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USS Hoel (DDG-13)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Hoel (DDG-13)

USS Hoel (DDG-13) was launched 4 August 1960 by Defoe Shipbuilding Co., Bay City, Mich.; sponsored by Mrs. Harry H. Long, granddaughter of the namesake; commissioned 16 June 1962, Commander Allen W. Slifer, USN, in command.

After fitting out at Boston, USS Hoel (DDG-13) got underway for her first homeport, San Diego, putting in at Norfolk; Mayport and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Guantanamo Bay; Cartagena, Colombia; Canal Zone; and Acapulco, Mexico, during the voyage. USS Hoel (DDG-13) arrived San Diego 11 September 1962 and spent the ensuing months completing the various inspections, tests, and trials by the Board of Inspection and Survey. When successful firing of ASROC and TARTAR missiles completed her qualification and acceptance trials, USS Hoel (DDG-13) joined the ready 1st Fleet.

The months of July, August, and part of September were spent at Long Beach Naval Shipyard for the post-shakedown availability assigned each new ship approximately 1 year after commissioning. At this time improved fire-control radars were installed and tested by successful missile firings. USS Hoel (DDG-13) departed Long Beach 17 October 1963 for duty in the Western Pacific to serve as the flagship of Commander Destroyer Division 12.

In ensuing years she alternated deployments in the Far East with operations off the West Coast. Her 1966 deployment to the Western Pacific began when she departed San Diego 28 July. On September she was on search and rescue patrol off Da Nang, Vietnam. On 8 December the guided missile destroyer became naval gunfire support ship in the Corps I area. She fired 2,100 rounds destroying at least 20 enemy structures and 2 trench networks; damaging 61 buildings, 3 bunkers, 8 trench networks, and 5 roads; and killing 24 Viet Cong while wounding 7. USS Hoel (DDG-13) retired to Hong Kong 21 December but headed for Yankee Station the day after Christmas to screen USS Coral Sea (CVA-43). On this patrol she helped to rescue a pilot after his A-4 Sky Hawk had crashed. USS Hoel (DDG-13) returned to San Diego 3 February 1967 and operated on the West Coast through mid-year preparing for future action.

For a compelte history of USS Hoel (DDG-13) please see its DANFS page.