About this Unit
USS Turner (DDR-834) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named in honor of Rear Admiral Richmond K. Turner, the ship initially served during the final months of World War II and then participated extensively in Cold War operations, including NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. In 1956, Turner was converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR), enhancing her air defense capabilities. The vessel remained active until her decommissioning in 1969, after which she was struck from the Naval Vessel Register and later scrapped.
Historical Facts
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Fletcher-class Destroyer: USS Turner (DDR-834) was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most famous and numerous classes of destroyers built during World War II, renowned for their versatility and effectiveness.
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Namesake: She was named in honor of Rear Admiral Henry Turner, who tragically died in the line of duty when the previous USS Turner (DD-648) exploded and sank in 1944.
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Commissioning: USS Turner was commissioned on 12 April 1945, just months before the end of World War II.
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Postwar Operations: Although she missed WWII combat, Turner quickly became part of the Atlantic Fleet, participating in peacetime operations, training, and patrols.
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Radar Picket Destroyer Conversion: In 1949, Turner was converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR) to improve early warning and air defense capabilities during the Cold War era.
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Korean War Service: She served with the 6th Fleet and was deployed to the Mediterranean during the Korean War, supporting U.S. interests abroad.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: Turner played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, participating in the naval quarantine to intercept Soviet ships heading to Cuba.
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Vietnam War Deployments: In the late 1960s, USS Turner was deployed to the Western Pacific and participated in operations off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers.
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Decommissioning: She was decommissioned on 26 September 1969 after nearly 25 years of service and was eventually sold for scrap in 1974.
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Legacy: USS Turner (DDR-834) earned several awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, and is remembered for her adaptability, serving in three major U.S. conflicts and evolving roles throughout the mid-20th century.
