About this Unit
USS **Steinaker (DD-863)** was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, named in honor of Private First Class Donald B. Steinaker, a Marine awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for heroism during World War II. Initially serving with the Atlantic Fleet, Steinaker participated in Cold War patrols, NATO exercises, and the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade. The ship underwent a major FRAM (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) overhaul in the 1960s, enhancing her anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Steinaker also served extensively during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support before being decommissioned in 1982 and later transferred to the Mexican Navy.
Historical Facts
• Gearing-class Destroyer: USS Steinaker (DD-863) was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and versatile classes built for the U.S. Navy during and after World War II.
• Named After a War Hero: The ship was named in honor of Private First Class Donald B. Steinaker, a Marine who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942.
• Commissioned in 1945: USS Steinaker was commissioned on 26 May 1945, just as World War II was ending, and she did not see combat in that conflict.
• Korean War Service: The destroyer saw extensive service during the Korean War, participating in patrols, bombardments, and carrier escort duties in the Western Pacific.
• FRAM I Modernization: In the early 1960s, Steinaker underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM I) program, receiving advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) equipment, including ASROC launchers and DASH drone helicopters.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: Steinaker played a role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, participating in the U.S. naval quarantine of Cuba.
• Mediterranean Deployments: The ship frequently deployed with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, participating in NATO exercises and serving as a symbol of U.S. commitment to European security.
• Vietnam War Operations: Steinaker was deployed to Vietnam, supporting carrier operations in the Gulf of Tonkin and conducting naval gunfire support missions along the coast.
• Decommissioned and Transferred: After being decommissioned from U.S. Navy service in 1982, Steinaker was transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she served as ARM Netzahualcóyotl (D-102) for decades.
• Long Service Life: Between U.S. and Mexican service, USS Steinaker had an operational life spanning more than 60 years, an impressive testament to the durability of the Gearing-class design.
