USS Wilkinson (DL-5)

USS Wilkinson (DL-5) was a Mitscher-class destroyer leader commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Designed as a flagship for destroyer squadrons, she was equipped with advanced radar and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities for her era. Throughout her service, Wilkinson participated in numerous fleet exercises, NATO operations, and served actively in the Pacific and Atlantic fleets during the Cold War. Decommissioned in 1969, USS Wilkinson contributed significantly to post-World War II naval innovation before being struck from the Naval Vessel Register and eventually scrapped.