USS William M. Wood (DD-715)

• Namesake: USS William M. Wood (DD-715) was named after Rear Admiral William Maxwell Wood, the first Surgeon General of the U.S. Navy. • Class and Type: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, a class known for its improved anti-aircraft capabilities during World War II. • Launch and Commission: The ship was launched on October 29, 1945, at Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey, and commissioned on November 24, 1945. • Post-WWII Service: Although commissioned too late for World War II combat, William M. Wood served extensively during the Cold War, including multiple Mediterranean deployments with the 6th Fleet. • Korean War: The destroyer served in the Korean War, providing gunfire support and screening for aircraft carriers, as well as participating in the blockade of North Korea. • Midshipmen Cruises: In the 1950s, William M. Wood was used for midshipmen training cruises, helping to train the next generation of U.S. Navy officers. • FRAM Overhaul: She underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul from 1964–1965, receiving upgrades including new sonar, radar, and anti-submarine warfare equipment. • Cuban Missile Crisis: The ship participated in the naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, helping to enforce the quarantine of Cuba. • Vietnam War: William M. Wood served off the coast of Vietnam, performing search and rescue, plane guard, and naval gunfire support missions. • Final Fate: After decades of service, she was decommissioned on December 1, 1976, and subsequently sold for scrap in 1983, ending her long career.