USS Ozbourn (DD-846)

• Namesake Hero: USS Ozbourn (DD-846) was named in honor of Marine Private Joseph W. Ozbourn, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Tinian in World War II. • Gearing-class Destroyer: The ship belonged to the prolific Gearing-class, one of the largest classes of destroyers built for the US Navy, designed for improved endurance and anti-submarine warfare. • Commissioned Post-WWII: Ozbourn was commissioned on March 5, 1946, just after the end of World War II, and thus saw much of her service during the Cold War era. • Korean War Heroics: The destroyer participated extensively in the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening carriers, and rescuing downed pilots under enemy fire. • Famous Rescue: On February 17, 1951, Ozbourn rescued a downed US pilot near Wonsan, North Korea, by sending a small boat under heavy fire—earning the crew a Navy Unit Commendation. • Vietnam War Service: Ozbourn was heavily involved in the Vietnam War, conducting gunfire support missions, search and rescue, and carrier screening operations throughout the conflict. • FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, Ozbourn underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, receiving advanced anti-submarine warfare equipment and helicopter facilities. • Onboard Accident: In 1968, during Vietnam operations, Ozbourn suffered a tragic 5-inch gun mount explosion, resulting in fatalities and injuries, but the crew’s rapid response saved the ship. • Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, Ozbourn took part in the naval quarantine of Cuba, helping to enforce the blockade during the tense standoff with the Soviet Union. • Decommissioning and Fate: After nearly 30 years of service, USS Ozbourn was decommissioned on February 1, 1975, and later sunk as a target during naval exercises on May 1, 1981.