USS Mullinnix (DD-944)

• Namesake: USS Mullinnix (DD-944) was named after Admiral Henry M. Mullinnix, a distinguished U.S. Navy aviator who was killed in action during World War II when the USS Liscome Bay was sunk in November 1943. • Forrest Sherman-class Destroyer: Mullinnix was one of 18 Forrest Sherman-class destroyers, the first new destroyer class built by the U.S. Navy after World War II, featuring improved speed, armament, and seaworthiness. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 7 March 1958 at the Boston Naval Shipyard, with Commander J. H. Griffin as her first commanding officer. • Cuban Missile Crisis: Mullinnix played a key role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, participating in the naval quarantine of Cuba and intercepting Soviet vessels. • Vietnam War Service: The destroyer served during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support for ground forces, plane guard duties for aircraft carriers, and coastal patrols. • Apollo Recovery Missions: Mullinnix participated in the recovery efforts for NASA's Apollo space missions, standing by as part of the recovery forces in the Atlantic. • Operation Sea Orbit Support: In 1964, Mullinnix supported Operation Sea Orbit, the first around-the-world cruise by a nuclear-powered task force (Task Force 1), although she was not nuclear-powered herself. • Collision Incident: In 1966, Mullinnix collided with the oiler USS Waccamaw (AO-109) during underway replenishment in the Mediterranean, but both ships sustained only minor damage and continued their missions. • Decommissioning: After more than 25 years of service, Mullinnix was decommissioned on 11 August 1983 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on the same day. • Final Fate: The ship was sunk as a target on 22 August 1992 during a fleet training exercise off the coast of Florida, ending her long and distinguished career.