USS Richard S. Edwards (DD 950)

Commissioned as one of the FORREST SHERMAN - class destroyers, the RICHARD S. EDWARDS was the first U.S. Navy ship named in honor of Admiral Richard Stanislaus Edwards, who served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations during World War II. In the 1960s, eight of the FORREST SHERMAN - class destroyers were chosen to receive an anti-submarine warfare capability upgrade which included the replacement of one of the Mk-42 5-inch guns with a Mk-16 ASROC missile launcher as well as the installation of the SQS-35 VDS and SQS-23 systems. The ships that underwent the conversion then formed the BARRY - class. Initially, the USS HULL (DD 945) was scheduled to receive the conversion but the Navy decided to use the RICHARD S. EDWARDS instead.

Decommissioned on December 15, 1982, and stricken from the Navy list on February 7, 1990, the RICHARD S. EDWARDS was finally disposed of as a target on April 12, 1997, at the Pacific Missile Range (022° 38' 54.0" North, 160° 57' 29.0" West).

Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS RICHARD S. EDWARDS. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

Date	Where	Events
October 19, 1974	Pearl Harbor, HI.	USS RICHARD S. EDWARDS experiences one-foot deep flooding in the fire room while in Pearl Harbor, HI. The water is pumped out.
November 24, 1975	off Hawaii	An ASROC motor prematurely ignites seriously burning one man while the RICHARD S. EDWARDS is en route to the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Kauai, HI. A manufacturing defect in one of the rocket motor components is determined to be the accident's cause.
October 7, 1980	off Hawaii	While conducting an approach to the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC JARVIS during a towing exercise, RICHARD S. EDWARDS collides with the cutter. Both vessels sustain minor damage, but no injuries are reported. A subsequent investigation found that the incident had not resulted from negligence.

Date

Where

Events

October 19, 1974

Pearl Harbor, HI.

USS RICHARD S. EDWARDS experiences one-foot deep flooding in the fire room while in Pearl Harbor, HI. The water is pumped out.

November 24, 1975

off Hawaii

An ASROC motor prematurely ignites seriously burning one man while the RICHARD S. EDWARDS is en route to the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Kauai, HI. A manufacturing defect in one of the rocket motor components is determined to be the accident's cause.

October 7, 1980

off Hawaii

While conducting an approach to the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC JARVIS during a towing exercise, RICHARD S. EDWARDS collides with the cutter. Both vessels sustain minor damage, but no injuries are reported. A subsequent investigation found that the incident had not resulted from negligence.

History of USS RICHARD S. EDWARDS:

USS RICHARD S. EDWARDS was laid down at the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company shipyard in Seattle, Washington, on December 20, 1956. She was launched on September 24, 1957, sponsored by Mrs. W. B. Franke, and commissioned on February 5, 1959, with Commander Richard R. Law as her first commanding officer. Following commissioning, RICHARD S. EDWARDS conducted shakedown training that included a voyage to Valparaiso, Chile. She returned to San Diego, California, on May 13, 1959, and subsequently prepared for her first Western Pacific deployment. During the deployment, she operated with fast carrier forces of the U.S. Seventh Fleet and served with the Taiwan Patrol Force, which maintained an American naval presence in waters near Taiwan during a period of continuing tension between the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China.

RICHARD S. EDWARDS returned to the West Coast on May 13, 1960, and resumed maintenance and operational training. In February 1961, she departed for another Western Pacific deployment, conducting operations with fast carrier groups in the South China Sea. Her assignments included carrier screening, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare training, and other exercises with Seventh Fleet units. She returned to San Diego on September 14, 1961.

During 1962, RICHARD S. EDWARDS continued operations and training along the California coast in preparation for her next overseas assignment. On November 13, she departed on her third Western Pacific deployment, again operating with American carrier forces. The deployment included exercises and port visits throughout the Western Pacific, with operations in the Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and waters surrounding Japan. She returned to San Diego in June 1963.

Following her return, RICHARD S. EDWARDS resumed local training and maintenance with the Pacific Fleet. In August 1964, she departed for her fourth Western Pacific deployment, which included operations in the Gulf of Tonkin during the early stages of increasing American military involvement in Vietnam. On September 16, 1964, RICHARD S. EDWARDS and USS MORTON (DD 948) began a DESOTO patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin. The patrol followed the disputed incidents involving American destroyers in the same waters during August. North Vietnamese naval authorities monitored the movements of the two American ships, while the destroyers conducted their assigned surveillance operations.

During the evening of September 18, the two destroyers reported possible contacts approaching at high speed and opened fire at what they believed might be hostile craft. Initial reports suggested an attack by North Vietnamese torpedo boats. Subsequent examination of radar reports, naval communications intelligence, and other evidence, however, failed to establish that any North Vietnamese vessels had attacked the destroyers. No reliable evidence confirmed the presence or destruction of enemy torpedo boats during the incident. The United States subsequently concluded that the reported attack could not be substantiated, and no retaliatory action was ordered. RICHARD S. EDWARDS continued her deployment in the Western Pacific and returned to the United States in January 1965.

Following maintenance and training along the West Coast, RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed San Diego on March 1, 1966, for another Western Pacific deployment. She operated off Vietnam, conducting naval gunfire support missions for American and South Vietnamese forces ashore and serving as an escort and plane-guard destroyer for aircraft carriers operating in the Gulf of Tonkin. During the deployment, RICHARD S. EDWARDS alternated periods on the naval gunfire support line with carrier screening duties and port visits for maintenance and replenishment. Her assignments included firing her 5-inch guns against designated targets ashore in support of ground operations. The destroyer completed the deployment and returned to San Diego on August 26, 1966.

After further training along the West Coast, RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed for another Western Pacific deployment in August 1967. She resumed operations off Vietnam, conducting naval gunfire support, coastal surveillance, and carrier escort duties. Her operations brought her close to the Vietnamese coast, where American destroyers were assigned to provide fire support for ground forces and to engage designated military targets.

The destroyer's combat service during this deployment included actions on September 25 and December 13, 1967, and February 3, 1968, which were subsequently recognized with the Combat Action Ribbon. These engagements formed part of the continuing naval gunfire support operations conducted by Seventh Fleet surface combatants off Vietnam. On November 3, 1967, RICHARD S. EDWARDS arrived at Da Nang, South Vietnam. During the deployment, she also operated in waters near the Vietnamese coast and sent personnel ashore by small boat on November 5 and December 1. The ship continued its naval gunfire support and carrier escort assignments through the opening months of 1968, when the Tet Offensive brought intensified fighting throughout South Vietnam.

RICHARD S. EDWARDS returned to San Diego on March 12, 1968. During the remainder of the year, she conducted maintenance, training, and local operations in preparation for another deployment. Her activities included exercises designed to maintain gunnery, anti-submarine warfare, and shiphandling proficiency.

In late January 1969, RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed San Diego for another Western Pacific deployment. She again operated off Vietnam, performing naval gunfire support and coastal surveillance duties. On February 28 and March 1, the destroyer operated in the Mekong Delta area of Kien Hoa Province, a region containing extensive waterways and coastal approaches used by both civilian and military traffic. During the following months, RICHARD S. EDWARDS continued operations along the Vietnamese coast. Her assignments included naval gunfire support missions, carrier screening, and maritime surveillance in support of American and South Vietnamese operations. The destroyer completed her deployment and returned to San Diego on August 13, 1969.

Following the deployment, RICHARD S. EDWARDS prepared for a major anti-submarine warfare modernization. On February 27, 1970, she was decommissioned at Long Beach, California, and subsequently entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard for an extensive conversion. She was one of eight FORREST SHERMAN-class destroyers selected for the Navy's anti-submarine warfare modernization program. The conversion included removal of the forward Mk 42 5-inch/54-caliber gun and installation of a Mk 16 ASROC anti-submarine rocket launcher. Her two twin 3-inch/50-caliber gun mounts and other obsolete equipment were removed, while the ship received improved anti-submarine warfare sensors and weapons. These included the AN/SQS-23 hull-mounted sonar, the AN/SQS-35 variable depth sonar, and Mk 32 triple torpedo tubes. The modernization substantially altered the destroyer's original weapons arrangement.

During December 1970, RICHARD S. EDWARDS conducted sea trials following completion of the shipyard work. She was recommissioned at Long Beach on January 15, 1971, and subsequently prepared to transfer to a new homeport at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On March 4, she departed California for Hawaii, where she resumed operational training and readiness exercises with the Pacific Fleet.

During the remainder of 1971 and the opening months of 1972, RICHARD S. EDWARDS conducted maintenance, engineering training, gunnery exercises, and anti-submarine warfare operations in Hawaiian waters. Her crew completed qualifications for the ship's modernized weapons and sonar systems as the destroyer prepared for further overseas service.

On April 10, 1972, RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed Pearl Harbor for the Western Pacific after receiving only 72 hours' notice. The deployment followed the beginning of the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive on March 30, when North Vietnamese forces launched a major conventional offensive against South Vietnam. American naval forces increased their operations in the Gulf of Tonkin, providing naval gunfire support to South Vietnamese ground forces and attacking military targets along the North Vietnamese coast. During the opening weeks of the deployment, RICHARD S. EDWARDS conducted naval gunfire support missions and participated in surface strike operations. Her duties included firing against designated coastal targets, supporting forces ashore, and operating with other American surface combatants assigned to the Seventh Fleet's naval gunfire support forces.

On May 9, 1972, RICHARD S. EDWARDS participated in a major naval bombardment preceding the American mining of Haiphong Harbor under Operation POCKET MONEY. The destroyer was assigned to a surface action group that also included USS BERKELEY (DDG 15), USS MYLES C. FOX (DD 829), and USS BUCHANAN (DDG 14). The American ships approached the Do Son Peninsula near the entrance to Haiphong Harbor and opened fire against North Vietnamese coastal defense and antiaircraft positions. During the engagement, the destroyers maneuvered under fire from enemy shore batteries. RICHARD S. EDWARDS operated with BERKELEY during the attack, while BUCHANAN and MYLES C. FOX operated in another section of the formation.

The bombardment was coordinated with the aerial mining operation conducted by aircraft from USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43). The mining aircraft laid mines in the approaches to Haiphong Harbor, while the surface action group attacked coastal defenses in the area. The operation formed part of the expanded American air and naval campaign against North Vietnam during the Easter Offensive. RICHARD S. EDWARDS continued combat operations off Vietnam during the following months, alternating naval gunfire support missions with carrier escort and plane-guard assignments. Her combat service from April 27 through May 1 and from May 12-15, 1972, was subsequently recognized with the Combat Action Ribbon.

During the summer and autumn of 1972, the destroyer remained assigned to Seventh Fleet operations off Vietnam. Her assignments included further naval gunfire support for ground forces, strikes against designated shore targets, and screening duties with American aircraft carriers operating in the Gulf of Tonkin. She continued these operations until the opening days of November. The ship's service from April 17 through November 5, 1972, was recognized with a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Following completion of her combat deployment, RICHARD S. EDWARDS began the return passage across the Pacific and arrived at Pearl Harbor on November 10, 1972.

During 1973, RICHARD S. EDWARDS resumed maintenance and training operations from Pearl Harbor. The destroyer conducted short underway periods in Hawaiian waters, including gunnery exercises, anti-submarine warfare training, engineering drills, and operational readiness inspections. These activities followed the end of major American combat operations in Vietnam and the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in January 1973.

Throughout 1974, RICHARD S. EDWARDS continued local operations and maintenance at Pearl Harbor. On October 19, while the destroyer was in port, approximately one foot of water accumulated in the fireroom. The flooding was controlled, and the water was pumped out without major damage. The ship subsequently resumed its normal maintenance and training schedule.

During 1975, RICHARD S. EDWARDS continued readiness exercises and preparations for an extended shipyard period. On November 24, while proceeding from Pearl Harbor toward the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, Kauai, for weapons-system training, the destroyer experienced an accident involving an ASROC rocket motor. The motor ignited prematurely, and one sailor suffered serious burns. The ship's crew carried out emergency response procedures and secured the affected equipment.

RICHARD S. EDWARDS subsequently entered a regular overhaul at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. The work continued into 1976 and included maintenance and repairs to her propulsion machinery, hull, auxiliary systems, weapons, and electronic equipment. The overhaul was completed on February 22, 1976. On February 23, RICHARD S. EDWARDS began the first phase of refresher training, intended to restore the crew's operational proficiency following the extended shipyard period. The training included engineering drills, navigation exercises, gunnery, damage control, and other shipboard qualifications.

From April 5 through May 23, 1976, RICHARD S. EDWARDS underwent an additional repair and maintenance period with support from USS BRYCE CANYON (AD 36). The tender provided maintenance assistance while the destroyer continued preparations for further operational training. During the following months, RICHARD S. EDWARDS conducted additional refresher training and underway exercises in Hawaiian waters. The training program continued through the autumn, with the final refresher training phase completed on November 3, 1976. The destroyer subsequently resumed underway operations and prepared for another Western Pacific deployment.

During January 1977, RICHARD S. EDWARDS completed a repair availability and underwent an Inspection and Survey inspection from January 25-28. Following the inspection, the ship entered a pre-deployment maintenance and preparation period. On February 17, she departed Pearl Harbor to participate in Exercise RIMPAC 77. After completing RIMPAC on February 25, RICHARD S. EDWARDS continued westward for a Western Pacific deployment. During the initial passage, she operated in company with CORAL SEA, USS BENJAMIN STODDERT (DDG 22), MORTON, and USS BRADLEY (FF 1041). Carrier Group One was embarked aboard CORAL SEA, while Commander Destroyer Squadron 35 was embarked aboard BENJAMIN STODDERT.

On March 7, 1977, RICHARD S. EDWARDS detached from the formation and proceeded independently to Guam, arriving on March 11. The ship subsequently entered a maintenance period at the naval base before resuming operations with Seventh Fleet units. During the spring, RICHARD S. EDWARDS conducted operations in the Philippine Sea and South China Sea, including exercises with American naval forces stationed in the region. The deployment included port visits and maintenance periods at Subic Bay, Philippines, and operations near Okinawa.

From May 16-19, 1977, RICHARD S. EDWARDS represented the United States Navy at the Black Ship Festival in Shimoda, Japan. The annual event commemorated the arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry's American naval expedition in Japan during the nineteenth century. The destroyer hosted American and Japanese representatives and participated in ceremonies and professional exchanges associated with the festival.

On May 24, 1977, RICHARD S. EDWARDS arrived at Subic Bay for maintenance and replenishment. Following further operations in the Western Pacific, Commander Destroyer Squadron 35 embarked aboard the destroyer on July 9 and remained aboard until July 30.

From July 10-19, RICHARD S. EDWARDS participated in MULTIPLEX 6-77, conducting fleet exercises involving tactical maneuvering, communications, and coordinated operations with other Seventh Fleet units. Following the exercise, the destroyer returned to Subic Bay for a five-day repair availability.

From July 25-28, 1977, RICHARD S. EDWARDS conducted naval gunfire support requalification exercises near Tabones Island in the Philippines. After completing the firing exercises, she returned to Subic Bay for a short port period before departing for Hong Kong on August 2. RICHARD S. EDWARDS visited Hong Kong from August 4-8, 1977, and subsequently proceeded to Okinawa, where she supported Marine Corps activities from August 10-13. On August 14, the destroyer departed Okinawa and joined Task Group 77.5 off Hong Kong the following day. She conducted task group operations until August 18, when the formation entered Subic Bay.

Following a maintenance availability at Subic Bay that lasted until September 5, RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed the Philippines on September 6 for the return passage toward Pearl Harbor. She sailed with BENJAMIN STODDERT and USS SOMERS (DDG 34), with Commander Destroyer Squadron 35 embarked, on a voyage that included Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa. On September 12, 1977, RICHARD S. EDWARDS crossed the equator during the passage southward. She arrived at Albany, Western Australia, on September 18 for a four-day port visit. During the visit, the destroyer was opened to the public, and local residents were given guided tours of the ship.

On September 23, RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed Albany for the passage across the Great Australian Bight. The Mayor of Albany and a member of the Western Australian Parliament were embarked as guests during part of the voyage. The destroyer arrived at Portland, Victoria, on September 25 for a five-day visit, during which she again received visitors aboard. RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed Portland on September 30 and continued the homeward voyage through the South Pacific. Following further port visits and the return passage across the Pacific, the destroyer completed her Western Pacific deployment and resumed operations from Pearl Harbor.

On January 9, 1978, RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed Pearl Harbor for her first underway training period of the year. During the following five days, she conducted naval gunfire support exercises near Kahoolawe, Hawaii. The destroyer returned to Pearl Harbor on January 14 and offloaded ammunition, torpedoes, and ASROC weapons in preparation for a Planned Restricted Availability. The availability continued from January 14 through March 20, 1978. Following completion of the maintenance work, RICHARD S. EDWARDS reloaded her weapons on March 23 and resumed local operations in Hawaiian waters. On April 1, Commander Richard E. Barbour relieved Commander John W. Walker as commanding officer.

During the following months, the destroyer concentrated on engineering training and preparations for an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination. She conducted a series of Independent Ship's Exercises from April through September, involving engineering drills, propulsion plant evaluations, gunnery, and other shipboard training.

On September 26, 1978, RICHARD S. EDWARDS successfully completed her Operational Propulsion Plant Examination. Following final preparations for overseas movement, the destroyer departed Pearl Harbor on October 10 for another Western Pacific deployment. On October 17, 1978, RICHARD S. EDWARDS transferred operational control to the U.S. Seventh Fleet. During the trans-Pacific passage, she operated with USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64), conducting electronic warfare exercises, over-the-horizon targeting training, air-defense operations, and plane-guard duties during carrier flight operations.

RICHARD S. EDWARDS arrived at Yokosuka, Japan, on October 26, 1978, for an approximately two-week maintenance period. She departed again on November 8, but subsequently experienced a serious engineering casualty when salt water contaminated the feedwater systems of both propulsion plants. The casualty prevented the destroyer from continuing her assigned operations under her own power. On November 11, 1978, USS WORDEN (CG 18) took RICHARD S. EDWARDS in tow and returned her to Yokosuka. The destroyer subsequently underwent repairs to restore the operation of her steam propulsion machinery before resuming the deployment.

Following completion of the repairs, RICHARD S. EDWARDS continued operations in the Western Pacific. On December 15, she arrived at Manila, Philippines, for a three-day port visit. She departed Manila on December 18 and proceeded to Subic Bay for a week-long maintenance and replenishment period. On December 26, 1978, RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed the Philippines for Hong Kong, arriving on December 29. The destroyer remained at Hong Kong during the New Year holiday before continuing her deployment. On January 4, 1979, RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed Hong Kong and proceeded to Yokosuka, arriving on January 9. She began an approximately month-long upkeep period before returning to sea on February 6 for MULTIPLEX exercises with units of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Seventh Fleet.

During February 8-9, 1979, RICHARD S. EDWARDS escorted USS MIDWAY (CV 41) during the aircraft carrier's return to Yokosuka. On February 11, the destroyer received orders to conduct surveillance of Soviet naval units moving southward through the East China Sea. On February 14, RICHARD S. EDWARDS established contact with a Soviet naval formation consisting of three surface combatants and an oiler, led by the cruiser ADMIRAL SENYAVIN. The American destroyer maintained surveillance of the formation as it continued operations in the East China Sea. The movements occurred during a period of increasing tension between China and Vietnam, which culminated in the outbreak of fighting between the two countries later that month.

RICHARD S. EDWARDS continued monitoring the Soviet ships until March 1, 1979, when she was relieved of the surveillance assignment by USS LOCKWOOD (FF 1064). She subsequently proceeded to Subic Bay, arriving on March 4 for a short maintenance period. On March 7, 1979, RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed Subic Bay for the return passage to Hawaii. She transferred operational control to the U.S. Third Fleet on March 14 and arrived at Pearl Harbor on March 19, completing the Western Pacific deployment.

Following a two-week post-deployment period, the destroyer began preparations for a scheduled regular overhaul. On April 20, her anti-submarine weapons and gun ammunition were offloaded. From April 21-23, she conducted a dependents' cruise to Kauai before entering Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard for the major maintenance period.

On May 15, 1979, RICHARD S. EDWARDS entered Dry Dock No. 2 at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, beginning a twelve-month regular overhaul. The work included extensive maintenance and repairs to her propulsion machinery, hull, auxiliary equipment, electrical systems, and combat equipment. On September 13, she was moved out of dry dock to Berth Bravo 13, where additional work continued throughout the remainder of the year.

RICHARD S. EDWARDS remained at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard during the opening months of 1980. On January 14, she began a command inspection covering administrative procedures and personnel management, which concluded on January 18. Engineering examinations followed during February and March to evaluate the readiness of her propulsion plants. On February 28, 1980, the forward propulsion plant successfully completed its Light-Off Examination, followed by the after plant on March 12. On April 22, the destroyer conducted a fast cruise while still moored at the shipyard, practicing general quarters, watchstanding, man-overboard procedures, and other shipboard emergencies.

On May 8, 1980, RICHARD S. EDWARDS departed the shipyard for sea trials, returning to port on May 17. The trials included propulsion plant testing and the ship's first full-power run of the year. The regular overhaul was formally completed on May 21, allowing the destroyer to resume operational training.

During June 3-7, 1980, RICHARD S. EDWARDS conducted operations in the Mid-Pacific training areas in preparation for Mobile Training Team evaluations. The first phase of this training took place from June 9-11. On June 14, she departed Pearl Harbor for a dependents' cruise to Lahaina, Maui, carrying approximately 340 family members and guests. Following the dependents' cruise, RICHARD S. EDWARDS resumed training in Hawaiian waters. She completed the second phase of Mobile Training Team evaluations from July 10-12 and subsequently departed Pearl Harbor on July 24 for Hilo, Hawaii, where she represented the United States Navy during the Festival of the Pacific. She returned to Pearl Harbor on July 28.

On August 11, 1980, Commander James E. Traver relieved Commander Barbour as commanding officer. The destroyer continued local operations and maintenance during the following weeks before beginning refresher training on October 6. On October 7, 1980, while conducting an approach to the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC JARVIS during a towing exercise, RICHARD S. EDWARDS collided with the cutter. Both vessels sustained minor damage, but no injuries were reported. A subsequent investigation found that the incident had not resulted from negligence. Following the collision, RICHARD S. EDWARDS continued her refresher training, completing the program on November 3.

From November 6 through December 9, 1980, RICHARD S. EDWARDS conducted additional training and routine operations in the Mid-Pacific operating areas. She returned to Pearl Harbor on December 10 for the holiday period and preparations for further fleet service.

During 1981, RICHARD S. EDWARDS resumed operations in the Western Pacific. The deployment included visits to regional ports and training with American and allied naval forces. Her operations also extended into the South Pacific, and the destroyer was photographed at Sydney, Australia, during September 1981. The voyage formed part of her final period of active service with the Pacific Fleet.

Following the 1981 deployment, RICHARD S. EDWARDS continued maintenance and training from Pearl Harbor. During 1982, the Navy began withdrawing several remaining FORREST SHERMAN-class destroyers from active service. RICHARD S. EDWARDS conducted final local operations before beginning preparations for decommissioning. On November 5, 1982, members of the crew were photographed manning the rails during a decommissioning ceremony at Pearl Harbor. The ship subsequently completed the remaining administrative and material procedures associated with her retirement from active service. RICHARD S. EDWARDS was formally decommissioned on December 15, 1982.

Following decommissioning, RICHARD S. EDWARDS was placed in inactive status at Pearl Harbor. During the late 1980s, the inactive destroyer was also used in connection with the filming of the television miniseries War and Remembrance. For the production, her exterior was modified to represent a Japanese cruiser. Following completion of the filming, the ship remained in inactive storage. RICHARD S. EDWARDS was formally stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on February 7, 1990. During the early 1990s, the former destroyer was transferred to Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California, where she remained among other inactive U.S. Navy vessels before being designated for disposal.

On May 12, 1997, the former RICHARD S. EDWARDS was sunk as a target during a U.S. Navy weapons exercise in the Pacific Ocean off Kauai, Hawaii. During her Navy career, RICHARD S. EDWARDS received six battle stars for service during the Vietnam War. Her decorations also included a Meritorious Unit Commendation for combat operations from April 17 through November 5, 1972, and multiple awards of the Combat Action Ribbon for engagements off Vietnam.

About the Ship's Name:

Richard Stanislaus Edwards, born in Philadelphia, Pa., 18 February 1885, was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1903. He was commissioned ensign on 13 September 1908 and through subsequent advancement attained the rank of admiral, to date from 13 April 1945, and was transferred to the retired list of the U.S. Navy in that rank on 1 July 1947. During World War I, he served as engineer officer on board KENTUCKY (BB 6), then as gunnery officer on board KANSAS (BB 21) and ARKANSAS (BB 33). His commands included WOOD (DD 317); Submarine Squadron 6; Submarine Base, New London, Conn.; COLORADO (BB 45); Submarines, Patrol Force; and Submarines, Atlantic Fleet. During World War II he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Aide to the Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet and then Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet, and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations. For his World War II service, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. He subsequently served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Commander, Western Sea Frontier, and Commander, Pacific Reserve Fleet. He died at the Naval Hospital, Oakland, Calif., 2 June 1956.

General Characteristics:	Awarded: January 27, 1956
	Keel laid: December 20, 1956
	Launched: September 24, 1957
	Commissioned: February 5, 1959
	Decommissioned: December 15, 1982
	Builder: Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Co., Seattle, Wash.
	Propulsion system: four-1200 lb. boilers; two steam turbines; two shafts
	Propellers: two
	Length: 418.3 feet (127.5 meters)
	Beam: 45,3 feet (13.8 meters)
	Draft: 22 feet (6.7 meters)
	Displacement: approx. 4,000 tons full load
	Speed: 32+ knots
	Aircraft: none
	Armament: two Mk-42 5-inch/54 caliber guns, Mk-32 ASW torpedo tubes (two triple mounts), one Mk-16 ASROC missile launcher
	Crew: 17 officers, 287 enlisted