About this Unit
USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named after Rear Admiral Theodore E. Chandler, the ship served extensively in the post-World War II era, including significant deployments during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In Korea, she provided gunfire support and escorted carrier task forces, earning five battle stars for her service. During the Vietnam War, Theodore E. Chandler carried out naval gunfire missions and patrol duties before being decommissioned in 1975 and transferred to the Republic of China Navy.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Heroism: USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717) was named after Rear Admiral Theodore E. Chandler, a distinguished US Navy officer who was killed in action during World War II after his ship was attacked by kamikaze aircraft in the Lingayen Gulf in January 1945.
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Gearing-Class Destroyer: The ship belonged to the Gearing-class, one of the most prolific and advanced destroyer classes built by the US Navy during and after World War II, designed for increased fuel capacity and operational range.
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Launched in 1945: USS Theodore E. Chandler was launched on May 20, 1945, at the Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company in Kearny, New Jersey, just as World War II was ending.
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Post-WWII Service: Although too late for WWII combat, the destroyer served extensively during the early years of the Cold War, participating in multiple major naval operations and deployments.
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Korean War Action: The ship saw active combat during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support for United Nations forces and performing patrol and escort duties along the Korean coast.
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Vietnam War Deployments: USS Theodore E. Chandler played a significant role in the Vietnam War, participating in "Operation Sea Dragon" and "Operation Market Time," engaging in shore bombardment and interdiction of North Vietnamese logistics.
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Heroic Rescue: In 1967, the Chandler assisted in the rescue of the crew of the USS Forrestal after a devastating fire broke out on the aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Tonkin, showcasing the destroyer's versatility and readiness.
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FRAM Overhaul: The ship underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul in the early 1960s, receiving updated anti-submarine warfare capabilities, including the addition of ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) and DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) systems.
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Decommissioned in 1975: After three decades of service, the USS Theodore E. Chandler was decommissioned on February 1, 1975, marking the end of an era for a ship that served in three major conflicts.
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International Service: After decommissioning, the destroyer was transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy in 1976, where she served as ROCS Lung Jiang (DD-870) until her final decommissioning in 1999.
