S. Navy•4 members

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About this Unit

USS Soley (DD 707)

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Ed Dennison

U.S. Navy · 1960 - 1966

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Ernest Berry

U.S. Navy · 1964 - 1966

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Donald Flanders

U.S. Navy · 1965 - 1969

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Dewey Mcduffie

U.S. Navy · 1968 - 1972

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About USS Soley (DD 707)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Namesake: USS Soley (DD-707) was named after James R. Soley, a distinguished naval historian and Assistant Secretary of the Navy in the late 19th century.
Class and Type: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, known for their improved combat capabilities and anti-aircraft armament over previous classes.
World War II Service: Commissioned in December 1944, Soley joined the Pacific Fleet in 1945 and participated in operations off Okinawa, including anti-aircraft and screening duties.
Kamikaze Encounters: During Okinawa operations, Soley faced intense kamikaze attacks, surviving near-misses and contributing to the defense against suicide aircraft.
Post-War Occupation: After Japan’s surrender, Soley served with the occupation forces in Japan and Korea, supporting the transition to peace.
Korean War Service: The ship was recommissioned for the Korean War and provided naval gunfire support, screening, and patrol duties along the Korean peninsula.
Cold War Patrols: Soley participated in NATO exercises and Mediterranean cruises with the U.S. Sixth Fleet, projecting American naval power during the Cold War.
Humanitarian Mission: In 1958, during the Lebanon Crisis, Soley helped evacuate Americans and supported U.S. Marine landings in Beirut.
Notable Rescue: In 1960, the crew of Soley rescued survivors from the burning Greek freighter Marina in the Atlantic Ocean, showcasing their peacetime readiness.
Decommissioning: After over 25 years of service, USS Soley was decommissioned in 1970 and later sold for scrap in 1975, closing the chapter on a distinguished naval career.