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History of USS MACDONOUGH (DLG-8)

USS MACDONOUGH (DLG-8), a Farragut-class guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the United States Navy in 1959. Named after Commodore Thomas Macdonough, the ship served as a key component of the Atlantic Fleet during the Cold War, conducting numerous deployments in the Mediterranean and participating in NATO exercises. She played an active role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, enforcing the naval quarantine of Cuba. After nearly three decades of service, MACDONOUGH was decommissioned in 1992 and later scrapped, marking the end of her distinguished naval career.

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ABOUT USS MACDONOUGH (DLG-8)

  • Namesake: USS Macdonough (DLG-8) was named after Commodore Thomas Macdonough, a distinguished U.S. Navy officer known for his victory at the Battle of Lake Champlain during the War of 1812.
  • Class and Type: She was a Farragut-class guided missile frigate (later redesignated as a guided missile destroyer, DDG-39).
  • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on November 4, 1961, at the Boston Naval Shipyard.
  • Cuban Missile Crisis: Macdonough was deployed to the Caribbean during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, serving as part of the naval quarantine of Cuba.
  • Vietnam War Service: The ship saw action in the Vietnam War, providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine support to carrier task forces.
  • Technological Firsts: She was among the first ships equipped with the Terrier guided missile system, which enhanced her air defense capabilities.
  • Redesignation: In 1975, Macdonough was redesignated from DLG-8 (guided missile frigate) to DDG-39 (guided missile destroyer), reflecting changes in Navy ship classification.
  • Notable Mission: In 1965, Macdonough led a search and rescue operation for the missing nuclear submarine USS Thresher (SSN-593).
  • Decommissioning: After over 30 years of service, the ship was decommissioned on October 23, 1992, and was later scrapped.
  • Legacy: The ship earned four battle stars for her Vietnam War service and is remembered for her contributions to Cold War naval operations.

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