About this Unit
USS Stump (DD-978) was a Spruance-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy on 19 August 1978. Named after Admiral Felix Stump, the ship served primarily in the Atlantic and Caribbean, participating in numerous exercises, deployments, and operations, including enforcing sanctions during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. USS Stump was recognized for its excellence in anti-submarine warfare and received multiple awards for its operational readiness and efficiency. After nearly 26 years of distinguished service, the destroyer was decommissioned on 22 October 2004 and later sunk as a target during naval exercises in 2006.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Stump (DD-978) was named after Admiral Felix Stump, a decorated naval aviator and commander who served notably during World War II and later as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command.
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Spruance-Class Destroyer: The ship was a Spruance-class destroyer, a class designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare but with extensive capabilities in anti-air and surface warfare.
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Commissioning: USS Stump was commissioned on 19 August 1978 at Pascagoula, Mississippi, and was constructed by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries.
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Maiden Deployment: The ship's first deployment was to the Middle East in 1980 as part of the U.S. response to the Iranian Hostage Crisis.
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First Tomahawk Launch: In 1986, USS Stump became the first Atlantic Fleet destroyer to fire a Tomahawk cruise missile during operational tests.
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Drug Interdiction Operations: During the late 1980s and 1990s, Stump was heavily engaged in counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, seizing significant quantities of illegal drugs.
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Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm: The ship deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the early 1990s, providing escort and maritime interdiction operations.
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Rescue Missions: USS Stump notably rescued several civilian mariners during her deployments, including dramatic rescues of stranded fishermen in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
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Decommissioning: USS Stump was decommissioned on 22 October 2004 after over 26 years of service, and was sunk as a target during a training exercise in 2006.
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Crest and Motto: The ship’s crest reflected Admiral Stump’s aviation background and Pacific service, while the motto "Courage, Honor, Perseverance" encapsulated both the Admiral’s and the ship’s spirit.
