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USS King (DLG-10)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS King (DLG-10)

USS King (DLG-10) was laid down 1 March 1957 by Puget Sound Naval Shipyard; launched 6 December 1958 sponsored by Mrs. Oliver W. Vandenberg, daughter of Fleet Admiral King; and commissioned 17 November 1960, Comdr. Melvin E. Bustard, in command.

After shakedown along the coast, and in Hawaiian waters, USS King (DLG-10) continued training out of San Diego for the remainder of 1961. Following extensive preparations the guided-missile frigate sailed on her first WestPac cruise, 7 June 1962, strengthening the mighty 7th Fleet with her Terrier missile arsenal. Upon returning San Diego 31 December, USS King (DLG-10) resumed tactical exercises off the West Coast until 1 August 1963 when she departed on her second WestPac cruise. Once again her operations with the 7th Fleet helped maintain stability in the Far East. 

USS King (DLG-10) headed back for the Far East 5 April 1965 escorting USS Oriskany (CVA-34). She operated from the South China Sea during May screening carriers and participating in air-sea rescue work. USS King (DLG-10) continued to serve off Vietnam until returning to San Diego 2 November. The guided missile frigate operated off the West Coast until heading back for the Western Pacific 26 May 1966. On this cruise she carried a helicopter for search and rescue missions to save American pilots during strikes against North Vietnam. USS King (DLG-10) arrived Da Nang, South Vietnam, 27 June. During July she saved five downed aviators, including one who was rescued from deep within North Vietnam by the ship's daring helicopter crew.

USS King (DLG-10) continued this duty, except for brief runs to Hong Kong and Subic Bay, until relieved by Long Beach (CGN-9) on 29 November. King returned to San Diego 20 December and operated off the West Coast into 1967 preparing for future action.

For a complete history of USS King (DLG-10) please see its DANFS page.