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History of USS CHARLES S. SPERRY ( DD 697 )

USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction during World War II, participating in major Pacific campaigns such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf and providing fire support during the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, the Sperry was active during the Korean War, performing shore bombardments and escort duties. She continued to serve throughout the Cold War, including Mediterranean and Atlantic deployments, until her decommissioning in 1973.

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ABOUT USS CHARLES S. SPERRY ( DD 697 )

  • Namesake: USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697) was named after Rear Admiral Charles Stillman Sperry, a prominent U.S. Navy officer who commanded the Great White Fleet during its world voyage (1907–1909).
  • Class and Type: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and versatile classes of World War II.
  • Commissioning: The ship was launched on 13 March 1944 and commissioned on 17 May 1944 at the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey.
  • World War II Service: Charles S. Sperry participated in key Pacific campaigns, including the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, providing anti-aircraft and shore bombardment support.
  • Kamikaze Attack: On 14 April 1945, while off Okinawa, the ship assisted in rescuing survivors from USS Pringle (DD-477), which had been sunk by a kamikaze attack.
  • Post-War Operations: After WWII, she was involved in the occupation of Japan, screening carriers and supporting minesweeping operations in Japanese waters.
  • Korean War Service: Charles S. Sperry served three tours during the Korean War, conducting shore bombardment, screening carriers, and patrolling the Taiwan Strait.
  • FRAM Modernization: In 1959–60, she underwent Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) upgrades, which improved her anti-submarine warfare capabilities and extended her service life.
  • Cuban Missile Crisis: The destroyer participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis naval blockade in 1962, helping enforce the quarantine of Cuba.
  • Decommissioning and Fate: Charles S. Sperry was decommissioned on 15 December 1973 and sold to the Republic of Chile, where she served as Ministro Zenteno (D-16) until 1990.

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