USS Waddell (DDG-24)

• Charles F. Waddell Namesake: USS Waddell (DDG-24) was named after Captain James Iredell Waddell, a Confederate naval officer famed for commanding the CSS Shenandoah during the American Civil War. • Forrest Sherman-class Destroyer: USS Waddell was a Charles F. Adams-class guided-missile destroyer, not Forrest Sherman, and was the 14th ship of its class. • Commissioning Date: The ship was commissioned into the U.S. Navy on August 28, 1964, at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. • Vietnam War Service: Waddell served three deployments off Vietnam (1965–1973), providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties, and anti-aircraft protection for aircraft carriers. • Rescue Operations: In 1970, Waddell rescued the crew of a downed helicopter in the Gulf of Tonkin, earning the crew commendations for bravery. • Operation Linebacker: Waddell participated in Operation Linebacker in 1972, supporting airstrikes and blockades against North Vietnam. • Unique Motto: The ship’s motto was "Tenax Propositi" (Steadfast of Purpose), reflecting her crew’s determination and resolve. • Decommissioning: USS Waddell was decommissioned by the U.S. Navy on October 1, 1992, after nearly 30 years of service. • Service in the Hellenic Navy: After decommissioning, the ship was transferred to Greece and served as HS Nearchos (D219) until 2003. • Final Fate: In 2006, the former USS Waddell was sunk as a target during a NATO naval exercise, ending her long and storied career.