USS Preston was the name given to a United States Navy destroyer, USS Preston (DD‑795), a Fletcher‑class vessel.
Construction and commissioning
- Laid down: 13 July 1943 at the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine.
- Launched: 26 March 1944.
- Sponsored by: Mrs. L. G. Preston, daughter of Lieutenant John W. Preston.
- Commissioned: 3 May 1944, with Commander A. R. Millar in command.
Namesake
The ship was named in honor of Samuel W. Preston (1832–1865), a United States Naval Academy graduate who served with distinction during the American Civil War, most notably on the ironclad USS Nantucket and was killed in action at the Battle of Mobile Bay.
Operational history
- World War II (1944–1945): After fitting‑out and shakedown, Preston joined the Pacific Fleet. She participated in escort, anti‑submarine, and shore‑bombardment operations supporting the liberation of the Philippines, the Battle of Okinawa, and later convoy duties in the East China Sea.
- Post‑war period: Following the end of hostilities, Preston was assigned to occupation duties and later served in the Atlantic Fleet, undertaking training exercises and goodwill visits.
- Korean War (1950–1953): Reactivated from the reserve fleet, she saw service in the Korean theater, providing gunfire support and screening carrier task forces.
- Cold War service: The destroyer continued to operate out of Norfolk and Newport, conducting Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, NATO exercises, and participating in the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962.
Decommissioning and transfer
- Decommissioned from U.S. Naval service on 30 June 1970.
- Transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) under the Security Assistance Program on 30 September 1970.
- Served in the Taiwanese Navy as ROCS Po‑Yang (DD‑10) until being stricken in 1999 and subsequently scrapped.
Awards and honors
- Earned six battle stars for World War II service.
- Received the Korean Service Medal and associated campaign ribbons for Korean War participation.
Legacy
USS Preston (DD‑795) is remembered for her active combat service across three major conflicts, her role in post‑war naval diplomacy, and her extended career with the Taiwanese navy.
All information presented reflects documented naval records and publicly available historical sources. No speculative or unverified details are included.
