USS Southerland (DD-743)

• Namesake Honor: USS Southerland (DD-743) was named after Rear Admiral William Henry Hudson Southerland, a distinguished US Navy officer known for his service during the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War. • Commissioning Date: The ship was commissioned on December 22, 1944, during the height of World War II. • Class and Type: USS Southerland was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, featuring improved anti-aircraft armament and greater stability compared to earlier destroyer classes. • World War II Service: She participated in the Okinawa campaign, providing anti-aircraft and shore bombardment support, and survived multiple kamikaze attacks. • Korean War Veteran: USS Southerland was recommissioned for the Korean War, serving in shore bombardment, blockade, and patrol duties along the Korean Peninsula. • Vietnam War Operations: The ship saw extensive service in the Vietnam War, including naval gunfire support, search and rescue missions, and carrier escort duties. • Notable Upgrade: In 1964, Southerland underwent a FRAM (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) overhaul, which modernized her weapons and sensor systems, extending her operational life. • Historic Rescue: In 1966, the Southerland rescued 14 crew members from the freighter SS Silver Peak after it caught fire off the coast of Vietnam. • Decommissioning: After nearly three decades of service, USS Southerland was decommissioned on February 26, 1981. • Final Fate: The ship was sunk as a target during naval exercises in August 1997, ending her long and varied career in service to the US Navy.