About this Unit
USS Jonas Ingram (DD-938) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Named in honor of Admiral Jonas H. Ingram, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, participating in fleet exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and NATO operations. In addition to her routine patrols, she took part in the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962 and supported space mission recoveries. After over two decades of active service, USS Jonas Ingram was decommissioned in 1983 and later sunk as a target in 1988.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Jonas Ingram (DD-938) was named after Admiral Jonas H. Ingram, a Medal of Honor recipient and a distinguished World War II naval commander.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 19 July 1957 at the Boston Naval Shipyard, with Commander P. D. Williams as her first commanding officer.
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Forrest Sherman-class: USS Jonas Ingram was part of the Forrest Sherman-class of destroyers, which were the first US Navy destroyers designed and built after World War II.
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Shakedown Cruise: Shortly after commissioning, the destroyer conducted her shakedown cruise in the Caribbean and visited South American ports, strengthening US relations during the Cold War.
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Space Program Support: Jonas Ingram served as a recovery ship for the Project Mercury space missions, including the recovery of astronaut Alan Shepard after his historic 1961 flight.
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Lebanon Crisis 1958: The ship participated in the US intervention in Lebanon by providing naval presence and support to stabilize the region.
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Vietnam War Service: During the Vietnam War, USS Jonas Ingram was deployed to the Western Pacific, providing naval gunfire support and serving on Yankee Station.
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Goodwill Missions: The destroyer conducted goodwill visits and exercises with allied navies in Europe, Africa, and South America, promoting international cooperation.
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Decommissioning: After over two decades of service, the ship was decommissioned on 4 March 1983 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register the same day.
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Final Fate: USS Jonas Ingram was sunk as a target during a fleet training exercise off the Virginia coast in August 1988, ending her service with the US Navy.
