Navy USS Sterett (DLG-31)

• Namesake Legacy: USS Sterett (DLG-31) was named after Andrew Sterett, a notable U.S. Navy officer who served with distinction during the Quasi-War with France and the Barbary Wars in the early 1800s. • Guided Missile Frigate: Originally classified as a guided missile frigate (DLG), USS Sterett was later reclassified as a guided missile cruiser (CG-31) in 1975, reflecting changes in Navy hull classification. • Vietnam War Service: Sterett saw extensive combat service during the Vietnam War, including participating in Operation Linebacker and providing naval gunfire support and missile defense. • First Combat Use of Sea Sparrow: In 1972, USS Sterett was credited with the first combat use of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile, successfully downing a North Vietnamese MiG aircraft. • Rescue Operations: The ship was involved in rescuing downed aviators and providing support for search and rescue missions in hostile waters during the Vietnam conflict. • Flagship Duties: USS Sterett frequently served as a flagship for various task groups in the Pacific Fleet, underscoring its importance within the carrier battle group structure. • Technological Advances: The ship was among the first to be equipped with the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS), a precursor to modern computerized combat information centers. • Humanitarian Missions: During its service, Sterett participated in evacuation and humanitarian operations, including the evacuation of refugees during the fall of Saigon in 1975. • Decommissioning: After more than two decades of service, USS Sterett was decommissioned on March 24, 1994, and later scrapped, but its legacy continues in the current Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Sterett (DDG-104). • Battle Stars and Awards: For her service in the Vietnam War, USS Sterett earned numerous commendations, including battle stars, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.