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History of USS PICKING (DD-685)

USS PICKING (DD-685) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in key operations such as the Leyte Gulf landings and the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, PICKING was decommissioned but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. The ship continued to serve through the early years of the Cold War before being decommissioned for the final time in 1969.

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ABOUT USS PICKING (DD-685)

  • Namesake: USS Picking (DD-685) was named after Captain Sherwood Picking, a distinguished officer who served in the United States Navy during World War I and died in 1941.
  • Fletcher-class Destroyer: She was part of the prolific Fletcher-class, which included 175 destroyers and was known for their versatility and effectiveness during World War II.
  • Commissioning: USS Picking was laid down on 24 November 1942, launched on 1 June 1943, and commissioned on 21 September 1943.
  • World War II Service: The destroyer participated in major Pacific campaigns, including the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Marianas, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa.
  • Surviving Kamikaze Attacks: During the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, USS Picking survived several kamikaze attacks and was credited with shooting down enemy aircraft.
  • Radar Picket Duty: She served as a radar picket ship off Okinawa, a dangerous assignment that involved early detection of incoming air attacks.
  • Korean War: Reactivated for the Korean War, USS Picking provided fire support for UN forces and participated in blockades and patrols along the Korean coast.
  • Vietnam War Support: The destroyer also saw service during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin.
  • Decorations: USS Picking earned eight battle stars for World War II service, five for Korean War service, and two for Vietnam service.
  • Decommissioning and Fate: She was finally decommissioned on 6 October 1969 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1974. Eventually, USS Picking was sold for scrap in 1976.

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