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History of USS James E. Kyes (DD-787)

USS James E. Kyes (DD-787) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in 1946, named in honor of Commander James E. Kyes, a World War II hero. The ship served with distinction during the Korean War, providing gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in shore bombardments. Throughout the Cold War, she conducted patrols and exercises in the Pacific, including significant deployments during the Vietnam War, where she supported naval operations and coastal bombardments. Decommissioned from U.S. service in 1973, USS James E. Kyes was transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where she continued to serve under the name ROCS Chien Yang (DD-912).

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ABOUT USS James E. Kyes (DD-787)

  • Namesake Heroism: USS James E. Kyes (DD-787) was named after Lieutenant Commander James E. Kyes, a naval officer who heroically gave his life during World War II by ensuring his crew's safety aboard USS Leary before going down with the ship.
  • Gearing-class Destroyer: She was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most prolific and durable classes of destroyers produced for the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Cold War.
  • Commissioned in 1946: USS James E. Kyes was launched on 4 November 1945 and commissioned on 8 May 1946, entering service too late for World War II combat.
  • Korean War Service: The ship served actively during the Korean War, participating in multiple combat operations, including shore bombardments and escort missions.
  • Vietnam War Operations: James E. Kyes also saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, conducting naval gunfire support, search and rescue, and carrier escort duties.
  • FRAM Modernization: The ship underwent Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM I) in the early 1960s, receiving upgrades such as new anti-submarine weapons and sensors to extend her operational life.
  • Arctic Operations: In 1948, James E. Kyes participated in Operation Frostbite, an Arctic exercise designed to test ships and crews in extreme cold-weather conditions.
  • International Goodwill: The destroyer took part in "Show the Flag" missions, visiting ports in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, strengthening U.S. naval presence and diplomacy.
  • Transfer to Taiwan: Decommissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1973, the ship was transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where she served as ROCS Yang Yang (DD-930/919) until 1999.
  • Battle Stars and Honors: USS James E. Kyes earned 4 battle stars for Korean War service and 6 for Vietnam War service, reflecting her active and distinguished combat record.

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