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General Characteristics Crew List Memorabilia Cruise Books About the Ship's Name About the Ship's Coat of Arms History Image Gallery to end of page |  |
USS JOHN RODGERS was the 21st SPRUANCE-class destroyer and was the sixth US Navy ship named in honor of three members of the Rodgers family: Commodore John Rodgers (1772-1838), his son Rear Admiral John Rodgers (1812-1882), and his great-grandson Commander John Rodgers (1881-1926), an early pioneer of naval aviation. Decommissioned on September 4, 1998, the ship spent the following years laid-up at the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF), Philadelphia, PA. In 2006, she was towed to Brownsville, TX., where she was scrapped.
| General Characteristics: | Keel Laid: August 12, 1976 |
| Christened: March 18, 1978 | |
| Commissioned: July 14, 1979 | |
| Decommissioned: September 4, 1998 | |
| Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, West Bank, Pascagoula, Miss. | |
| Propulsion system: four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines | |
| Propellers: two | |
| Blades on each Propeller: five | |
| Length: 564,3 feet (172 meters) | |
| Beam: 55,1 feet (16.8 meters) | |
| Draft: 28,9 feet (8.8 meters) | |
| Displacement: approx. 9,200 tons full load | |
| Speed: 30+ knots | |
| Aircraft: two | |
| Armament: two | |
| Crew: approx. 340 |
back to top go to the end of the pageback to top go to the end of the pageCrew List:
This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS JOHN RODGERS. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.
back to top go to the end of the pageback to top go to the end of the pageUSS JOHN RODGERS Cruise Books:
back to top go to the end of the pageAbout the Ship's Name:
JOHN RODGERS was named for three members of a distinguished Navy family. They were...
...Commodore John Rodgers (1772-1838):
John Rodgers, born near present Havre de Grace, MD, 11 July 1772, entered the Navy as Second Lieutenant 8 March 1798 and was assigned to CONSTELLATION. He helped capture French frigate L'INSURGENTE 9 February 1799, and took command of her as prize master. He was promoted to Captain 5 March 1799, and 3 months later took command of MARYLAND. In March 1801, he transported the ratified French-American Peace Treaty to France.
Placed in command of JOHN ADAMS the following year, he sailed for the Mediterranean to attack Barbary forts and gunboats at Tripoli. His brilliant record fighting the corsairs won him appointment as Commodore of the Mediterranean Squadron in May 1805.
A year later he returned to the United States to take command of the New York Flotilla. After the Embargo Act was passed at the close of 1807, Rodgers commanded operations along the Atlantic Coast, enforcing its provisions.
In the spring of 1811, upon word that a British ship was impressing American seaman off Sandy Hook, NJ, Commodore Rodgers, in PRESIDENT, was ordered to investigate. On 16 May, he defeated British corvette LITTLE BELT in a spirited engagement, which foreshadowed his brilliant success in the forthcoming war with England.
On the sixth day of the War of 1812, still in PRESIDENT, Rodgers drove off British frigate BELVIDERA, and chased her for 8 hours before she escaped. During the remainder of the war, he captured 23 prizes and, on land, rendered valuable service defending Baltimore during the attack on Fort Henry.
Following the war, Rodgers headed the Board of Navy Commissioners until retiring in May 1837. Commodore Rodgers died in Philadelphia 1 August 1838.
...Rear Admiral John Rodgers (1812-1882):
John Rodgers, son of Commodore John Rodgers, was born near Havre de Grace, MD, 8 August 1812. He entered the Navy as a Midshipman 18 April 1828. Service in the Mediterranean on board CONSTELLATION and CONCORD opened his long career of distinguished service. In the mid-1850s, he succeeded Commander Ringgold in command of the North Pacific Exploring and Survey Expedition, which added greatly to our knowledge of Far Eastern and Northern waters.
In the early months of the Civil War, Rodgers organized the Mississippi Flotilla, and supervised construction of the first ironclad gunboats on the western rivers. He took command of ironclad GALENA in April 1862, and operated with distinction in the James River, while supporting General McClellan's Peninsular Campaign. He was promoted to Captain 16 July 1862, and transferred to monitor WEEHAWKEN. In her, he distinguished himself during the attack on Fort Sumter, and in capturing Confederate ram, ATLANTA. The latter service won him the thanks of Congress and promotion to Commodore.
After the war, Rodgers commanded the Boston Naval Station until 1869. He was elevated to Rear Admiral in December 1869, and given command of the Asiatic Squadron. In this post, he ably handled diplomatic duties in addition to his naval responsibilities. Back in the United States, he commanded Mare Island Naval Station and the Naval Observatory. He died in Washington 5 May 1882.
...Commander John Rodgers (1881-1926):
John Rodgers, great-grandson of Commodore Rodgers, was born in Washington 15 January 1881, and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1908. His early naval career included service on ships of various types before studying flying in 1911, and becoming the second American naval officer to receive a pilot's license.
He commanded Division 1, Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet in 1916, and, after the United States entered World War I, he commanded the Submarine Base at New London, Connecticut.
Following the war, he served in European waters, and received the Distinguished Service Medal for outstanding work on mine-sweeping operations in the North Sea. After several important assignments during the next 5 years, he commanded Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet, in LANGLEY in 1925. That year, he made the first attempt at a non-stop flight from California to Hawaii. In command of Seaplane PN-9, he departed San Pedro 31 August, but a fuel shortage forced his plane to land short of her destination 1 September. While ships searched for the plane, Commander Rodgers led his crew in improvising sails from the plane's wing material to continue the trip afloat. Finally, 9 days later, after sailing the plane to within 15 miles of Nawililwili Bay, Kauai, Rodgers hailed Submarine R-4 and was towed into port.
After this experience, he served as Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics, until killed in an airplane crash 27 August 1929.
back to top go to the end of the pageAbout the Ship's Coat of Arms:
The official crest of JOHN RODGERS symbolizes the service of three members of a prominent Navy family. The anchor represents the service of Commodore John Rodgers, who acted as President of the Board of Naval Commissioners, following the War of 1812, until 1837. His son, Rear Admiral John Rodgers, led exploring expeditions in Chinese waters and through the Bering Strait in 1855; the compass rose is symbolic of his service. Commander John Rodgers II, great-grandson of Commodore Rodgers, was a pioneer of Naval Aviation, and his service is alluded to by the wings.
The sea eagle, a sharp-eyed, marine bird-of-prey, represents the ship's primary mission of detection and tracking, with the addition of incredibly deadly striking ability. The three arrowheads refer to the multi-mission capabilities of the SPRUANCE - class destroyer, as well as the Naval service of the father, son, and great-grandson for whom the ship is named.
back to top go to the end of the pageUSS JOHN RODGERS History:
USS JOHN RODGERS, the twenty-first SPRUANCE-class destroyer, was laid down on August 12, 1976, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was launched on February 25, 1978, christened on March 18, 1978, and commissioned on July 14, 1979, with Commander Michael H. Loy as her first commanding officer. Her sponsor was Mrs. Mary T. Alger Smith, a great-great-granddaughter of Commodore Rodgers. Following commissioning, JOHN RODGERS joined the Atlantic Fleet and was assigned to Charleston, South Carolina, as her first homeport.
On July 16, 1979, JOHN RODGERS departed Pascagoula for Charleston, where she began preparations for operational service. During the following months, the destroyer conducted engineering trials, combat-system evaluations and training in the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The initial training program included shiphandling, damage control, naval gunfire support and antisubmarine warfare exercises. In early November, she completed additional contract trials before resuming operations from Charleston.
From December 7 to 9, 1979, JOHN RODGERS participated in exercises with the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60) and the destroyer USS BARRY (DD 933). The exercises included carrier screening, tactical maneuvering and antisubmarine warfare training. JOHN RODGERS returned to Charleston on December 10 and remained in port for the remainder of the year.
On January 3, 1980, JOHN RODGERS departed Charleston for Pascagoula, where she entered a four-month post-shakedown restricted availability at Ingalls Shipbuilding. During the shipyard period, the destroyer received her Harpoon antiship missile system and NATO Sea Sparrow point-defense missile system, together with other equipment modifications and repairs identified during her initial operations. Sea trials were conducted on April 15 and 16, and the ship departed Pascagoula on April 25. After returning to Charleston on April 29, she conducted weapons certifications, combat-system testing and operational training during the following months.
During the summer and autumn of 1980, JOHN RODGERS continued training in the Atlantic and Caribbean in preparation for her first overseas deployment. The exercises included naval gunfire support, antisubmarine warfare, helicopter operations and tactical maneuvering with other Atlantic Fleet units. Following completion of her predeployment preparations, the destroyer loaded ammunition and supplies before departing Charleston.
On November 18, 1980, JOHN RODGERS departed for her first Mediterranean deployment with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Operating with American carrier and surface combatant groups, she conducted antisubmarine warfare, surface surveillance, tactical maneuvering and replenishment exercises. The deployment took place during a period of substantial Soviet naval activity in the Mediterranean, where American warships regularly monitored Soviet submarines and surface vessels.
On January 2, 1981, JOHN RODGERS got underway to rendezvous with Task Force 60, which included the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67), the guided missile cruiser USS RICHMOND K. TURNER (CG 20), the guided missile destroyer USS LUCE (DDG 38), and the destroyers USS NICHOLSON (DD 982) and USS JOHN HANCOCK (DD 981). The formation conducted antiair and antisubmarine warfare exercises before beginning a period of free-play tactical operations from January 5 to 11. On January 15, JOHN RODGERS detected and tracked a submarine for approximately eleven hours in cooperation with USS JOHN HANCOCK.
Following participation in Exercise National Week in the eastern Mediterranean, JOHN RODGERS visited Alexandria, Egypt, from January 23 to 26, 1981. Further port calls included Toulon, France, from February 3 to 8; Valencia, Spain, from February 14 to 17; and Naples, Italy, from February 26 to March 3. During the Naples visit, the destroyer hosted several senior American naval officers, including Admiral Robert L. J. Long and Admiral William J. Crowe Jr.
On March 5, 1981, JOHN RODGERS arrived at Gaeta, Italy, for a tender availability with USS PUGET SOUND (AD 38). Following completion of the maintenance period, she resumed Sixth Fleet exercises in the western Mediterranean. From March 24 to 26, she visited Casablanca, Morocco, before proceeding to Rota, Spain, for turnover preparations. On March 30, JOHN RODGERS departed Rota in company with several Atlantic Fleet ships, including USS NICHOLSON and USS JOHN HANCOCK. The destroyer returned to Charleston on April 9, 1981.
Following post-deployment leave and upkeep, JOHN RODGERS underwent a retrofit from April 27 to May 17, 1981, followed by an intermediate maintenance availability with USS SIERRA (AD 18), which continued until June 12. During June and July, she conducted helicopter operations and midshipman training cruises in the western Atlantic. From June 22 to 26, the destroyer completed extensive flight-deck training off Jacksonville, including 159 helicopter landings. She subsequently visited Annapolis, Maryland, and conducted naval gunfire support qualifications near Bloodworth Island before returning to Charleston on August 3.
During September and October 1981, JOHN RODGERS participated in NATO Exercise Ocean Venture 81 in the North Atlantic and European waters. On September 22, she began SHAREM 44 in the western approaches to the English Channel, operating with American and British naval units. The exercise evaluated antisubmarine warfare procedures and the coordination of surface ships, helicopters and other participating forces.
Following the exercise, JOHN RODGERS proceeded to Danish waters, where she joined a NATO formation that included USS RICHMOND K. TURNER, USS LUCE, USS JESSE L. BROWN (FF 1089), and the replenishment oiler USS MILWAUKEE (AOR 2), together with West German and Danish warships. The force conducted exercises in the Baltic Sea during the opening days of October. JOHN RODGERS subsequently visited Copenhagen, Denmark, from October 9 to 12.
During the return passage across the Atlantic, JOHN RODGERS was detached from the task group on October 19 to rendezvous with the rescue and salvage ship USS OPPORTUNE (ARS 41). A sailor aboard the salvage ship required emergency medical treatment, and JOHN RODGERS took the patient aboard on October 20. The destroyer then proceeded toward Bermuda, where the sailor was transferred by helicopter to a naval medical facility on October 21. JOHN RODGERS returned to Charleston on October 24, 1981.
Following maintenance and helicopter training during the remainder of 1981, JOHN RODGERS began preparations for another Middle East deployment. On February 11, 1982, she departed Charleston in company with USS JOHN HANCOCK. The two destroyers crossed the Atlantic and visited Rota, Spain, from February 23 to 25, where JOHN RODGERS underwent repairs to her starboard shaft and reduction gears before continuing through the Strait of Gibraltar.
On March 2, 1982, JOHN RODGERS and USS JOHN HANCOCK rendezvoused with the frigates USS VALDEZ (FF 1096) and USS KOELSCH (FF 1049). The four ships proceeded toward Port Said and transited the Suez Canal on March 4. JOHN RODGERS subsequently entered the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on March 10 and relieved USS ELMER MONTGOMERY (FF 1082) as a radar-picket unit.
During the following months, JOHN RODGERS maintained surveillance and patrol operations in the Persian Gulf as part of the Middle East Force. The assignment required continuous monitoring of air and surface contacts during the Iran-Iraq War, which had begun in September 1980. The destroyer visited Bahrain from March 23 to 30 and participated in an antimine exercise with USS JOHN HANCOCK on April 19. The exercise included procedures for identifying and avoiding potential mine threats in the confined waters of the Persian Gulf.
On May 4, 1982, JOHN RODGERS temporarily departed the Persian Gulf and proceeded toward East Africa. She crossed the equator on May 7 and visited Mombasa, Kenya, from May 9 to 11. Following the port visit, the destroyer returned to the Persian Gulf, arriving at Mina Sulman, Bahrain, on May 19. She resumed radar-picket operations in the central Gulf on May 26 and continued her assigned patrols until early July.
On July 2, 1982, JOHN RODGERS completed turnover with USS JONAS INGRAM (DD 938) and departed the Persian Gulf. She rendezvoused with USS JOHN HANCOCK on July 6, and the two destroyers transited the Suez Canal northbound on July 10. On July 13, JOHN RODGERS conducted an emergency medical evacuation, transferring a sailor from USS BOWEN (FF 1079) to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily, for treatment. The destroyer subsequently visited Malaga, Spain, from July 16 to 19 before beginning the Atlantic crossing with USS JOHN HANCOCK. JOHN RODGERS returned to Charleston on July 28, 1982.
Following a brief maintenance period, JOHN RODGERS departed Charleston again on August 31, 1982, with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 32, Detachment 6, embarked. The ship transited the Panama Canal on September 4 and proceeded into the eastern Pacific for surveillance and intelligence operations off the coasts of El Salvador and Nicaragua. These operations took place during a period of armed conflict and political instability in Central America, when American naval forces monitored military activity and regional developments.
JOHN RODGERS relieved USS SPRUANCE (DD 963) on September 6 and began operations in the assigned surveillance area. During the deployment, the destroyer conducted maritime reconnaissance and monitored activity along the Central American coast. The operations were interrupted by equipment repairs and replenishment requirements, including work on the Mk 86 gunfire control system and Mk 91 guided missile fire control system. After completing her assignment, JOHN RODGERS returned through the Panama Canal and arrived at Charleston on October 29, 1982.
During the remainder of 1982 and the opening months of 1983, JOHN RODGERS conducted inspections, maintenance and training in preparation for another Mediterranean deployment. On March 7, 1983, she departed Charleston for Exercise READEX 1-83 near Puerto Rico. Following her return on April 1, the destroyer underwent a maintenance availability with USS SIERRA, during which three main propulsion gas turbines and two gas turbine generators were replaced.
On April 29, 1983, JOHN RODGERS departed Charleston for the Mediterranean in company with USS MAHAN (DDG 42), USS JOSEPH HEWES (FF 1078), and USS BOWEN. The ships initially participated in Exercise Solid Shield off the North Carolina coast before joining Task Group 20.4, centered on the aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). Other ships operating with the force included USS VIRGINIA (CGN 38), USS BELKNAP (CG 26), USS ARTHUR W. RADFORD (DD 968), and several guided missile frigates.
After calling at Rota, Spain, from May 9 to 10, 1983, JOHN RODGERS proceeded into the Mediterranean. From May 16 to 22, the destroyer conducted surveillance of the Soviet aircraft carrier NOVOROSSIYSK, collecting photographic, electronic and acoustic intelligence during the Soviet ship's operations in the Mediterranean. On May 22, an A-6E Intruder from Attack Squadron 65 embarked aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER crashed off Taranto, Italy. JOHN RODGERS served as on-scene commander during the search and rescue operation. Both members of the aircraft's crew died in the accident.
On May 24, 1983, JOHN RODGERS arrived off Beirut, Lebanon, where American naval forces were supporting the Multinational Force deployed during the Lebanese Civil War. Fighting between Lebanese government forces, Syrian-backed militias and other armed groups had intensified during the spring. On April 18, a bomb attack against the American Embassy in Beirut had killed 63 people, increasing concerns about the security of American personnel in Lebanon.
JOHN RODGERS remained off Beirut until June 5, providing a naval presence and remaining available for gunfire support. She subsequently visited Alexandria, Egypt, from June 6 to 11 before proceeding to Trieste, Italy, for a two-week maintenance availability with USS PUGET SOUND. Following completion of the maintenance period, JOHN RODGERS departed Trieste on June 27 and participated in a freedom-of-navigation operation off Albania with USS JOSEPH HEWES and USS BELKNAP.
During July 1983, JOHN RODGERS participated in combined operations with the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Battle Group and other Sixth Fleet units. After visiting Malaga, Spain, from July 16 to 20, the destroyer returned to the waters off Beirut on July 27. The following day, Captain Morgan M. France, Commander, U.S. Forces in Lebanon and Commander, Amphibious Forces Sixth Fleet, transferred his flag to JOHN RODGERS. The destroyer thereby served as an amphibious forces flagship during the continuing American naval operations off Lebanon. Captain France remained embarked until August 10.
During September 1983, fighting intensified in the mountains overlooking Beirut as Druze and other antigovernment forces attacked positions held by the Lebanese Armed Forces. American Marine positions near Beirut International Airport and the residence of the U.S. Ambassador also came under artillery fire. On September 16, JOHN RODGERS and USS BOWEN conducted naval gunfire support against artillery positions in Syrian-controlled areas following attacks near American installations.
On September 19, 1983, JOHN RODGERS and USS VIRGINIA conducted a major naval gunfire support operation against positions threatening Lebanese Army forces defending the strategically important town of Suq al-Gharb in the Shouf Mountains east of Beirut. The two warships fired a combined total of 338 rounds of 5-inch ammunition against artillery positions and other military targets. The engagement was conducted in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces as fighting continued near the approaches to Beirut.
Additional gunfire support operations followed during the next two days. On September 20, JOHN RODGERS and USS VIRGINIA responded to renewed shelling near the American Ambassador's residence. On September 21, JOHN RODGERS and USS ARTHUR W. RADFORD fired against positions responsible for shelling the U.S. Marine compound at Beirut International Airport. The destroyer's naval gunfire support operations continued until the immediate fighting subsided.
Following her Lebanon assignment, JOHN RODGERS continued Sixth Fleet operations and visited Gaeta, Italy, from October 15 to 26, 1983. On October 30, she made a brief stop at Tangier, Morocco, for turnover with USS GALLERY (FFG 26). The ship subsequently participated in Exercise CRISEX 83 with Spanish naval forces before proceeding to Rota and beginning her return passage across the Atlantic. JOHN RODGERS arrived at Charleston on November 21, 1983.
On February 15, 1984, JOHN RODGERS departed Charleston as flagship of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 14, for the NATO exercises United Effort/Teamwork 84 and BALTOPS 84. The deployment took her to the North Atlantic, Norwegian Sea and Baltic Sea. On March 5, the destroyer conducted naval gunfire support training near Cape Wrath, Scotland, before proceeding northward. She crossed the Arctic Circle on March 10 and participated in Exercise Teamwork 84 in the Barents Sea and northern Norwegian waters. Her duties included early warning, tactical surveillance and support for an amphibious landing exercise.
After completing the northern operations, JOHN RODGERS proceeded to the Baltic Sea and visited Kiel, West Germany, from March 27 to 31, 1984. She then sailed toward Helsinki, Finland, in company with USS JACK WILLIAMS (FFG 24). On April 5, the two American warships rendezvoused with Finnish icebreakers and tugs to negotiate heavy ice conditions near Helsinki. With their propulsion plants secured, the ships were towed through approximately 19 nautical miles of pack ice measuring five to seven feet in thickness before reaching the Finnish capital.
JOHN RODGERS departed Helsinki on April 9, 1984, and participated in BALTOPS 84. The exercise was curtailed on April 12 because of fog, after which the destroyer and USS JACK WILLIAMS visited Aarhus, Denmark, from April 14 to 16. The two ships subsequently began their return passage across the Atlantic. Commander, Destroyer Squadron 14, transferred his flag to USS JACK WILLIAMS on April 27, and JOHN RODGERS returned to Charleston on April 29.
Following her return, JOHN RODGERS prepared for a major regular overhaul. She offloaded ammunition during May and completed an intermediate maintenance availability with USS SIERRA before departing Charleston on May 30, 1984. The destroyer proceeded to Pascagoula, Mississippi, where she entered Ingalls Shipbuilding on June 10 for an overhaul lasting approximately nine months.
The overhaul included the installation of the Tomahawk Weapon System and associated targeting equipment, improvements to the Mk 45 5-inch/54-caliber guns and Mk 86 gunfire control system, and modifications to the AN/SQS-53 sonar. Extensive machinery, hull and auxiliary equipment maintenance was also completed. Sea trials were conducted from March 5 to 7, 1985, and the overhaul was completed on March 13. JOHN RODGERS returned to Charleston on March 21, 1985, after the shipyard work had been completed ahead of schedule and below the original budget estimate.
During the remainder of 1985, JOHN RODGERS conducted post-overhaul training and operational evaluations. Her activities included naval gunfire support qualifications, combat-system testing, engineering readiness inspections and antisubmarine warfare exercises in the Caribbean and western Atlantic. The ship also completed helicopter operations and other preparations for her next overseas deployment. In December, JOHN RODGERS returned to Charleston following further training and began preparing for the following year's operational schedule.
On January 13, 1986, JOHN RODGERS departed Charleston for Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where she entered drydock to repair a damaged controllable-pitch propeller. The destroyer returned to Charleston on January 29 before departing again in early February for additional weapons testing. During the subsequent cruise, she visited Galveston, Texas, and conducted a Tomahawk operational test launch in the Gulf of Mexico. After calling at Key West, Florida, she proceeded to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, for weapons accuracy tests and naval gunfire support qualifications.
On August 18, 1986, JOHN RODGERS departed Charleston with the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group for a Mediterranean deployment. The force included the nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser USS BAINBRIDGE (CGN 25), USS HARRY E. YARNELL (CG 17), the guided missile destroyer USS DAHLGREN (DDG 43), the destroyer USS MOOSBRUGGER (DD 980), USS McCANDLESS (FF 1084), and USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47), together with additional surface combatants and support ships.
The battle group reached Rota, Spain, in late August 1986. JOHN RODGERS subsequently visited Monte Carlo, Monaco, before participating in NATO Exercise Display Determination 86 beginning on September 22. The exercise included naval gunfire support training off Sardinia and combined air, surface and amphibious operations with Italian and Turkish forces in the central and eastern Mediterranean.
On October 2, 1986, an SH-2F Seasprite helicopter from Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 36 crashed into the Mediterranean shortly after taking off from USNS PAWCATUCK (T-AO 108). The aircraft, Bureau Number 161915, was assigned to JOHN RODGERS. The three crew members survived the accident and were rescued by the Italian frigate ORSA. They sustained minor injuries, while the helicopter was lost.
On October 16, 1986, JOHN RODGERS transited the Turkish Straits and entered the Black Sea, where she conducted operations through October 20. The American naval presence in the area formed part of the Navy's continuing program of exercising navigation rights and maintaining access to international waters. USS MOOSBRUGGER also participated in the Black Sea operation. Following completion of the mission, JOHN RODGERS visited Istanbul, Turkey, from October 21 to 23.
The destroyer subsequently proceeded to La Maddalena, Sardinia, for an intermediate maintenance availability from October 28 to November 10, 1986. She then participated in Exercise African Eagle with Moroccan naval forces from November 11 to 20. Additional port visits included Barcelona, Spain, from November 24 to 28; Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, from December 1 to 15; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, from December 19 to January 2, 1987.
On January 3, 1987, an F-14A Tomcat crashed while attempting a night landing aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY during severe weather. JOHN RODGERS responded to the emergency and rescued the aircraft's radar intercept officer as well as a rescue swimmer who had entered the water during the search. The recovery was conducted in high seas and strong winds. The destroyer subsequently visited Toulon, France, from January 6 to 12 before participating in Exercise National Week 87A from January 16 to 25.
Following turnover activities at Augusta Bay, Sicily, JOHN RODGERS visited Malaga, Spain, beginning on January 29, 1987. The visit was interrupted when the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group was ordered to extend its Mediterranean deployment because of renewed tensions in Lebanon. JOHN RODGERS departed Malaga on January 30 and returned to the eastern Mediterranean for contingency operations. On February 3, Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman Jr. visited the ship while she was underway.
After completion of the additional Mediterranean assignment, JOHN RODGERS passed westward through the Strait of Gibraltar on February 20, 1987, and returned to Charleston on March 5. Following post-deployment leave and upkeep, she departed for Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, entering drydock on April 10 for repairs to the rubber window of her sonar dome. The ship departed the yard on May 21 and returned to Charleston on May 24.
During June 1987, JOHN RODGERS conducted two midshipman training cruises. The first included visits to Miami and Port Everglades, Florida, while the second took her to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Boston, Massachusetts. Following these cruises, the destroyer completed operational inspections and preparations for additional maintenance. On August 8, she entered a Selected Restricted Availability under the supervision of SupShip Charleston. Sea trials were completed on November 17 and 18, and the ship remained in Charleston during the remainder of the year.
During 1988, JOHN RODGERS conducted operational training and combat-system evaluations in preparation for another Mediterranean deployment. The work-up period included exercises in the western Atlantic and Caribbean, weapons qualifications and inspections. The destroyer subsequently deployed with the Sixth Fleet, conducting antisubmarine warfare, surface surveillance and combined training with NATO and allied naval forces during the latter part of the year.
On November 23, 1988, JOHN RODGERS arrived at Malaga, Spain, for a five-day port visit. She subsequently proceeded to Tangier, Morocco, and participated in Exercise African Eagle from December 1 to 9. Following the exercise, the destroyer visited Palma de Mallorca, Spain, from December 10 to 19 and participated in Exercise Snake Pit from December 20 to 22. She arrived at Naples, Italy, on December 23 and remained there through the Christmas and New Year holidays.
On January 3, 1989, JOHN RODGERS departed Naples and proceeded to Marseille, France, where she remained from January 5 to 11. The destroyer then participated in Exercise National Week, including turnover activities at Augusta Bay, Sicily, with USS MOOSBRUGGER on January 14. After completing further operations in the western Mediterranean, JOHN RODGERS passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on January 21 and returned to Charleston on February 1, 1989.
Following post-deployment leave, JOHN RODGERS resumed operations from Charleston. In March 1989, she deployed to the Caribbean for counter-narcotics patrols in support of American law-enforcement efforts. She visited Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, from March 20 to 21 and conducted interdiction operations in the Caribbean through April 1. The remainder of the year included maintenance, training and preparations for her next Mediterranean deployment.
On March 8, 1990, JOHN RODGERS departed Charleston with the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Battle Group for a regularly scheduled Mediterranean deployment. After crossing the Atlantic, the destroyer participated in Exercise National Week 90B from March 20 to 27 and completed turnover at Augusta Bay, Sicily, on March 28. The deployment took place during the final phase of the Cold War, with American and Soviet naval forces continuing to maintain a substantial presence in the Mediterranean.
JOHN RODGERS visited Toulon, France, from April 2 to 9, 1990, before proceeding to the Aegean Sea for Exercise Distant Thunder I from April 16 to 19. The destroyer then visited Haifa, Israel, from April 22 to 28. During May, she participated in Exercises Dragon Hammer 90, ROMPEX and Distant Thunder II, conducting combined air-defense, antisubmarine warfare and tactical operations with American and allied naval forces.
Following the exercises, JOHN RODGERS visited Aksaz, Turkey, and Port Mahon on the Spanish island of Menorca. On June 7, 1990, she arrived at Naples, Italy, for a ten-day intermediate maintenance availability. Additional maintenance and port visits included Monte Carlo, Monaco, from June 25 to 28 and Marseille, France, from July 2 to 15, where she received support from USS SIERRA.
During late July and early August 1990, JOHN RODGERS operated in the eastern Mediterranean and made several visits to Haifa, Israel. Her assignments included Exercises Noble Dina 5 and Flashing Scimitar, involving maritime operations and combined training with regional naval forces. The destroyer was in Haifa on August 2 when Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait, beginning the crisis that led to Operation Desert Shield.
Following the invasion, the United Nations Security Council demanded Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait and imposed economic sanctions. The United States began deploying additional military forces to the Middle East, while American naval units already in the Mediterranean received new operational assignments. JOHN RODGERS departed Haifa on August 14, 1990, to support contingency planning and maritime surveillance in the eastern Mediterranean, including monitoring commercial shipping moving toward the Suez Canal.
On August 23, 1990, JOHN RODGERS transited the Suez Canal southbound and joined multinational naval forces enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq in the Red Sea. The destroyer patrolled near the approaches to the Gulf of Aqaba, monitoring merchant traffic bound for Aqaba, Jordan, and other regional ports. Her duties included maritime surveillance and interdiction operations during the early phase of Operation Desert Shield.
JOHN RODGERS began her return passage on August 27, 1990, transiting the Suez Canal northbound. She refueled at Augusta Bay on August 30 and passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on September 1. The destroyer returned to Charleston on September 8, 1990. Her Desert Shield participation therefore preceded Operation Desert Storm, which began in January 1991.
Following a post-deployment standdown, JOHN RODGERS resumed local operations during the autumn of 1990. On November 26, she departed Charleston for a seven-week counter-narcotics deployment in the Caribbean under Joint Task Force 4. The ship conducted maritime surveillance and interdiction patrols, interrupted by a visit to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands from December 16 to 18. She subsequently visited Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, over the New Year holiday.
After completing additional patrols during the opening days of 1991, JOHN RODGERS returned to Charleston on January 10. Her participation in the counter-narcotics operations was recognized by the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. During January and February, the destroyer conducted naval gunfire support qualifications and preparations for an Inspection and Survey Board inspection before beginning a major shipyard availability.
On April 1, 1991, JOHN RODGERS entered Metro Machine Shipyard in Chesapeake, Virginia, for a regular overhaul lasting approximately one year. The ship was placed in drydock from June 1 to August 27 as work proceeded on her hull, propulsion machinery, auxiliary systems and combat equipment. The modernization included extensive improvements intended to extend her operational capabilities.
Among the major combat-system modifications were the installation of the AN/SQQ-89 antisubmarine warfare system with the AN/SQR-19 Tactical Towed Array Sonar, the Recovery Assist, Secure and Traverse (RAST) helicopter handling system and equipment required for LAMPS Mk III helicopter operations. The ship also received improvements to the AN/SLQ-32(V)3 and OUTBOARD II electronic warfare systems, the Tomahawk Block II weapon system and the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System Block I.
During February 1992, JOHN RODGERS conducted post-overhaul sea trials in the Atlantic under difficult weather conditions. The trials were completed from February 22 to 24 despite heavy seas and strong winds. The overhaul was formally completed on March 12, 1992, approximately 48 days ahead of the planned completion date and below the estimated budget. JOHN RODGERS subsequently returned to Charleston on April 1.
Following completion of the overhaul, JOHN RODGERS underwent a series of inspections, operational evaluations and refresher training exercises. In July 1992, she proceeded to Vieques, Puerto Rico, for naval gunfire support qualifications before continuing to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for seven weeks of refresher training. The training program included engineering readiness, damage control, communications, combat-system operations and antisubmarine warfare exercises. The ship returned to Charleston and continued maintenance and operational preparations during the remainder of the year.
On January 19, 1993, JOHN RODGERS departed Charleston for the Caribbean to conduct counter-narcotics operations. During the initial phase of the deployment, she participated in the evaluation of the Rapid Anti-Air Integrated Defense System (RAIDS), a prototype air-defense system. The destroyer subsequently conducted maritime surveillance and interdiction operations with other American naval and law-enforcement units.
During the Caribbean assignment, JOHN RODGERS and USS BIDDLE (CG 34) intercepted a high-speed smuggling vessel off Colombia. The boat had suffered steering problems and was operating in rough seas. JOHN RODGERS took the vessel and its three crew members under control and delivered them to U.S. Coast Guard authorities at Guantanamo Bay. The destroyer participated in two additional drug interdiction operations before returning to Charleston on March 10, 1993.
Following inspections and further training, JOHN RODGERS prepared for UNITAS XXXIV, the annual series of multinational exercises conducted by the United States Navy with South American naval forces. On July 17, 1993, she departed Charleston for Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, where the American task group assembled for the opening phase. The force included USS STARK (FFG 31), USS WHIDBEY ISLAND (LSD 41), the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS PINTADO (SSN 672), and USCGC NORTHLAND (WMEC 904).
UNITAS XXXIV began on July 21, 1993, with combined exercises involving American and participating South American naval forces. JOHN RODGERS served as flagship of Commander, U.S. South Atlantic Force, Rear Admiral Wirt R. Fladd. The exercises were conducted in successive phases around South America and included antisubmarine warfare, surface warfare, maritime interdiction, tactical maneuvering, replenishment and communications training.
During the deployment, JOHN RODGERS visited ports in Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. The task group transited the Panama Canal and operated along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of South America. The individual exercise phases were conducted with participating national navies and included combined tactical operations and professional exchanges.
Following completion of the UNITAS exercises, JOHN RODGERS returned to Roosevelt Roads, where Rear Admiral Fladd and members of his staff disembarked. Family members and guests then embarked for the final passage to Charleston. The destroyer returned on November 26, 1993, and entered a period of post-deployment leave and maintenance.
On January 8, 1994, JOHN RODGERS departed Charleston for Operation Support Democracy, the multinational maritime operation enforcing United Nations sanctions against Haiti. The sanctions had been imposed following the September 1991 military coup that removed President Jean-Bertrand Aristide from power. American and allied warships monitored maritime traffic and conducted inspections intended to prevent prohibited weapons, military equipment and petroleum products from entering Haiti.
JOHN RODGERS conducted intelligence-gathering, maritime surveillance and interdiction operations in the Caribbean during the assignment. Her crew challenged merchant vessels, examined shipping documentation and conducted boardings when required. The destroyer remained assigned to Operation Support Democracy through February 24, 1994, and returned to Charleston on March 4.
Following the Haiti deployment, JOHN RODGERS entered a two-month Selected Restricted Availability on March 27, 1994. The maintenance period continued until May 27 and included repairs and equipment servicing in preparation for renewed Atlantic Fleet operations. During May, the ship hosted the Canadian frigate HMCS MONTREAL during a visit to Charleston. JOHN RODGERS resumed training in July and participated in additional exercises and evaluations during the second half of the year.
On July 18, 1994, JOHN RODGERS assisted the U.S. Coast Guard during the search for the missing recreational vessel SEA SEA RIDER. The destroyer located the boat and directed the Coast Guard cutter USCGC AQUIDNECK (WPB 1309) to its position. Later in the year, JOHN RODGERS participated in testing improvements to the AN/SLQ-32(V)3 electronic warfare system and conducted Composite Training Unit Exercise 95-2 off Puerto Rico from November 9 to December 8. These activities formed part of the preparations for another Mediterranean deployment.
On January 18, 1995, JOHN RODGERS departed Charleston with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 48, Detachment 9, embarked for a Mediterranean deployment. After refueling in the Azores, she passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on January 29 and arrived at Augusta Bay, Sicily, on February 1. There she completed turnover with the guided missile cruiser USS YORKTOWN (CG 48) and assumed duties as flagship of NATO's Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT) under Rear Admiral James Stark.
During the deployment, JOHN RODGERS operated primarily in the Adriatic Sea in support of Operation Sharp Guard, the multinational maritime enforcement operation conducted by NATO and the Western European Union to implement United Nations sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The destroyer's duties included maritime surveillance, merchant-vessel challenges and boarding operations, with the embarked command staff coordinating the activities of participating NATO warships.
JOHN RODGERS visited Naples, Italy, from February 10 to 15, 1995, and Istanbul, Turkey, from March 3 to 8. Between port visits, she continued maritime interdiction patrols and exercises in the Adriatic. On March 18, the destroyer's embarked SH-60B Seahawk operated with Penguin antiship missiles during an operational situation in which combat employment was possible. The event marked the first use of this helicopter and missile configuration in such circumstances, although no missile firing was reported.
Following completion of Rear Admiral Stark's period aboard on April 6, 1995, JOHN RODGERS continued multinational operations and made further port visits. She visited Lisbon, Portugal, from April 2 to 8 and Toulon, France, from April 10 to 18. From April 28 to May 2, she underwent maintenance at Augusta Bay, Sicily, including replacement of a main propulsion gas turbine. Subsequent visits included Corfu, Greece, from May 4 to 9, and Trieste, Italy, from May 18 to 22.
During June 1995, JOHN RODGERS continued Operation Sharp Guard patrols and visited Corfu on two additional occasions, from June 1 to 5 and June 15 to 20. On June 27, she returned to Augusta Bay and completed turnover with USS NICHOLAS. The destroyer then proceeded to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, for a port visit from June 30 to July 2 before beginning the Atlantic crossing on July 3.
On July 11, 1995, JOHN RODGERS made an overnight stop at Bermuda, where 51 family members and guests embarked for a Tiger Cruise during the final stage of the return passage. The destroyer arrived at Charleston on July 14. During the deployment, her crew had learned that JOHN RODGERS had received the 1994 Battle Efficiency Award.
On August 15, 1995, JOHN RODGERS departed Charleston for Norfolk to undergo emergency drydock repairs involving a generator and the starboard propeller shaft. Following completion of the repairs, the ship departed for Mayport, Florida, on September 11. Mayport became her new permanent homeport as a result of the planned closure of Naval Station Charleston under the Base Realignment and Closure program.
After arriving at Mayport, JOHN RODGERS underwent maintenance and preparations for an Inspection and Survey Board inspection during the latter part of September 1995. In early October, she proceeded to waters off Cape Canaveral to support a planned space shuttle launch, which was subsequently cancelled. The ship then began a series of operations and exercises in the western Atlantic.
On October 10, 1995, an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter from JOHN RODGERS, operating as Venom 514 of HSL-48 Detachment 9, rescued Captain J. W. O'Neill of the U.S. Marine Corps after he ejected from an AV-8B Harrier over the Atlantic off North Carolina. The rescue occurred while JOHN RODGERS was en route to the Gulf of Maine to support sea trials of the newly constructed guided missile destroyer USS CARNEY (DDG 64).
During the subsequent trials, JOHN RODGERS provided target drones to USS CARNEY after two of the new destroyer's own drones failed during missile testing. The additional targets allowed USS CARNEY to complete its planned trials. JOHN RODGERS subsequently returned to Mayport and underwent maintenance in preparation for additional operational assignments.
On November 27, 1995, JOHN RODGERS departed Mayport for a counter-narcotics deployment in the eastern Pacific under the direction of Joint Interagency Task Force East. She transited the Panama Canal on December 1 and conducted surveillance and interdiction operations in cooperation with U.S. Coast Guard personnel. The operations resulted in several narcotics seizures. The destroyer returned through the Panama Canal on December 15, visited Montego Bay, Jamaica, and arrived at Mayport on December 21.
On February 6, 1996, JOHN RODGERS departed Mayport for the North Atlantic to participate in Joint Maritime Course 1-96, a multinational naval exercise sponsored by the Royal Navy. Following a refueling stop in the Azores, she arrived at Faslane, Scotland, on February 17 for pre-exercise briefings. The exercise was conducted from February 19 to 29 and involved 16 surface ships, two submarines and more than 100 aircraft from NATO countries.
Following the exercise, JOHN RODGERS visited Leith, Scotland, from March 1 to 4, 1996, where the participating forces conducted post-exercise discussions and evaluations. Further visits included Bremerhaven, Germany, from March 6 to 10, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, from March 12 to 15. After crossing the Atlantic, the destroyer called at Bermuda on March 26 to embark 28 family members and guests for the final passage to Mayport, where she arrived on March 29.
During April 1996, JOHN RODGERS received the 1995 Battle Efficiency Award, marking her second consecutive year as a Battle "E" recipient. She also received command excellence awards for combat readiness, command and control, engineering, logistics management and maritime warfare. The ship subsequently resumed training and preparations for further operational assignments.
On April 29, 1996, JOHN RODGERS departed Mayport for Exercise Purple Star 96, a joint American-British naval exercise continuing through May 15. She then proceeded to Newport, Rhode Island, where she served as a training platform for the Surface Warfare Officers School from May 17 to 21. On May 22, JOHN RODGERS arrived at New York City to participate in Fleet Week 96.
During Fleet Week, JOHN RODGERS joined American and foreign warships in a naval parade on the Hudson River and opened her decks to the public. The destroyer received large numbers of visitors during the event, which continued until May 28. She subsequently participated in electronic warfare research and development testing conducted for the Naval Research Laboratory and the Chief of Naval Operations. The trials evaluated shipboard electronic warfare systems, electronic attack capabilities and offboard decoys intended to counter advanced radar-guided antiship missiles.
JOHN RODGERS returned to Mayport on May 31, 1996, and unloaded weapons at Naval Weapons Station Charleston in early June. During July, the destroyer temporarily departed Mayport to avoid Hurricane Bertha before proceeding to Charleston on July 15 for a Docking Selected Restricted Availability at Detyens Shipyard.
The availability was originally scheduled to last 88 days and included installation of new satellite communications equipment, maintenance of fuel tanks, replacement of potable water tanks, improvements to crew accommodations and repairs to both propeller shafts. The work continued considerably longer than planned. On November 13, 1996, the Navy terminated the shipyard contract because of unsatisfactory welding work and delays in completing the contracted repairs. JOHN RODGERS returned to Mayport on November 15, where the remaining work was completed under the supervision of SupShip Jacksonville.
During the opening months of 1997, JOHN RODGERS conducted inspections, training and combat-system evaluations in preparation for another Mediterranean deployment. In May, she joined units of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) Battle Group for underway training near Puerto Rico. Following a visit to St. Maarten from May 29 to June 1, she conducted naval gunfire support qualifications at Vieques and participated in Composite Training Unit Exercises.
During June and July 1997, JOHN RODGERS continued integrated training with the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group, including exercises off North Carolina and weapons loading at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. On July 18, the destroyer began Joint Task Force Exercise 97-3, which continued through early September. Following completion of the exercise, the ship returned to Mayport for final maintenance and preparations for her last overseas deployment.
On October 3, 1997, JOHN RODGERS departed Mayport as flagship of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 14, for a Mediterranean deployment with the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group. The force reached the Strait of Gibraltar on October 15 and completed turnover with the preceding deployed units the following day. JOHN RODGERS then proceeded eastward toward Egypt for Exercise Bright Star 98, a large multinational exercise conducted during October 1997.
Bright Star 98 involved American and Egyptian forces together with military units from other participating countries. The naval component included amphibious operations, surface warfare training, communications and combined command-and-control procedures. JOHN RODGERS participated in the maritime exercise activities before departing Alexandria on November 1, 1997.
On November 4, 1997, JOHN RODGERS arrived at Naples, Italy, and remained until November 8. She subsequently visited Cagliari, Sardinia, on November 9 and participated in exercises with USS CARNEY and Italian naval units from November 10 to 12. Following completion of these operations, the destroyer proceeded to Marseille, France, arriving on November 18. She departed Marseille on November 24 and visited Cannes from November 25 to December 1.
On December 3, 1997, JOHN RODGERS arrived at Catania, Sicily. Following the port visit, she departed on December 9 with Commander, Task Force 60, embarked and participated in SHAREM 123, an antisubmarine warfare exercise conducted in the waters near Tunisia. Other participants included USS UNDERWOOD (FFG 36) and the Italian frigate SCIROCCO. The exercise involved submarine detection, tracking and coordination among American and allied naval units.
Following completion of SHAREM 123, JOHN RODGERS made a brief stop at Augusta Bay on December 17, 1997, before proceeding to Barcelona, Spain, where she arrived on December 19. The destroyer remained at Barcelona through the Christmas holidays and departed on December 31 for the eastern Mediterranean.
On January 5, 1998, JOHN RODGERS arrived at Haifa, Israel. Two days later, she participated in Exercise Reliant Mermaid 98, a one-day search and rescue exercise conducted with Israeli and Turkish naval forces. JOHN RODGERS was the only American warship participating in the exercise, which was intended to improve coordination of maritime rescue procedures among the three navies.
Following Reliant Mermaid, JOHN RODGERS departed Haifa on January 9, 1998, and proceeded toward the waters south of Sardinia for Exercise INVITEX 98-1, conducted from January 12 to 15. The destroyer subsequently visited Antalya, Turkey, from January 21 to 26 before returning to Haifa on January 27.
On February 1, 1998, JOHN RODGERS departed Haifa for Exercise Noble Dina, conducted with Israeli naval forces. Participating American units included the fleet replenishment oiler USNS LARAMIE (T-AO 203) and the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS L. MENDEL RIVERS (SSN 686). The exercise involved antisubmarine warfare, maritime surveillance and coordinated operations between American and Israeli naval units. JOHN RODGERS returned to Haifa on February 4.
From February 9 to 14, 1998, JOHN RODGERS visited Rhodes, Greece, before proceeding to Augusta Bay for a brief logistics stop. She subsequently participated in Exercise Dogfish, a combined American-Italian antisubmarine warfare exercise conducted in the Ionian Sea from February 19 to 26. The exercise emphasized submarine tracking, acoustic surveillance and cooperation between surface ships and other antisubmarine warfare forces.
Following completion of the exercise, JOHN RODGERS visited Livorno, Italy, from March 2 to 7, 1998. She then proceeded toward Gaeta before rendezvousing with USS CARON (DD 970) for turnover on March 11. The destroyer subsequently visited Valencia, Spain, before departing for the United States on March 20. JOHN RODGERS returned to Mayport shortly before 8:00 a.m. on April 3, 1998.
Following her return, JOHN RODGERS entered a month-long post-deployment standdown while preparations began for her decommissioning. On May 10, she departed Mayport for Naval Weapons Station Yorktown to offload her remaining ammunition and weapons. The destroyer returned to Mayport on May 15, after which her crew continued preservation, administrative work and preparations for transfer to inactive status. During August 1998, Hurricane Bonnie threatened the southeastern coast of the United States. As a precaution, JOHN RODGERS was towed from Mayport to Tallyrand Shipyard in Jacksonville on August 23. She returned to Mayport on August 26 after the hurricane passed north of the area.
On September 4, 1998, JOHN RODGERS was decommissioned and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, ending more than nineteen years of commissioned service. Following decommissioning, the former destroyer was transferred to the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she remained pending final disposition. In 2005, the former JOHN RODGERS was sold to International Shipbreaking for dismantling at Brownsville, Texas. She was subsequently towed to Brownsville and scrapped during 2006-2007.
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The photos below were taken and contributed by Michael Martin. They show the JOHN RODGERS being scrapped at Brownsville, Tx., in 2006.
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