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About the Name "John Young"

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USS John Young (DD 973)

USS JOHN YOUNG was the eleventh SPRUANCE-class destroyer and the second ship in the Navy named in honor of Captain John Young, an officer of the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War who was lost at sea with his ship, the sloop-of-war SARATOGA, in March 1781. Decommissioned on September 19, 2002, ex-USS JOHN YOUNG spent the following months with the mothball fleet in Bremerton, Wash., before she was towed to the Naval Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility at Pearl Harbor, Hi., in preparation for being sunk as a target. On April 11, 2004, JOHN YOUNG left Pearl Harbor on her final voyage and was subsequently disposed of as a target off Kauai on April 13.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS JOHN YOUNG. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

• Click here to view the list.

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• Click here to see which USS JOHN YOUNG memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

The Coat of Arms of USS JOHN YOUNG serves as a heraldic reminder of the ship's namesake, Captain John Young. The shield of the coat of arms is a tri-color design. The upper portion is Scarlet and the lower portion is Independence Blue. These are separated by a wavy bar of white.

John Young was appointed in the Continental Navy from Philadelphia in 1776 and received his Captain's commission in October of that year. During much of his period of service he was associated with France who was helping the then fledgling American nation in their struggle for independence. This is represented by the golden fleur-de-lis in the upper part of the shield.

In August of 1780, enroute from French Martinique to the United States aboard the 18 gun sloop-of-war SARATOGA, Captain Young captured four enemy vessels after a severe engagement with two of them at a time. This deed is symbolized by the wavy bar with four stars.

On 20 March 1781, Captain Young's ship SARATOGA sailing in the company of French and American ships, became separated in a storm and was never seen again. The loss at sea of Captain Young and his crew is symbolized by the anchor without cable. The tricolor design alludes to the national colors of both the United States and her Revolutionary War all, France.

The mast with sail hoisted is symbolic of the Continental sloop-of-war SARATOGA, Captain Young's last command. The coat of arms of the early American "YOUNG" family is represented by the red rose on the sail.

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USS JOHN YOUNG Cruise Books and Pamphlets:

• WestPac Cruise 1982
• WestPac Cruise 1984-85
• WestPac Cruise 1988-89
• Arabian Gulf Cruise 1992
• Decommissioning Pamphlet

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USS JOHN YOUNG's Commanding Officers:

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History of USS JOHN YOUNG:

USS JOHN YOUNG was laid down on February 17, 1975, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, launched on February 7, 1976, and sponsored by Mrs. Elizabeth Shear, wife of Admiral Harold E. Shear, Vice Chief of Naval Operations. The eleventh SPRUANCE-class destroyer was commissioned at Pascagoula on May 20, 1978, with Commander Douglas K. Menikheim in command.

Designed primarily for antisubmarine warfare, JOHN YOUNG was equipped with the AN/SQS-53 sonar system, ASROC antisubmarine rockets, Mk 46 torpedoes and facilities for operating an embarked helicopter. Her original armament also included two 5-inch/54-caliber Mk 45 guns, Harpoon antiship missiles and a NATO Sea Sparrow missile system. Four General Electric LM2500 gas turbine engines provided the propulsion required for high-speed operations with carrier and amphibious task groups.

Assigned to the Pacific Fleet, JOHN YOUNG departed Pascagoula following commissioning and arrived at her first homeport, San Diego, California, on June 3, 1978. She subsequently conducted shakedown training, machinery and weapons system evaluations, and operational exercises in the Southern California operating areas. In October, the destroyer returned to Ingalls Shipbuilding for post-shakedown repairs and modifications before resuming operations from San Diego in November.

During 1979 and the first half of 1980, JOHN YOUNG continued her training program, including antisubmarine warfare exercises, propulsion plant inspections and combat systems evaluations. The ship participated in multinational training during Exercise RIMPAC 80 and subsequently prepared for her first overseas deployment.

On October 21, 1980, JOHN YOUNG departed San Diego for her first Western Pacific deployment. After crossing the Pacific and visiting Subic Bay, Philippines, the destroyer participated in Exercise Valiant Blitz 81-1, an amphibious exercise conducted by U.S. Seventh Fleet forces near Mindoro Island during November. In December, JOHN YOUNG took part in Exercise Multiplex 81-1 off Okinawa, practicing antisubmarine warfare operations with other American naval units. Further exercises and surveillance operations followed in the South China Sea during the early months of 1981.

During March 1981, JOHN YOUNG conducted a missile-firing exercise in the Sea of Japan before proceeding toward Singapore. While operating in the South China Sea, the destroyer encountered several small boats carrying Vietnamese refugees attempting to escape their country. In the first rescue, JOHN YOUNG recovered 126 people from an overcrowded and unseaworthy vessel. Approximately twelve hours later, the ship encountered another 30-foot sampan and embarked 51 additional refugees.

About one week later, JOHN YOUNG encountered two more refugee boats and recovered another 131 people. The ship's crew provided food, drinking water, medical assistance and temporary accommodation for the refugees, who were subsequently transferred to authorities at Pattaya Beach, Thailand. These operations brought the reported total of people directly rescued by JOHN YOUNG during the deployment to 308. The ship received the Humanitarian Service Medal for its participation in the refugee rescue operations.

JOHN YOUNG also assisted in the onward transportation of Vietnamese refugees rescued by other American warships. On April 21, 1981, USS BAINBRIDGE (CGN 25) rescued seventeen Vietnamese refugees approximately 300 miles southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. During a subsequent visit to Sattahip, Thailand, from April 22 to 27, USS BAINBRIDGE transferred the refugees to JOHN YOUNG pending their transportation to a refugee camp. This transfer was separate from the destroyer's own rescue operations.

Following completion of her first deployment, JOHN YOUNG returned to San Diego on May 22, 1981. During the remainder of the year, she underwent maintenance, inspections and operational training in preparation for her next overseas assignment. The program included examinations by the Board of Inspection and Survey, propulsion plant inspections and exercises with other Pacific Fleet units.

In January 1982, JOHN YOUNG entered dry dock at Long Beach, California, for repairs to her sonar dome. After completing the maintenance period, she resumed training and participated in additional fleet exercises during March and April, including RIMPAC 82.

On May 29, 1982, JOHN YOUNG departed San Diego for her second Western Pacific deployment. During June, the destroyer conducted approximately ten days of independent surveillance operations off Petropavlovsk on the Soviet Kamchatka Peninsula, monitoring Soviet naval activities near one of the principal bases of the Pacific Fleet. The deployment also included port visits and exercises in the western Pacific before JOHN YOUNG proceeded toward the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf.

During September and October 1982, JOHN YOUNG spent approximately six weeks operating in the Persian Gulf region. The deployment took place during the Iran-Iraq War, when American naval forces maintained a presence near the Strait of Hormuz and monitored threats to international shipping. Her assignments included surveillance, maritime security and other operations in support of the U.S. Navy's Middle East Force. JOHN YOUNG subsequently began the return voyage across the Indian and Pacific Oceans and arrived at San Diego on November 30, 1982.

Following post-deployment leave and maintenance, JOHN YOUNG prepared for her first regular overhaul at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. The ship unloaded ammunition at Seal Beach on January 11, 1983, and completed a maintenance inspection from January 24 to 27. On January 28, the destroyer officially began the overhaul, entering dry dock on February 23. The crew temporarily transferred to a berthing barge while shipyard workers conducted repairs and modifications to the hull, propulsion plant, sonar equipment and combat systems.

JOHN YOUNG left dry dock on June 9, 1983, and continued the overhaul alongside the shipyard pier. The crew returned aboard on September 12, and the destroyer underwent dock trials and sea trials during October. The overhaul was completed on October 26. From October 31 to November 23, JOHN YOUNG conducted Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials, followed by weapons system accuracy tests from November 28 to December 5 and again from December 12 to 19. These trials were intended to verify the performance of the ship's weapons, sensors and fire-control equipment after the overhaul.

During the first half of 1984, JOHN YOUNG conducted refresher training, inspections and operational exercises in preparation for another Western Pacific deployment. The training involved antisubmarine warfare, surface warfare, antiair warfare and the coordination of tactical operations with other fleet units.

In October 1984, JOHN YOUNG departed San Diego for her third Western Pacific deployment. During November and December, she participated in Fleet Exercise 85-1, which included a major carrier battle group operation in the Sea of Okhotsk. American naval forces conducted surveillance, antisubmarine warfare and other tactical exercises in waters near important Soviet Pacific Fleet operating areas. JOHN YOUNG also participated in operations involving surface combatants and naval aviation units during the deployment.

During the spring of 1985, the destroyer operated in Australian waters, participating in exercises and port visits before beginning the return voyage across the Pacific. JOHN YOUNG completed the deployment and returned to San Diego in May 1985.

During the remainder of 1985 and throughout 1986, JOHN YOUNG underwent maintenance, inspections and operational training. The ship continued exercises in the eastern Pacific, preparing for another deployment to the Indian Ocean and Middle East. During this period, the Iran-Iraq War increasingly affected commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf, with both countries attacking tankers and other merchant vessels associated with their opponents.

On July 24, 1987, the United States began Operation Earnest Will, an effort to protect Kuwaiti tankers that had been reflagged under American registry. U.S. Navy ships escorted the vessels through the Persian Gulf and monitored Iranian naval activities. The operation followed several months of increasing attacks against merchant shipping and growing American concern over the security of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

In July 1987, JOHN YOUNG departed San Diego for deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, initially operating in support of the battle group centered on USS RANGER (CV 61). After reaching the Indian Ocean, the destroyer became involved in American naval operations associated with the continuing Tanker War in the Persian Gulf.

The regional security situation had deteriorated further following the Iraqi missile attack on USS STARK (FFG 31) on May 17, 1987, which killed 37 American sailors. Although that incident involved Iraqi aircraft, subsequent American confrontations with Iranian forces arose from Iranian attacks on commercial shipping, mining operations and other activities in the Gulf.

On October 16, 1987, an Iranian Silkworm antiship missile struck the reflagged Kuwaiti tanker SEA ISLE CITY near the Kuwaiti oil terminal, injuring members of the crew and seriously wounding the American master. The United States attributed the attack to Iranian forces and ordered a retaliatory strike against Iranian facilities used to support attacks on merchant shipping.

On October 19, 1987, JOHN YOUNG participated in Operation Nimble Archer, a U.S. Navy attack against Iranian offshore installations in the Rashadat oil field, formerly known as the Rostam field. The operation was carried out by a surface action group that included USS THACH (FFG 43), USS HOEL (DDG 13), USS LEFTWICH (DD 984), and JOHN YOUNG.

At approximately 8:00 a.m., USS THACH transmitted a warning to the Iranian personnel occupying the platforms, giving them twenty minutes to leave. After the warning period expired, JOHN YOUNG, USS HOEL, and USS LEFTWICH opened fire with their 5-inch guns against the installations. The platforms had been used by Iranian forces as observation and staging positions for attacks against commercial shipping.

The platforms' steel framework limited the damage that could be inflicted by conventional naval gunfire. After the bombardment, a U.S. Navy SEAL team boarded one of the installations, collected intelligence material and placed demolition charges. The charges were subsequently detonated, causing additional damage to the facility. JOHN YOUNG's participation in Operation Nimble Archer qualified the ship for expeditionary awards, and the destroyer subsequently received the Meritorious Unit Commendation for her operations in the Persian Gulf.

Following the operation, JOHN YOUNG continued maritime security duties in the region before beginning the return voyage to the United States. She arrived at San Diego on December 30, 1987.

During January 1988, JOHN YOUNG underwent post-deployment leave and maintenance, receiving assistance from the destroyer tender USS ACADIA (AD 42) and shore maintenance facilities. The ship subsequently resumed operations in the Southern California operating areas, conducting naval gunfire support qualifications near San Clemente Island, engineering assessments and other training exercises.

On February 22, 1988, JOHN YOUNG conducted a burial-at-sea ceremony for six deceased members of the naval service. During March, she visited San Francisco for a training availability, opening the ship to the public at Fisherman's Wharf. More than 4,000 visitors toured JOHN YOUNG during March 10 and 11. During the return voyage to San Diego, the ship conducted a Tiger Cruise and embarked participants in the Scientists to Sea program.

In April 1988, JOHN YOUNG participated in Fleet Exercise 88-2, conducting antiship missile defense exercises with USS TRUXTUN (CGN 35) and USS GRIDLEY (CG 21). The destroyer served as a mobile sea range support ship during portions of the exercise. Additional maintenance and antisubmarine warfare training followed in May, including an underway replenishment with the fleet oiler USNS KAWISHIWI (T-AO 146).

On June 2, 1988, Commander Stephen F. Resser relieved Commander Sherman E. Wright Jr. as commanding officer of JOHN YOUNG. During the summer, the destroyer participated in Exercise RIMPAC 88 and additional fleet readiness activities. Preparations for another Middle East Force deployment continued during the autumn, including weapons qualifications, inspections and operational training.

On December 14, 1988, JOHN YOUNG departed San Diego in company with USS GRIDLEY for another deployment to the Persian Gulf. The destroyer visited Subic Bay, Philippines, from January 5 to 10, 1989, and Singapore from January 15 to 17 before proceeding across the Indian Ocean toward the Arabian Peninsula.

On January 27, 1989, JOHN YOUNG relieved USS HARRY W. HILL (DD 986) and assumed her assigned Middle East Force duties. Following a visit to Bahrain from January 29 to 31, the destroyer began patrol and escort operations in the Persian Gulf. Although the Iran-Iraq War had ended with a cease-fire in August 1988, American naval forces continued to protect commercial shipping and maintain a presence in the region.

During the following months, JOHN YOUNG conducted escort and surveillance operations in support of the Middle East Force, including the protection of merchant vessels transiting potentially threatened waters. The ship also participated in tactical exercises and maintained readiness to respond to renewed attacks against commercial traffic. Her itinerary included a visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from March 11 to 13.

On April 26, 1989, JOHN YOUNG turned over her Middle East Force responsibilities to USS CONOLLY (DD 979) and began the return passage toward the western Pacific. The homeward voyage included visits to Phuket, Thailand, from May 6 to 8; Singapore from May 11 to 12; and Subic Bay, Philippines, from May 17 to 19.

On May 16, 1989, while JOHN YOUNG and USS GRIDLEY were proceeding through the South China Sea approximately 200 miles west of Luzon, Philippines, they sighted a small vessel carrying Vietnamese refugees. The boat was unseaworthy and lacked functioning propulsion and navigation equipment. JOHN YOUNG embarked the 46 occupants, consisting of 28 men and 18 women, and provided food, water and medical assistance. One of the refugees was suffering from dehydration. The destroyer transported the rescued people to Subic Bay, where they were transferred to the appropriate refugee authorities.

Following a visit to Hong Kong from May 22 to 24, JOHN YOUNG continued across the Pacific and returned to San Diego on June 14, 1989.

During the remainder of 1989, JOHN YOUNG participated in fleet exercises and preparations for her next major overhaul. In late July and early August, she took part in Middle East Force Exercise 89-7, practicing convoy escort operations, surface warfare, antiair warfare, electronic warfare and mine countermeasures scenarios.

In September 1989, JOHN YOUNG participated in PACEX 89 with Battle Group Delta, centered on USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64). The exercise included operations in the Gulf of Alaska and northern Pacific, with JOHN YOUNG serving as a mobile range operations center during missile-firing exercises. Vice Admiral James H. Dorsey Jr., Commander, Third Fleet, embarked during portions of the training to oversee range safety and exercise coordination. After detaching from the battle group on October 9, JOHN YOUNG returned to San Diego on October 13 in company with USS KNOX (FF 1052). The destroyer subsequently completed an INSURV inspection and began preparations for overhaul.

During 1990, JOHN YOUNG underwent a major modernization that considerably expanded her combat capabilities. The work included installation of the 61-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launching System, providing the ability to employ Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and Vertical Launch ASROC antisubmarine weapons. Improvements were also made to the ship's sonar equipment, electronic systems and aviation facilities, while modifications to the helicopter hangar supported operations with the SH-60B Seahawk. The NATO Sea Sparrow system was upgraded, and the Phalanx Close-In Weapons System received improvements associated with the Block 1 configuration.

Following completion of the modernization, JOHN YOUNG conducted sea trials, combat systems testing and weapons qualifications. The new vertical-launch capability provided a significant increase in the destroyer's ability to conduct long-range strike operations against land targets. These capabilities became especially important following the 1990-91 Gulf War, when the U.S. Navy expanded the use of Tomahawk missiles aboard surface combatants.

During 1991, JOHN YOUNG continued training and operational preparations for another deployment to the Middle East. The work included Tomahawk strike planning, antisubmarine warfare exercises, naval gunfire qualifications and preparations for maritime interception operations enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq.

On January 21, 1992, JOHN YOUNG departed San Diego for a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf. Her assignments included serving as a Strike Operations Patrol Unit, Aircraft Support Unit and Surface Surveillance Unit. The destroyer visited Lualualei, Hawaii, from January 27 to 29 to load ammunition before continuing across the Pacific.

After a transit through the western Pacific, JOHN YOUNG visited Subic Bay, Philippines, from February 11 to 15, and Sembawang Naval Base, Singapore, from February 19 to 21. She stopped at Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 24 for fuel before continuing toward the Persian Gulf. On February 27, the destroyer transferred to the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. JOHN YOUNG arrived at the Sitrah anchorage in Bahrain on March 2, 1992, and began her assigned patrol duties in the Persian Gulf on March 4. Her primary responsibilities included the enforcement of United Nations sanctions against Iraq, surveillance of commercial shipping and readiness to conduct Tomahawk strikes if ordered. The ship also coordinated maritime interception operations with other American and allied naval forces.

During a visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from March 25 to 28, Rear Admiral Douglas J. Katz, Commander, Task Force 154, inspected JOHN YOUNG's Tomahawk strike planning capabilities. Impressed by the ship's equipment and operational preparations, Katz referred to JOHN YOUNG as the "King of Tomahawks," a nickname subsequently adopted by the crew. On March 14, 1992, the destroyer's embarked SH-60B Seahawk helicopter discovered a disabled Arab dhow approximately 25 miles off the Iranian coast. After the helicopter reported the vessel's position, JOHN YOUNG proceeded to assist. The destroyer took the dhow under tow and subsequently transferred responsibility for the vessel to the Bahraini Coast Guard.

During the deployment, JOHN YOUNG participated in Exercise Eager Sentry 92-03 with Kuwaiti forces and GulfEx 92 with British and French naval units. These exercises involved combined surface warfare, maritime security, communications and other operational training in the Persian Gulf.

In April 1992, the ship continued surveillance and maritime interception patrols before entering Dubai on April 19 for an extended maintenance availability. Work was conducted with assistance from the destroyer tender USS ACADIA. JOHN YOUNG returned to sea on April 28 and resumed patrol operations in the Gulf. Additional visits followed to Bahrain from May 11 to 13, a brief anchorage off Kuwait from May 20 to 22, and Abu Dhabi from May 28 to June 3. On June 5, JOHN YOUNG transferred her strike operations responsibilities to USS DAVID R. RAY (DD 971) and subsequently began the return voyage. After visiting Phuket, Thailand, from June 18 to 22, and Guam from June 30 to July 5, the destroyer continued across the Pacific and returned to San Diego on July 21, 1992.

On September 28, 1992, JOHN YOUNG entered a Selected Restricted Availability that included modifications to the Tomahawk Weapons Control System in preparation for the Block III version of the missile. The work also included improvements to the ship's strike planning and combat systems equipment. Following completion of the availability, the destroyer conducted further inspections and training during the first months of 1993.

On October 18, 1993, JOHN YOUNG departed San Diego for another deployment to the Persian Gulf. After visits to Pearl Harbor, Japan and Phuket, Thailand, the destroyer reached the Middle East and assumed ready strike duties on November 30. JOHN YOUNG served as flagship for Commander, Destroyer Squadron Seven, and performed additional responsibilities as Arabian Gulf Force Track Coordinator. During the deployment, the ship participated in Maritime Surveillance and Interception Operations enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq. These duties involved monitoring merchant shipping, maintaining surveillance of suspected sanctions violators and coordinating boarding operations with other American and coalition units. JOHN YOUNG remained available for Tomahawk operations if required by the regional command.

On January 20, 1994, JOHN YOUNG conducted a passing exercise with the Russian destroyer ADMIRAL VINOGRADOV. The two ships carried out communications and maneuvering exercises, exchanged personnel and conducted professional visits. In February, JOHN YOUNG operated with USS GARY (FFG 51) during a shallow-water antisubmarine warfare exercise against USS HELENA (SSN 725).

Following completion of her Middle East assignment, JOHN YOUNG began the return passage across the Indian and Pacific Oceans in March 1994. The voyage included port visits to Fremantle and Sydney, Australia, and a fuel stop in Fiji. The destroyer returned to San Diego on April 18, 1994.

During the latter part of 1994, JOHN YOUNG underwent a maintenance availability at Southwest Marine in San Diego, followed by repairs, inspections and equipment testing. During 1995, the destroyer resumed operational training in the eastern Pacific. Her activities included antisubmarine warfare exercises, naval gunfire qualifications and preparations for another overseas deployment. The training schedule was interrupted by a port visit to Vancouver, British Columbia, in August.

On February 9, 1996, JOHN YOUNG departed San Diego for another deployment to the Persian Gulf. The outward passage included visits to Hong Kong and Phuket, Thailand. During the transit, JOHN YOUNG, USS THACH, and USS RODNEY M. DAVIS (FFG 60) encountered a surfaced Indian Navy KILO-class submarine. The American ships monitored and tracked the submarine for several hours before resuming their passage.

JOHN YOUNG reached the Persian Gulf on March 19, 1996, and resumed duties as a ready strike platform and maritime interception unit. The ship operated with American and coalition forces enforcing United Nations sanctions imposed against Iraq following the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Her patrols included the identification and boarding of merchant vessels suspected of transporting prohibited cargo.

On March 24, JOHN YOUNG intercepted a tug towing a barge carrying approximately 3,000 metric tons of Iraqi oil. The vessel, identified as SHAIMA, had previously been involved in sanctions violations. A boarding team from JOHN YOUNG inspected the cargo and confirmed the violation. The tug and barge were subsequently turned over to Kuwaiti authorities on April 1.

During April 1996, JOHN YOUNG participated in Exercise Iron Falcon, a combined U.S.-United Arab Emirates exercise involving naval and air forces. The exercise emphasized maritime security, air defense, communications and coordinated surface operations. In May, the destroyer intercepted or diverted five additional vessels suspected of violating the sanctions regime against Iraq.

Following completion of her Gulf assignment, JOHN YOUNG returned to the United States and resumed maintenance and training. During 1997, she conducted further operational exercises and preparations for another deployment to the Middle East, including surface warfare, antisubmarine warfare and strike operations training.

On November 18, 1997, JOHN YOUNG departed San Diego for another Western Pacific and Persian Gulf deployment. After crossing the Indian Ocean, she entered the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on January 1, 1998. The following day, JOHN YOUNG conducted turnover with USS BENFOLD (DDG 65) and assumed her assigned maritime security and interception duties. Throughout January and February 1998, JOHN YOUNG conducted surveillance of commercial traffic and supported the enforcement of United Nations sanctions against Iraq. The ship made a brief visit to Bahrain for maintenance during early February before returning to patrol operations in the northern Persian Gulf.

During March 1998, JOHN YOUNG continued maritime interception and training operations. The destroyer also conducted a torpedo exercise involving an SH-60F helicopter operating from USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62). The exercise provided additional antisubmarine warfare training for the ship's combat systems personnel.

On April 1, 1998, JOHN YOUNG completed her assigned Gulf operations and began the return voyage. Following port visits to Fremantle and Sydney, Australia, the destroyer continued across the Pacific and arrived at San Diego on May 18, 1998. Her service during the deployment fell within the period of the Navy Unit Commendation awarded for operations from October 1, 1997, to April 30, 1998.

During the remainder of 1998 and much of 1999, JOHN YOUNG underwent a major overhaul, followed by equipment testing, inspections and refresher training. The maintenance program included work on the propulsion plant, weapons systems and other equipment necessary to prepare the destroyer for further overseas operations.

During the latter part of 1999, JOHN YOUNG departed for another deployment to the Middle East. The destroyer began 2000 in the Gulf of Oman and northern Arabian Gulf, supporting Maritime Interdiction Operations against vessels suspected of violating United Nations sanctions against Iraq. She maintained surveillance of commercial shipping and remained available for strike operations if required.

Following a visit to Bahrain in late January 2000, JOHN YOUNG began the return voyage toward the Pacific. She operated in company with USS FORD (FFG 54) and USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 53), visiting Albany and Sydney, Australia, and making a subsequent stop in Fiji. JOHN YOUNG returned to San Diego on March 20, 2000.

During the remainder of 2000, the destroyer underwent routine maintenance and operational training in the eastern Pacific. Her activities included participation in the Portland Rose Festival, combat systems exercises and Tomahawk missile certification training off Southern California. From January through March 2001, JOHN YOUNG participated in counter-narcotics operations off the western coast of Mexico. The deployment involved cooperation between U.S. Navy and Coast Guard personnel working to detect and intercept vessels suspected of transporting illegal drugs toward North America.

During February 2001, JOHN YOUNG participated in the interception of the fishing vessel FOREVER MY FRIEND, which was carrying approximately 19,884 pounds of cocaine, equivalent to about nine metric tons. The operation involved the destroyer's embarked helicopter detachment from Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 47 and Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 102, whose personnel conducted law enforcement duties aboard the warship.

After the seizure, arrangements were made to bring the vessel and its cargo into American custody. The operation was one of the largest maritime cocaine seizures recorded at the time. JOHN YOUNG subsequently returned to San Diego and began preparations for her final overseas deployment.

On October 18, 2001, JOHN YOUNG departed San Diego for her last deployment, assigned to the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility. The deployment took place shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks against the United States, as American naval forces began Operation Enduring Freedom against al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in Afghanistan. During the outward passage, JOHN YOUNG visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; and Chennai, India, before proceeding toward the Arabian Gulf. The ship conducted maritime interception and surveillance operations in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq and the broader maritime security effort associated with Operation Enduring Freedom.

During the deployment, JOHN YOUNG participated in Leadership Interdiction Operations intended to monitor and prevent the movement of suspected terrorist personnel and associated maritime traffic. Her assignments included surveillance, maritime interception and escort duties in the northern Arabian Gulf and surrounding waters.

During February 2002, JOHN YOUNG conducted escort operations through the Strait of Malacca before beginning her return voyage across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The ship visited Townsville and Darwin, Australia, and subsequently returned to San Diego on April 18, 2002, completing her final major overseas deployment.

During the summer of 2002, JOHN YOUNG conducted local operations, training and public relations visits as the Navy prepared to retire the ship. The destroyer visited Juneau, Alaska, for Independence Day celebrations and subsequently called at San Francisco, California, and Mazatlan, Mexico. Her final operational activities included naval surface fire support training off the California coast.

On September 12, 2002, JOHN YOUNG held her decommissioning ceremony at Pier 2, Naval Station San Diego. Former crew members, including sailors who had served aboard the ship when she was commissioned in 1978, attended the ceremony. Commander Timothy T. Smith, who had assumed command on December 13, 2001, was the ship's final commanding officer. Although the decommissioning ceremony had taken place, JOHN YOUNG remained capable of operating under her own power for the final voyage to the inactive fleet. The ship was officially decommissioned on September 19, 2002, and subsequently departed San Diego with much of her crew still aboard. On September 27, JOHN YOUNG arrived at Bremerton, Washington, where she entered the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility.

On November 6, 2002, JOHN YOUNG was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. The former destroyer remained at Bremerton until selected for use as a target in a Navy sinking exercise. During 2003, the ship was prepared for disposal and transferred to Hawaiian waters. On September 3, the salvage ship USS SALVOR (ARS 52) was photographed towing ex-JOHN YOUNG from San Francisco toward Pearl Harbor.

On April 11, 2004, ex-JOHN YOUNG departed Pearl Harbor under tow for her final voyage to a designated exercise area north of Kauai, Hawaii. On April 13, the former destroyer was sunk as a target by a Mk 48 Advanced Capability torpedo fired by the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS PASADENA (SSN 752). The torpedo detonated beneath the hull, breaking the ship apart and causing her to sink. The exercise marked the final disposition of the former USS JOHN YOUNG after nearly twenty-four and a half years of commissioned service.

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USS JOHN YOUNG Patch Gallery:

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About the Ship's Name, about Captain John Young:

USS JOHN YOUNG is the second ship named in honor of Captain John Young. The USS YOUNG (DD 312) was the first one, and was commissioned on November 29, 1920. Captain John Young, Continental Navy (c. 1740-1781), was a gallant and daring naval officer who lost his life in the struggle for independence during the American Revolution.

John Young began his seafaring career at an early age in the colonial merchant marine. A master mariner before the first shots of the revolution were fired, the Continental Congress honored him with a commission and the command of the sloop-of-war INDEPENDENCE. Captain Young's mission was the protection of American shipping in the West Indies, and the raiding of British merchantmen whenever and wherever the opportunity might arise. While in command of the INDEPENDENCE, Captain Young delivered important diplomatic dispatches to the American delegation to France, headed by Doctor Benjamin Franklin, and participated in the first salute of recognition to the American flag from a foreign power.

Captain Young went on to command two other Continental Navy vessels, the IMPERTINENT and the SARATOGA. In August of 1780, while enroute to home waters from the French colony of Martinique in the 18-gun sloop-of-war SARATOGA, Captain Young captured four enemy vessels after a close engagement with two of them simultaneously.

Shortly after taking his nineteenth prize on March 20, 1781, Captain Young's career was suddenly cut short. While sailing in company with French and American ships, the SARATOGA became separated in a storm and never seen again.

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USS JOHN YOUNG Image Gallery:

The Sinking of USS JOHN YOUNG:

On April 11, 2004, the JOHN YOUNG was towed from the Naval Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility at Pearl Harbor, Hi., to a location north off Kauaii. On April 13, 2004, the JOHN YOUNG was sent to the bottom of the sea by a Mk-48 ADCAP torpedo fired by the USS PASADENA (SSN 752).

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