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USS John King (DDG-3)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS John King (DDG-3)

USS John King (DDG-3) was laid down by Bath Iron Works Corp., Bath, Maine, 25 August 1958; launched 30 January 1960; sponsored by Mrs. Paul J. Kilday, wife of Representative Kilday of Texas; and commissioned 4 February 1961 at Boston, Comdr. A. M. Sackett in command.

Following shakedown training out of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, USS John King (DDG-3) carried out weapons tests on the East Coast before arriving Norfolk 7 September 1961 for regular duty. Departing 27 November 1961, the ship cruised to England and Northern Europe until 1 January 1962, when she sailed from Dublin for the Mediterranean. There, USS John King (DDG-3) joined the 6th Fleet in its constant role of peacekeeping in this troubled region. After her return to Norfolk in April, the ship conducted missile firing exercises and training in the Caribbean.

USS John King (DDG-3) departed for her second Mediterranean cruise 6 February 1963. After visiting various ports on 6th Fleet maneuvers, she steamed to Kiel, Germany, 23 June, then returned to Norfolk 17 July. The next twelve months were spent on training and readiness exercises off the Virginia Capes and in the Caribbean, including a week at the Antisubmarine Warfare School, Key West, in April. USS John King (DDG-3) sailed for the Mediterranean once more 3 August and joined the 6th Fleet 16 August near the strife-torn island of Cyprus. She remained in the Mediterranean until the end of 1964.

USS John King (DDG-3) returned to Norfolk 29 January and operated along the East Coast until sailing for the "Med" 14 October. Following 4 months of operations with the 6th Fleet, she returned to Norfolk 7 March 1966. In the summer she visited the Mediterranean and recrossed the Atlantic on NATO Exercise "Straight Laced." Back at homeport in the fall she operated out of Norfolk until sailing for another 6th Fleet deployment 10 January 1967. USS John King (DDG-3)'s movements were concentrated in the Western Mediterranean until she sailed for home 11 May. Arriving Norfolk on the 19th, USS John King (DDG-3) entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard 27 June for an overhaul to prepare for future service.

For a complete history of USS John King (DDG-3) please see its DANFS page.