USS Stickell (DD-888)

• Namesake Hero: USS Stickell (DD-888) was named after Lieutenant John H. Stickell, a Navy aviator who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism during World War II after a bombing mission over Wake Island. • Gearing-class Destroyer: The Stickell was a Gearing-class destroyer, among the most numerous and advanced destroyers built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. • Commissioning Date: She was commissioned on 31 May 1945, just months before the end of World War II. • Radar Picket Conversion: Shortly after commissioning, Stickell was converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR-888), enhancing her capabilities to detect and defend against enemy aircraft. • Korean War Service: Stickell served with distinction during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and conducting patrols. • Operation "Inland Seas": In 1959, Stickell participated in "Operation Inland Seas," celebrating the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway and becoming one of the first U.S. Navy ships to enter the Great Lakes. • Vietnam War Deployments: The destroyer saw action off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support, search and rescue, and carrier escort duties during the Vietnam War. • FRAM I Modernization: In 1963, Stickell underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM I) program, receiving updated sonar, anti-submarine weapons, and helicopter facilities to meet Cold War threats. • International Service: After her decommissioning from the U.S. Navy in 1972, Stickell was transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as HS Kanaris (D212) until 1993. • Decorations: Over her decades of service, Stickell earned multiple battle stars and awards for her service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, marking her as a distinguished and versatile warship.