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History of USS Holder (DD-819)

USS Holder (DD-819) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy on May 18, 1946. Named in honor of Lieutenant (junior grade) Randolph Mitchell Holder, she served primarily during the Cold War era, participating in various Atlantic and Mediterranean operations to support American and NATO interests. The ship conducted anti-submarine warfare patrols, training exercises, and numerous goodwill visits with allied navies. After nearly three decades of service, USS Holder was decommissioned in 1976 and subsequently transferred to the Ecuadorian Navy, where she continued service as BAE Presidente Eloy Alfaro (D-01).

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ABOUT USS Holder (DD-819)

  • Namesake Heroism: USS Holder (DD-819) was named after Lieutenant (junior grade) Randolph Mitchell Holder, a naval aviator killed in action during the Battle of Midway in 1942. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery.
  • Gearing-class Destroyer: Holder was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most prolific classes built for the U.S. Navy during World War II, designed for versatility and longevity.
  • Commissioning Date: USS Holder was commissioned on 18 May 1946 at Orange, Texas, too late to serve in World War II but active throughout the Cold War era.
  • Namesake Continuity: This was the second ship named USS Holder; the first (DE-401) was heavily damaged by a German torpedo in 1944 and subsequently decommissioned.
  • Cold War Service: Holder participated in numerous NATO exercises, including operations in the Mediterranean with the U.S. 6th Fleet, reflecting America’s commitment to European security during the Cold War.
  • FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, Holder underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM I) overhaul, receiving updated anti-submarine warfare equipment, helicopter deck, and improved electronics.
  • Cuban Missile Crisis: In October 1962, Holder was part of the naval quarantine during the Cuban Missile Crisis, enforcing the blockade and helping to avert nuclear conflict.
  • Vietnam War Operations: Holder served off Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support, search and rescue, and anti-submarine patrols for U.S. forces during the late 1960s.
  • International Training: The ship often served as a training platform for allied navies, including NATO partners, during joint exercises and goodwill visits.
  • Transfer to Ecuador: Decommissioned on 3 October 1976, Holder was transferred to Ecuador, where she served as BAE Moran Valverde (DD-02) and continued her service for many more years.

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