About this Unit
USS Stickell (DD-888) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, named in honor of Lieutenant John H. Stickell, a decorated World War II aviator. After World War II, Stickell served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in Cold War operations and NATO exercises. During the Korean War, she provided gunfire support and performed escort duties, later undergoing a FRAM (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) upgrade in the early 1960s to enhance her anti-submarine capabilities. Stickell continued active service through the Vietnam War before being decommissioned in 1972 and subsequently transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Hero: USS Stickell (DD-888) was named after Lieutenant John H. Stickell, a Navy aviator who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism during World War II after a bombing mission over Wake Island.
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Gearing-class Destroyer: The Stickell was a Gearing-class destroyer, among the most numerous and advanced destroyers built for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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Commissioning Date: She was commissioned on 31 May 1945, just months before the end of World War II.
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Radar Picket Conversion: Shortly after commissioning, Stickell was converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR-888), enhancing her capabilities to detect and defend against enemy aircraft.
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Korean War Service: Stickell served with distinction during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and conducting patrols.
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Operation "Inland Seas": In 1959, Stickell participated in "Operation Inland Seas," celebrating the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway and becoming one of the first U.S. Navy ships to enter the Great Lakes.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The destroyer saw action off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support, search and rescue, and carrier escort duties during the Vietnam War.
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FRAM I Modernization: In 1963, Stickell underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM I) program, receiving updated sonar, anti-submarine weapons, and helicopter facilities to meet Cold War threats.
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International Service: After her decommissioning from the U.S. Navy in 1972, Stickell was transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as HS Kanaris (D212) until 1993.
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Decorations: Over her decades of service, Stickell earned multiple battle stars and awards for her service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, marking her as a distinguished and versatile warship.
