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History of USS Parsons (DDG 33)

USS Parsons (DDG 33) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1961. Originally built as a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer (DD-949), she was converted and re-designated as a guided missile destroyer in 1966. Throughout her service, Parsons participated in major operations during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers. The ship continued to serve in the Pacific Fleet until her decommissioning in 1982, after which she was eventually scrapped.

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ABOUT USS Parsons (DDG 33)

  • Namesake Legacy: USS Parsons (DDG-33) was named after Rear Admiral William Sterling Parsons, the ordnance officer on the Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
  • Frigate to Destroyer Conversion: Originally commissioned as a Charles F. Adams-class destroyer leader (DLG-33) in 1961, she was reclassified as a guided missile destroyer (DDG-33) in 1975.
  • Unique Class: Parsons was part of the Charles F. Adams class, renowned for being the U.S. Navy’s first class of guided missile destroyers designed from the keel up.
  • Vietnam War Service: She served multiple tours in Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duty for aircraft carriers, and search and rescue missions.
  • Missile Armament: Parsons was equipped with the RIM-24 Tartar surface-to-air missile system, making her a vital part of fleet air defense during the Cold War.
  • Operation Linebacker: USS Parsons participated in Operation Linebacker in 1972, supporting bombing campaigns and blockade efforts during the Vietnam War.
  • Rescue at Sea: In 1968, Parsons rescued several pilots and aircrew after aircraft were downed in combat operations off Vietnam.
  • Home Port: Her homeport for much of her service was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, a strategic base for U.S. Pacific Fleet operations.
  • Decommissioned and Fate: Parsons was decommissioned in 1982 and later sunk as a target during fleet training exercises in 1989.
  • Awards and Honors: The ship received multiple awards for her service, including the Navy Unit Commendation and several campaign medals for Vietnam operations.

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