About this Unit
USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946, named in honor of Private First Class Leonard F. Mason, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Throughout her service, the ship operated extensively in the Pacific, participating in the Korean War where she provided naval gunfire support and screened aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, USS Leonard F. Mason conducted search and rescue missions, naval gunfire support, and patrolled the Gulf of Tonkin. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as HS Kalypso (D-64).
Historical Facts
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Namesake Heroism: The USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) was named after Private First Class Leonard F. Mason, a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Battle of Guam in World War II.
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Gearing-class Destroyer: The ship was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and successful classes of destroyers built for the U.S. Navy during and after World War II.
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Commissioning: The USS Leonard F. Mason was commissioned on April 4, 1946, at the Boston Naval Shipyard, entering service just after the end of World War II.
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Korean War Service: The destroyer saw action during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support for United Nations forces and participating in patrol and escort duties.
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FRAM Modernization: In 1960, the ship underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul, which updated its weaponry and sensor systems, allowing it to serve effectively into the Cold War era.
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Vietnam War Operations: The USS Leonard F. Mason was actively involved in the Vietnam War, where it performed search and rescue operations, shore bombardments, and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers.
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Pueblo Incident Response: In 1968, the destroyer was part of the U.S. naval force sent to the Sea of Japan following the North Korean capture of the USS Pueblo (AGER-2).
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Rescue at Sea: In 1972, the ship assisted in the rescue of 11 South Vietnamese refugees from a sinking boat in the South China Sea, highlighting its humanitarian role.
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International Service: After decommissioning from the U.S. Navy in 1976, the vessel was transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where it served as Kriezis (D217) until 1991.
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Legacy: The USS Leonard F. Mason earned two battle stars for service during the Korean War and six battle stars for service during the Vietnam War, a testament to its long and distinguished operational history.
