USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884)

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884)

USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, named in honor of Marine Second Lieutenant Floyd B. Parks, a Medal of Honor recipient. The ship saw extensive service in the Pacific, participating in operations during the final stages of World War II and later in the Korean War, where she provided naval gunfire support and served on patrol duties. During the Vietnam War, Floyd B. Parks conducted multiple deployments, offering gunfire support, plane guard services for carriers, and participating in search and rescue operations. After decades of service, the destroyer was decommissioned in 1973 and eventually sold for scrap, leaving a legacy of steadfast service across three major conflicts.

Unit Members

James Sitton

U.S. Navy (1967 - 1969)

USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884)View Profile

Bob Malito

U.S. Navy

USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884)View Profile

Photos

Present Me & My Great Wife of 31 years Max & GiGi

U.S. Navy

Thats Me Making a Face for OUR PLATOON PIC

U.S. Navy • 1975

U.S. Navy

Buddies

U.S. Navy • 1955

About USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884) was named in honor of Marine Major Floyd Bruce Parks, who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism in the Battle of Midway during World War II. • Gearing-class Destroyer: The ship was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and advanced classes of destroyers built for the US Navy during World War II. • Commissioning: USS Floyd B. Parks was commissioned on 31 July 1945, just days before the end of World War II. • Korean War Service: She saw extensive combat service during the Korean War, performing shore bombardments, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in the famous Inchon landings. • Vietnam War: The destroyer also took part in the Vietnam War, providing gunfire support for ground troops and conducting search and rescue missions for downed pilots in the Gulf of Tonkin. • FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, Floyd B. Parks underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul, which extended her service life and upgraded her anti-submarine warfare capabilities. • Collision Incident: In 1960, the Floyd B. Parks collided with the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CV-38) during night operations, suffering significant bow damage but managing to return to port for repairs. • Operation Sea Dragon: During the Vietnam War, she participated in Operation Sea Dragon, attacking North Vietnamese logistics vessels and coastal installations. • “Parks’ Pirates” Nickname: The crew of the ship affectionately called themselves "Parks' Pirates," a nod to their namesake and their adventurous spirit. • Decommissioning and Fate: After more than 25 years of service, USS Floyd B. Parks was decommissioned on 2 July 1973 and later sold for scrap in 1974, closing the chapter on a distinguished naval career.