USS Compton (DD705)

• Namesake: USS Compton (DD-705) was named after Commodore Andrew H. Compton, a distinguished officer who served in the US Navy during the 19th century. • Class & Launch: Compton was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, launched on 17 October 1944 at the Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Kearny, New Jersey. • World War II Service: She joined the Pacific Fleet during the final months of WWII, providing gunfire support during the Okinawa campaign and performing radar picket duties under constant threat from kamikaze attacks. • Operation Magic Carpet: After the war, Compton participated in Operation Magic Carpet, helping to return American servicemen from the Pacific to the United States. • Korean War Duty: Compton was recommissioned for the Korean War, conducting patrols, shore bombardments, and screening operations with Task Force 77. • Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, the destroyer took part in the naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis, demonstrating US resolve during this tense Cold War confrontation. • Mediterranean Deployments: She completed multiple tours with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, supporting NATO operations and showing the flag in ports across Europe and the Mediterranean. • Rescue Operations: USS Compton participated in several rescue missions, including saving crew members from damaged or sinking vessels during her service. • Decommissioning and Fate: Compton was decommissioned on 2 December 1972 and transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) in 1974, where she served as ROCS Chen Yang (DD-918). • Honors: For her service, USS Compton earned two battle stars for World War II and another two for operations during the Korean War.