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History of Navy USS Sterett (DLG-31)

USS **Sterett (DLG-31)** was a guided missile destroyer leader commissioned by the United States Navy on April 8, 1967. She served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties for carriers, and anti-air warfare defense. Throughout her service, Sterett earned multiple awards, including combat action ribbons and several campaign stars for her Vietnam operations. After nearly two decades of service, USS Sterett was decommissioned on March 24, 1994, marking the end of a distinguished naval career.

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ABOUT Navy USS Sterett (DLG-31)

  • Namesake Legacy: USS Sterett (DLG-31) was named after Andrew Sterett, a notable U.S. Navy officer who served with distinction during the Quasi-War with France and the Barbary Wars in the early 1800s.
  • Guided Missile Frigate: Originally classified as a guided missile frigate (DLG), USS Sterett was later reclassified as a guided missile cruiser (CG-31) in 1975, reflecting changes in Navy hull classification.
  • Vietnam War Service: Sterett saw extensive combat service during the Vietnam War, including participating in Operation Linebacker and providing naval gunfire support and missile defense.
  • First Combat Use of Sea Sparrow: In 1972, USS Sterett was credited with the first combat use of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile, successfully downing a North Vietnamese MiG aircraft.
  • Rescue Operations: The ship was involved in rescuing downed aviators and providing support for search and rescue missions in hostile waters during the Vietnam conflict.
  • Flagship Duties: USS Sterett frequently served as a flagship for various task groups in the Pacific Fleet, underscoring its importance within the carrier battle group structure.
  • Technological Advances: The ship was among the first to be equipped with the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS), a precursor to modern computerized combat information centers.
  • Humanitarian Missions: During its service, Sterett participated in evacuation and humanitarian operations, including the evacuation of refugees during the fall of Saigon in 1975.
  • Decommissioning: After more than two decades of service, USS Sterett was decommissioned on March 24, 1994, and later scrapped, but its legacy continues in the current Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Sterett (DDG-104).
  • Battle Stars and Awards: For her service in the Vietnam War, USS Sterett earned numerous commendations, including battle stars, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

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