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USS Deyo (DD 989)

USS DEYO was the 27^th SPRUANCE - class destroyer and the first ship to be named in honor to Vice Admiral Deyo, a veteran destroyer officer who commanded naval gunfire support forces during the Allied landings in Normandy, southern France, and Okinawa during World War II. USS DEYO was last homeported in Norfolk, Va. Stricken from the Navy list on April 6, 2004, the DEYO was finally sunk as a target on August 25, 2005 in the Atlantic.

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Crew List:

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

• Click here to view the list.

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• Click here to see which USS DEYO memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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USS DEYO Cruise Books:

• Mediterranean and Indian Ocean Cruise Book 1987-88
• Mediterranean and Persian Gulf Cruise Book 1989-90
• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1998

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

The divisions, colors and elements of the shield represent Vice Admiral Morton Lyndholm Deyo through his place of birth and naval career. The wavy bars simulate water and refer to the Indian name, "The reed covered lodge by the little water place," for Poughkeepsie, New York, where he was born on 1 July 1887. Red, white and blue, the US national colors, are also a common denominator, for it was in Poughkeepsie in July 1788 that the Constitution of the United States was ratified by the state of New York.

The three stars and colors of blue and gold represent his Navy tenure and the highest rank he achieved. The three stars also denote the three decorations awarded to Admiral Deyo: The Distinguished Service Medal (Navy), and the Legion of Merit with Gold Star. The arrowheads refer to his destroyer service during World War I and his support of assault landings in Europe and Asia during World War II. The arrowheads further allude to the awesome striking power and sophisticated weaponry of modern destroyers. The trident is emblematic of mastery of the seas, and with the globe, refers to Admiral Deyo's experience in Naval strategy in peace and time of war. The fiery "U" commemorates Admiral Deyo's Force "U" during the amphibious invasion of the enemy-held coast in northern and southern France.

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USS DEYO in the News:

• May 30, 2001 - USS Deyo Responds to Distress Call

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History of USS DEYO:

USS DEYO, the 27th SPRUANCE-class destroyer, was ordered on January 15, 1975, and laid down at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on October 14, 1977. She was launched on January 20, 1979, christened on March 31, 1979, and commissioned at Pascagoula on March 22, 1980, with Commander Joseph J. Hutton, Jr., as her first commanding officer. DEYO was initially homeported at Charleston, South Carolina, and assigned to the Atlantic Fleet.

Following commissioning, DEYO conducted post-delivery trials, shakedown training, and engineering and combat-system evaluations. Her crew completed the qualifications required for extended operations, including anti-submarine warfare, gunnery, and helicopter operations. During the opening months of 1981, the destroyer prepared for her first major overseas deployment as American naval forces maintained an increased presence in the Middle East following the Iranian Revolution and the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War.

In May 1981, DEYO departed on her first major deployment, proceeding to the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. During the assignment, she conducted naval presence operations, surveillance, and training with other American ships operating in the region. Her service from July 15 through October 6, 1981, was subsequently recognized with the Navy Expeditionary Medal. The deployment also qualified the destroyer for the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Following her return to Charleston, DEYO resumed maintenance and training in preparation for further overseas assignments.

During the latter part of 1981 and the opening months of 1982, DEYO continued Atlantic Fleet operations and received a Meritorious Unit Commendation for service during the period from December 26, 1981, through February 24, 1982. On June 1, 1982, an SH-2F Seasprite helicopter from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 34 was photographed operating from the destroyer's flight deck. DEYO continued training and readiness operations during the remainder of the year.

In May 1983, DEYO again deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of the American naval presence in the Middle East. She operated in the region during a period of continuing conflict between Iran and Iraq, when U.S. naval forces conducted surveillance and maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters. Her service from June 5 through November 1, 1983, was recognized with a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Following completion of the deployment, DEYO returned to Charleston and resumed Atlantic Fleet operations.

In October 1984, DEYO participated in Operation WAGONWHEEL, a joint U.S. Navy and Coast Guard counter-narcotics operation. The mission involved surveillance and maritime interdiction activities intended to detect and intercept vessels carrying illegal drugs through the Caribbean region. For her participation, the destroyer received a Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation. The operation formed part of a series of counter-drug assignments that would continue throughout DEYO's service.

In March 1985, DEYO received the Battle Efficiency "E" as the leading destroyer in Destroyer Squadron 6. During 1985 and the opening months of 1986, she underwent her first major regular overhaul at Portland, Maine. The work included extensive maintenance of her propulsion machinery and shipboard systems, together with improvements to her weapons and combat equipment. During this modernization, DEYO was equipped with armored box launchers for Tomahawk cruise missiles, adding a long-range land-attack capability to her existing anti-submarine and surface warfare armament. The overhaul was completed during the spring of 1986, and DEYO returned to Charleston in May for trials, training, and operational preparations.

During the following months, DEYO completed exercises in the Atlantic in preparation for another overseas deployment. On January 14, 1987, she was photographed operating in formation with the battleship USS IOWA (BB 61) and USS COMTE DE GRASSE (DD 974) in the Atlantic Ocean. The ships conducted coordinated operations associated with the battleship battle group's training cycle.

In July 1987, DEYO departed Charleston with the IOWA Battleship Battle Group for a deployment to the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and northern Arabian Sea. During the deployment, DEYO operated with American surface combatants assigned to the Middle East Force at a time when the United States was increasing naval protection for commercial shipping threatened by the Iran-Iraq War. The deployment included maritime surveillance, escort-related duties, and exercises with other ships of the battle group. Her service from December 6, 1987, through February 13, 1988, was recognized with the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Following completion of the deployment in 1988, DEYO returned to Charleston and resumed maintenance and training. During the latter part of the year and the opening months of 1989, she conducted exercises in the western Atlantic and Caribbean in preparation for another assignment to the Middle East. The training included anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and underway replenishment operations.

In July 1989, DEYO departed for another deployment that included operations in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. She supported the continuing American naval presence in the region following the ceasefire between Iran and Iraq in August 1988. During the deployment, DEYO conducted maritime security and surveillance operations and operated with other U.S. Navy ships assigned to the Middle East Force. Her recognized Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal service extended from August 8 through December 10, 1989. The deployment continued into 1990, as documented in the ship's 1989-1990 cruise book.

During 1990, DEYO resumed operations with the Atlantic Fleet. She participated in counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, conducting maritime surveillance and supporting efforts to intercept vessels suspected of transporting illegal drugs. The ship's participation in joint operations from August 15 through October 12, 1990, was recognized with a Joint Meritorious Unit Award. In December, DEYO began preparations for another Mediterranean deployment with the carrier battle group centered on USS FORRESTAL (CV 59).

The planned deployment was initially associated with the American military buildup following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. After the conclusion of major coalition combat operations in the Persian Gulf in February 1991, the deployment schedule was adjusted. DEYO eventually departed on May 30, 1991, as part of the MED 3-91 carrier battle group with FORRESTAL.

During the deployment, DEYO operated with FORRESTAL in the eastern Mediterranean in connection with American naval activities supporting Operation PROVIDE COMFORT, the multinational humanitarian and security operation established to assist Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq. The destroyer also participated in NATO Exercise DISPLAY DETERMINATION '91 and other training operations involving American and allied naval forces. These activities included tactical maneuvering, anti-submarine warfare, and naval gunfire support exercises.

On December 10, 1991, DEYO operated alongside the Soviet aircraft carrier ADMIRAL KUZNETSOV in waters south of Italy. The Soviet ship was transiting the Mediterranean on her way to the Northern Fleet, and DEYO monitored her passage. The destroyer also participated in a NATO naval gunfire support exercise in the eastern Mediterranean during December. DEYO returned to Charleston on December 21, 1991.

During 1992, DEYO conducted additional counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. These assignments involved maritime surveillance, tracking suspected trafficking vessels, and supporting joint interdiction efforts. Her service from March 16 through April 17, 1992, was recognized with a Joint Meritorious Unit Award. The destroyer also continued maintenance and combat-system training in preparation for subsequent Atlantic Fleet and NATO operations.

In June 1993, DEYO participated in BALTOPS '93, the annual multinational naval exercise conducted in the Baltic Sea. She served as flagship for Captain W. Scott Slocum, Commander Destroyer Squadron 26 and commander of the exercise. On June 1, DEYO arrived at Aarhus, Denmark, where American and allied representatives assembled for the opening phase of the operation. During the visit, Captain Slocum hosted Russian Rear Admiral W. P. Comoyedoff, chief of the Russian Baltic Squadron, aboard DEYO. The two officers toured the ship and discussed the upcoming exercise.

BALTOPS '93 marked the first occasion in the exercise's history on which Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia were invited to participate in its noncombat phases. DEYO served as a platform for meetings and exchanges between American and Russian naval representatives while continuing her duties as the exercise command ship. The first phase included maritime cooperation and noncombat training, followed by more traditional naval warfare exercises involving NATO participants.

During the exercise, DEYO operated with ships from several European navies. Photographs document her maneuvering with the German frigate KARLSRUHE (F 212), the Swedish minelayer ALVSBORG (M 02), the Russian frigate BDITELNY, and German fast attack craft. DEYO also conducted an underway replenishment with the German fleet oiler RHÖN (A 1443), practicing logistical cooperation with an allied naval unit. From June 8-10, 1993, DEYO participated in the first phase of BALTOPS operations at sea. During June 11-13, she was anchored near Karlskrona, Sweden, before resuming exercise activities. The second phase, conducted from June 14-17, included additional tactical training involving American and allied surface forces. DEYO subsequently completed her Baltic assignment and returned to Atlantic Fleet duties.

In 1994, DEYO deployed to the Mediterranean with the battle group centered on USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), which began its maiden overseas deployment on May 20. During the cruise, DEYO operated with American and allied naval forces engaged in operations connected with the conflict in the former Yugoslavia. Her assignments included support for NATO Operation SHARP GUARD, the maritime embargo enforcement operation conducted in the Adriatic Sea. Ships assigned to the operation monitored merchant traffic and helped enforce United Nations restrictions on the movement of prohibited cargo to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

During July 25-28, 1994, DEYO also participated in Exercise BREEZE '94 in the Black Sea, a multinational naval exercise hosted by Bulgaria. The deployment continued through the autumn, with DEYO operating in Mediterranean waters as the GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group conducted exercises and regional security operations. On November 3, DEYO was photographed at Gibraltar during the homeward portion of the deployment. She subsequently returned to Charleston and received her second Battle Efficiency "E" as the leading destroyer in Destroyer Squadron 4.

In February 1995, DEYO crossed the Atlantic to participate in Exercise STRONG RESOLVE '95, a major NATO exercise conducted in and around Norway. During the transatlantic passage, a sailor aboard USS BAINBRIDGE (CGN 25) developed severe abdominal pain that was suspected to be appendicitis. After medical consultation, the patient was determined to require emergency surgery. BAINBRIDGE separated from the task group and increased speed toward the Azores, while DEYO accompanied the cruiser.

Once the ships were within helicopter range of Lajes in the Azores, DEYO launched her SH-60B Seahawk helicopter to evacuate the sick sailor. The patient was transported to a medical facility at Lajes, where surgeons removed a ruptured appendix. He subsequently recovered. DEYO and BAINBRIDGE continued their assignments associated with the NATO exercise.

During STRONG RESOLVE, DEYO operated in northern European waters and visited Oslo, Norway, where the ship was opened to the public for five days. Following the exercise, she returned to the Atlantic and participated in submarine prospective commanding officer operations during May. These activities included developmental torpedo evasion tactics and anti-submarine warfare training. On May 22, 1995, DEYO arrived at Norfolk, Virginia, which had become her new homeport following the closure of Naval Base Charleston.

During the summer of 1995, DEYO conducted additional counter-narcotics operations before entering a regular overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in September. The overhaul continued for approximately thirteen months and included major maintenance and combat-system modernization. During this period, the ship's earlier Tomahawk armored box launchers were replaced by a Mk 41 vertical launching system, while her anti-submarine warfare capabilities were improved through an upgrade to the AN/SQQ-89 sonar and combat-system suite.

On June 23, 1996, while DEYO was undergoing overhaul at Newport News, a severe windstorm caused the former Danish merchant ship SELANDIA, then being converted for U.S. strategic sealift service, to break loose from her moorings. The large vessel drifted across the harbor and struck DEYO and USS TUCSON (SSN 770), which were moored nearby. DEYO sustained damage in the collision, while damage to TUCSON was comparatively minor. SELANDIA subsequently entered Military Sealift Command service as USNS GILLILAND (T-AKR 298).

DEYO completed her overhaul in November 1996 and began a period of trials, crew training, and operational preparations. The modernization had substantially altered her offensive weapons capabilities, and the ship conducted exercises to qualify her new equipment and restore operational readiness. In March 1997, DEYO served as an opposing force during Joint Task Force Exercise 97-2. She subsequently conducted additional training as part of her preparations for another Mediterranean deployment.

In May 1997, DEYO began a two-month cruise that included NATO Exercise MARCOT 1/97, New York City Fleet Week, and Boston Harborfest. The ship participated in training operations and public events before returning to Norfolk. During November, she successfully completed her Final Evaluation Problem, marking the conclusion of the basic phase of her pre-deployment training. In February 1998, DEYO participated in COMPTUEX 98-2 with other Atlantic Fleet units, completing coordinated training in preparation for overseas operations.

On June 10, 1998, DEYO departed Norfolk for a Mediterranean deployment. During the cruise, she became the first American ship to serve as flagship of Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED), NATO's permanently assigned multinational surface force in the region. Rear Admiral David M. Stone, Commander STANAVFORMED, embarked aboard the destroyer, which provided command and communications facilities for the multinational force. DEYO was photographed at Malaga, Spain, during June and later operated from Naples, Italy, while serving as the NATO flagship.

During the deployment, DEYO participated in NATO operations and exercises associated with the alliance's presence in the Mediterranean and Adriatic. These included activities connected with the Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Exercises DETERMINED FORGE, DYNAMIC MIX, and DOGU AKDENIZ. The destroyer's duties involved coordinated tactical operations, maritime surveillance, communications, and training with allied surface combatants.

In November 1998, DEYO transferred her STANAVFORMED flagship duties to USS THORN (DD 988). Following the turnover, she began her return passage across the Atlantic and arrived at Norfolk on December 10, 1998. She subsequently entered a three-month Selected Restricted Availability for maintenance and repairs before resuming operations with the Atlantic Fleet.

During 1999, DEYO completed post-maintenance training and operational preparations in the western Atlantic. On May 11, she was photographed at Naval Station Norfolk. The ship continued engineering, weapons, and combat-system exercises as part of the normal readiness cycle, including training intended to maintain her strike-warfare and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

From August 28 through September 12, 2000, DEYO participated in Fleet Battle Experiment Hotel, conducted by units of the U.S. Second Fleet and the Navy Warfare Development Command off the Virginia Capes and in the Gulf of Mexico. The experiment examined network-centric operations and new approaches to coordinated naval warfare. DEYO operated as part of the participating fleet forces while personnel evaluated command, communications, and tactical procedures. The experiment was conducted in conjunction with other joint-service training activities associated with Millennium Challenge 2000.

On October 18, 2000, DEYO conducted naval surface fire support training during which her crew performed gunfire exercises with the ship's 5-inch guns. Navy photographs from the exercise document the gun crews carrying out firing procedures and fire-control operations. During the same period, DEYO participated in the final stages of pre-deployment training with the battle group centered on USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75), including Joint Task Force Exercise 01-1 and NATO Exercise UNIFIED SPIRIT 2000.

In December 2000, DEYO deployed with the HARRY S. TRUMAN Carrier Battle Group on the aircraft carrier's maiden overseas deployment. The battle group conducted operations in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf in support of American naval commitments in the Middle East. During the deployment, participating ships enforced United Nations sanctions against Iraq through maritime interception operations and conducted exercises with allied and regional naval forces. The battle group also participated in Exercise ARABIAN GAUNTLET, which involved naval units from eleven countries.

During February 2001, DEYO visited Barcelona, Spain, where she was photographed on February 8 and 10. During the latter visit, she was moored alongside the Greek frigate EPIRUS (F 456), formerly USS CONNOLE (FF 1056), in connection with a NATO Standing Naval Force Mediterranean port visit. The destroyer subsequently continued her assigned operations before beginning the return passage across the Atlantic with elements of the HARRY S. TRUMAN Battle Group.

During the homeward crossing in May 2001, DEYO responded to a distress call from the German sailing yacht CAROLINE, a 40-foot vessel approximately 480 nautical miles southwest of the Azores. The yacht had lost its mast in heavy weather and was running low on diesel fuel after departing Bermuda for the Azores ten days earlier. DEYO's operations officer, Lieutenant Gene Bailey, received the distress call, and Commanding Officer Commander Stephen W. Hampton ordered the destroyer to locate the disabled vessel.

After reaching CAROLINE, DEYO dispatched a boarding team led by Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Rob O'Neil to inspect the yacht and assess the condition of the four German sailors aboard. The team determined that the vessel remained seaworthy despite the loss of her mast and sails. DEYO supplied diesel fuel and a replacement VHF radio antenna so that the yacht could continue toward the Azores. USS STUMP (DD 978), also returning from deployment, launched a helicopter to monitor the assistance operation from the air.

Two of the German sailors, who were passengers aboard CAROLINE, accepted transportation aboard DEYO, while the two owners elected to remain with their yacht and continue the passage. The rescued passengers were provided with food, clothing, and accommodations aboard the destroyer. DEYO returned to Norfolk on May 24, 2001, following completion of the deployment.

During the remainder of 2001 and into 2002, DEYO resumed Atlantic Fleet maintenance, training, and readiness operations. On June 29, 2001, Commander James A. Pelkofski relieved Commander Hampton as commanding officer. The destroyer continued preparations for another carrier battle group deployment, conducting engineering evaluations, weapons training, and exercises with other surface combatants.

On September 2, 2002, DEYO participated in a simultaneous underway replenishment with HARRY S. TRUMAN and USNS KANAWHA (T-AO 196). The three ships operated alongside one another during the replenishment evolution, practicing the transfer of fuel and supplies at sea. DEYO subsequently continued pre-deployment training with the HARRY S. TRUMAN Battle Group.

On December 5, 2002, DEYO departed Norfolk for her final overseas deployment, again assigned to the HARRY S. TRUMAN Carrier Battle Group. The deployment began with operations in the Mediterranean as the United States increased its military presence in the region ahead of possible hostilities with Iraq. DEYO conducted maritime security, surveillance, and combat-readiness operations while maintaining the capability to launch Tomahawk land-attack missiles.

On March 13, 2003, DEYO conducted visual communications training with USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51) in the Mediterranean. The following day, March 14, DEYO transited the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean into the Red Sea as American naval forces repositioned ships equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles for potential operations against Iraq. ARLEIGH BURKE also passed through the canal during the movement, along with several American submarines. DEYO was among the first American warships to enter the Red Sea during this redeployment.

Following the beginning of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on March 19, 2003, DEYO participated in the opening naval strike operations against Iraq. On March 21, she was among the American and coalition warships that launched Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles against designated Iraqi targets. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command identified DEYO as one of the participating ships in a March 22 announcement. The strikes formed part of the coalition's initial campaign against Iraqi military facilities and command infrastructure.

On March 29, 2003, DEYO was photographed conducting underway operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. She remained assigned to the naval forces supporting the campaign during the following weeks, conducting operational duties and maintaining her strike-warfare readiness. Following completion of the deployment, DEYO returned to Norfolk on May 23, 2003.

During the summer and autumn of 2003, DEYO began preparations for decommissioning. Equipment and supplies were removed or secured, and the ship completed the administrative and material requirements associated with her retirement from active service. On November 6, 2003, DEYO was decommissioned during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Captain Thomas Abernathy, Commander Destroyer Squadron 22, introduced the ship's final commanding officer, Commander James A. Pelkofski, who addressed the assembled crew members, families, and former sailors. Following decommissioning, DEYO was placed in inactive status. She was formally stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on April 6, 2004. The former destroyer was subsequently selected for use as a target during a fleet weapons exercise. On August 25, 2005, DEYO was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean.

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Accidents aboard USS DEYO:

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About the Ship's Name, about Vice Admiral Morton L. Deyo:

USS DEYO is named in honor of Vice Admiral Morton L. Deyo, U.S. Navy (1887-1973), a veteran destroyerman and distinguished naval gunfire support task force commander of World War II.

A graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy, he served with distinction in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. In the Atlantic, he commanded the destroyers which provided the first American escort assistance to allied convoys to England just prior to Pearl Harbor. He later proved himself a master of naval gunfire support at Utah Beach in the Normandy invasion as well as during the invasion of Southern France. Admiral Deyo's crowning achievement in the Pacific was command of gunfire and covering force for the assault and occupation of Okinawa.

Following the war, he directed the landing of occupational forces in Northern Japan. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit with Gold Star.

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USS DEYO Patch Gallery:

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USS DEYO Image Gallery:

The photo below was taken by Karl-Heinz Ahles and show USS DEYO at Norfolk, Va, on May 11, 1999.

The photos below were taken by Brian Barton. The photo on the left was taken from the stern of USS ARTHUR W. RADFORD (DD 968) and shows DEYO at Norfolk in May 2002. The other photos were taken on July 23, 2002, and also show DEYO at Naval Base Norfolk.

The two photos below were taken by FCC(SW/AW) Dan Hess and show war shots in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during DEYO's final deployment 2002-2003.

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