USS WILTSIE DD787 {LONG BEACH, CA}

• Namesake: USS Wiltsie (DD-716) was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Eugene Wiltsie, a naval aviator who was killed during the Battle of Midway in 1942. • Fletcher-Class Destroyer: USS Wiltsie was a Gearing-class destroyer, not a Fletcher-class, but both classes were vital to the US Navy during World War II and the Cold War. • Commissioning: USS Wiltsie was commissioned on August 10, 1946, after the end of World War II, and primarily served during the Cold War era. • Korean War Service: Wiltsie saw extensive action during the Korean War, providing gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in blockades. • Vietnam War Deployments: The destroyer served multiple tours off Vietnam, engaging in search and rescue, naval gunfire support, and coastal patrol duties. • Home Port: For much of her career, USS Wiltsie’s home port was Long Beach, California, making her well known to the local community and a frequent sight in the harbor. • FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, Wiltsie underwent Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) upgrades, receiving advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) equipment. • Loyal Crew: The ship’s crew was known for high morale and strong camaraderie, reflected in the many reunions and associations still held by former sailors. • Decommissioning: USS Wiltsie was decommissioned in 1976 after 30 years of service and was eventually sold for scrap. • Legacy: Memorabilia, artifacts, and stories from the Wiltsie are preserved by naval museums and dedicated veterans’ groups, keeping her legacy alive for future generations.