About this Unit
COMNAVSURFGROUP4 (Commander, Naval Surface Group Four) oversaw various surface combatant units in the United States Navy during the Cold War era. USS Edson (DD-946), a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, was commissioned in 1959 and served extensively with the Atlantic Fleet. Throughout her distinguished career, Edson conducted anti-submarine warfare operations, participated in Vietnam War combat missions providing naval gunfire support, and engaged in numerous NATO exercises. The ship was highly regarded for her performance and earned several commendations before being decommissioned in 1988.
Historical Facts
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COMNAVSURFGROUP4 (Commander Naval Surface Group Four): This was a U.S. Navy command responsible for the operational readiness and administration of surface combatants on the East Coast, including destroyers like USS Edson (DD-946).
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USS Edson (DD-946) Namesake: The ship was named after Major General Merritt "Red Mike" Edson, a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic leadership during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
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Forrest Sherman-class Destroyer: USS Edson was one of 18 Forrest Sherman-class destroyers, the first class of U.S. destroyers built after World War II, featuring all-gun armament before the missile age.
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Vietnam War Service: USS Edson served multiple tours off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support for ground forces and participating in "Operation Sea Dragon" against North Vietnamese logistics.
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Haunted Reputation: During her service and after decommissioning, Edson developed a reputation for being haunted, with numerous reports of unexplained phenomena by crew and museum staff.
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Flagship Status: At various times, Edson served as flagship for Destroyer Squadron 12 and Destroyer Squadron 28, reflecting her importance within the Atlantic Fleet.
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Combat Action Ribbon: Edson earned several awards, including the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and multiple campaign medals for her Vietnam service.
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Rescue Operations: Edson was involved in several notable rescues at sea, including assisting distressed vessels and saving Vietnamese refugees during the fall of Saigon in 1975.
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Cold War Patrols: The ship participated in numerous Cold War operations, including NATO exercises and shadowing Soviet naval vessels in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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Preserved as a Museum Ship: After her decommissioning in 1988, USS Edson became a museum ship, first at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York, and later at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum in Bay City, Michigan.
