The USS Kinkaid (DD-965) was a Spruance-class destroyer of the United States Navy. It was the 13th ship of its class and was named in honor of Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, who commanded the North Pacific Force and the Seventh Fleet during World War II.
Design and Construction:
- Type: Destroyer
- Class: Spruance-class
- Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi
- Laid Down: 10 April 1973
- Launched: 25 May 1974
- Commissioned: 10 July 1976
The Spruance-class destroyers were designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and were the first major U.S. Navy warships powered by gas turbine engines. They featured a large flight deck and hangar facilities for two LAMPS helicopters, enhancing their ASW capabilities.
Service History: USS Kinkaid served primarily with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, with its homeport in San Diego, California. Throughout its career, Kinkaid participated in numerous deployments to the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf, often operating as part of carrier battle groups.
- 1980s: Kinkaid conducted several deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, participating in exercises and maintaining a forward presence. During the Iran-Iraq War, it was involved in Operation Earnest Will, providing protection for reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers in the Persian Gulf.
- 1990s: The ship continued its rigorous operational schedule. It deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, although its primary role was in the region providing maritime interdiction and support rather than direct combat in the Gulf. Kinkaid also participated in various counter-narcotics operations and joint exercises with allied navies. Its ASW capabilities were frequently tested and utilized during these deployments.
- 2000s: As the fleet transitioned to newer classes of destroyers, Kinkaid continued its service but was nearing the end of its operational life.
Decommissioning and Fate:
- Decommissioned: 17 January 2003
- Struck from Naval Vessel Register: 17 January 2003
Following its decommissioning, USS Kinkaid was used as a target ship during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004 exercise. It was sunk on 14 July 2004 by forces participating in the exercise, serving its final duty as a test platform for naval weapons and tactics.