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USS Conolly
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USS Conolly transiting the Suez Canal summer 1992
History
United States
NameConolly
NamesakeRichard Lansing Conolly
Ordered15 January 1974
BuilderIngalls Shipbuilding
Laid down29 September 1975
Launched3 June 1977
Acquired25 September 1978
Commissioned14 October 1978
Decommissioned18 September 1998
Stricken18 September 1998
Identification
MottoLeading The Way
FateSunk as target, 29 April 2009
BadgeShip's crest
General characteristics
Class & typeSpruance-class destroyer
Displacement8,040 long tons (8,170 t) full load
Length
Beam55 ft (17 m)
Draft29 ft (8.8 m)
Propulsion4 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, 2 shafts, 80,000 shp (60 MW)
Speed32.5 knots (60.2 km/h; 37.4 mph)
Range6,000 nmi (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement19 officers, 315 enlisted
Sensors &
processing systems
Electronic warfare
& decoys
Armament
Aircraft carried2 × Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk LAMPS III helicopters
Aviation facilitiesFlight deck and enclosed hangar for up to two medium-lift helicopters

USS Conolly (DD-979), named for Admiral Richard Lansing Conolly USN, was a Spruance-class destroyer built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries at Pascagoula, Mississippi.

History

[edit]

Conolly was laid down 29 September 1975, launched 19 February 1977, and commissioned 14 October 1978.

1980s

[edit]
USS Conolly in 1982

From August to December 1980, Conolly deployed as part of the Middle East Force. She deployed as part of this force again from October 1981 to February 1982. In approximately May 1982, Conolly cruised to the U.S. Virgin Islands from U.S. Naval Base Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. While in the USVI, Conolly suffered a cracked bow sonar dome that required her return, under her own power, to Newport News Shipyards for repairs. While in route to Newport News, Conolly experienced a fire in one of the engineering spaces, which the ship's damage control fire fighters promptly contained. Upon arrival in Newport News, Conolly was repaired in dry docks. In September 1982, she deployed to the Mediterranean including operations off the coast of Lebanon.

In June 1983 Conolly deployed again participating in UNITAS XXIV, an annual exercise working with partner navies in South America. Conolly made multiple port visits and worked with a variety of South American navies before returning home in December of the same year. Conolly was the flagship for the cruise, with the staff of Commander, South Atlantic (COMSOLANT), Rear Admiral Clint Taylor, USN, embarked.

Due to equipment casualties in the engineering plant while on the east coast of Chile, the crew had to repair in place the pneumatic clutch-brake assemblies on the two forward gas turbine engines, the second repair having to be completed at sea en route Montevideo, Uruguay. Once in port, the damaged LM-2500 Gas Turbine Main Engine was replaced in 82 hours, using a large floating crane in the port facility.

In addition to the UNITAS cruise, Conolly left Brazil in November and sailed, initially in company with Jesse L. Brown, east to conduct a West African Training Cruise (WATC). Conolly visited Liberville, Gabon; Lagos, Nigeria; Monrovia, Liberia and finally Dakar, Senegal, before transiting west to Roosevelt Roads, PR for a refueling stop before returning to her homeport of Norfolk, VA in mid-December, 1983.

While sailing from Brazil, Conolly was required to conduct a transfer of fuel, while underway, to the Jesse L. Brown, so that ship would have sufficient fuel to make her port call in Equatorial Guinea. Conolly was the first Spruance-class vessel to complete such a task, which was not an assigned capability for the ships. Approximately 30,000 gallons were sent to the Brown using 21⁄2" fire hoses to deliver the fuel, taking about 4 hours.

In February, 1984, Conolly sailed to Portland, ME, to enter a regular overhaul (ROH) at the newly opened Bath Iron Works facility. The overhaul lasted 10 months, during which Conolly was fitted with the Tomahawk Weapons System. Also installed was the MK 15 Close in Weapons System and the Mk 23 Target Acquisition System. During the yard period, Commander Harry Maixner was relieved by Commander Gary Voorheis as Captain of the ship.

In October 1985 Conolly once again deployed as part of the Middle East Force. During this deployment "Conolly" was involved in the boarding of an American flagged ship by the Iranian Navy. She returned from this deployment in April 1986. In June 1987 she made another deployment to the Mediterranean and followed this up with two more deployments in 1989 as part of the Middle East Force, and 1992 MIF (Maritime Interception Force)during Iraq war.

1990s

[edit]

Conolly spent January 1991 at Metro Machine (now General Dynamics NASSCO) in Norfolk, Virginia for a regular overhaul (ROH).[1]

USS Conolly off Haiti in 1993

In 1993, Conolly was deployed in support of Operation Uphold Democracy, enforcing United Nations sanctions against Haiti.

From 6 to 10 June 1994, Conolly participated in World War II commemoration activities at Cavalaire-sur-Mer, France.

That same year, Conolly deployed to the Arabian Peninsula, conducting maritime interception operations in the Red Sea in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq. During that deployment, on 12 July 1994, Conolly came to the rescue of sixty-two crewmembers of the Panamanian-registered ferry Al Loloa following a fire on board the ferry. Conolly answered the vessel's distress call and proceeded to the scene of the fire. Sixty-one of the ferry's all Egyptian crew had already abandoned ship and were found safe in five life rafts. A survey team from Conolly boarded the Al Loloa and found the fire out of control. Before returning to Conolly, the survey team found the missing crewmember unharmed.

As part of a reorganization announced in July 1995 of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet's surface combatant ships into six core battle groups, nine destroyer squadrons and a new Western Hemisphere Group, Conolly's homeport was changed from Norfolk, Virginia, to Mayport, Florida, with the shift to occur in 1996–1997.

Conolly deployed with the USS George Washington carrier battle group, on 26 January 1996 for a regularly scheduled deployment. The previous December, the battle group and ARG participated in Joint Task Force Exercise 96–1, their "final examination" before deployment, and the culmination of a year of intense preparation.

While deployed, Conolly took part in the Ships Anti-Submarine Warfare Readiness Effectiveness Measuring 114 (SHAREM) Invitational Exercise 1-96 (INVITEX), held 23 – 29 February. SHAREM 114 was a U.S. 6th Fleet naval exercise conducted in the Gulf of Valencia off the east coast of Spain.

Following the completion of Operation Destined Glory 96, a NATO amphibious exercise, Conolly paid a visit to Augusta Bay, Sicily. Operation Destined Glory 96, lasted 16 days and was a NATO forces combined amphibious exercise which began 13 March and continued through 26 March. It tested forces in the air and at sea in the Central Mediterranean near Sardinia and in the Tyrrhenian Sea and also trained ashore at Capo Teulada, Sardinia. Military units from the NATO countries of Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Turkey and United States took part in the exercise which focused on undersea, surface, electronic and air warfare, and included communications and shiphandling skills.

On 11 April, Conolly was tasked with escorting USS Guam, USS Trenton and USS Portland to Liberia from the Adriatic Sea in support of JTF Assured Response. Guam, Trenton, Portland and Conolly were conducting routine training when they were directed to the coastal waters off Liberia.

Conolly also assisted in search and rescue efforts when the airplane carrying United States Commerce Department Secretary Ron Brown crashed. It participated in Operation Sharp Guard, enforcing United Nations Security Council resolutions in the former republics of Yugoslavia. While on station, Conolly queried 121 merchant vessels, ensuring no contraband cargo entered the troubled region.

A Mexican Navy helicopter fires at ex-Connolly on 29 April 2009

In June 1996, Conolly took part in Exercise TAPON 96, an allied exercise held in the Alboran Sea, Gulf of Cadiz and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Conolly conducted combined warfare exercises with the Spanish aircraft carrier Principe de Asturias, and other surface ships including the Spanish frigates Baleares, Santa Maria, Numancia, the Greek destroyer Formion, the Spanish submarine Delfín and the US submarine Grayling. Conolly participated in the nine-day exercise which emphasized procedures and tactics for effective maritime choke-point control. Conolly also completed live-firing exercises in the Central Mediterranean Sea at Avgo Nisi gun-firing range, a small island north of Crete, Greece. She then traveled toward Sicily and conducted a torpedo-firing exercise.

In March 1997, Conolly moved its homeport from Norfolk, Virginia to Mayport, Florida.

Decommissioning and disposal

[edit]

Conolly was decommissioned 18 September 1998 and laid up at Philadelphia Naval Intermediate Ship Maintenance Facility. An effort to preserve her in Illinois failed after it was unable to acquire the needed funds.[2] Conolly was sunk as a target off Florida on 29 April 2009 as part of UNITAS Gold, a multinational naval exercise.[3]

Awards

[edit]
[edit]
  • USS Conolly and USS Iowa on 1 August 1986
    USS Conolly and USS Iowa on 1 August 1986
  • USS Conolly on 1 November 1987
    USS Conolly on 1 November 1987
  • USS Conolly off Port-au-Prince on 31 October 1993
    USS Conolly off Port-au-Prince on 31 October 1993
  • USS Conolly on 29 April 2009
    USS Conolly on 29 April 2009

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

USS Conolly

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
USS Conolly (DD-979) was a * of the , the seventeenth vessel of her class to enter service. Named for (1892–1962), a decorated amphibious commander who led assaults on and , the ship was constructed by in , with a length of 563 feet (172 m) and a full-load displacement of about 8,040 long tons. Commissioned on 14 October 1978 following her launch earlier that year, Conolly primarily operated from home ports in , and later Mayport, , after a 1995 shift. Throughout her active career, Conolly participated in multiple overseas deployments, including Middle East Force operations in 1980 and 1981–1982, Mediterranean transits, and missions in 1994 supporting sanctions via maritime interdiction in the . She also joined carrier battle groups, such as the USS George Washington in 1996, conducting , escort duties, and joint exercises, while contributing to humanitarian responses like those near in 1993. Decommissioned on 18 September 1998 after nearly 20 years, the was stricken from the that day and stored in reserve until sunk as a live-fire target on 29 April 2009.

Namesake

Admiral Richard Lansing Conolly

Richard Lansing Conolly was born on April 26, 1892, in , and attended before receiving an appointment to the , from which he graduated in the class of 1914. Following commissioning as an ensign, Conolly pursued a career focused on , serving aboard battleships such as USS Virginia, Montana, and New York, as well as destroyers including USS Smith, Foote, and Worden. He earned a in electrical engineering from in 1922 and later commanded destroyer divisions and squadrons, including Destroyer Squadron 6, which was present during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. His early expertise in destroyer operations and engineering laid the foundation for his later innovations in amphibious tactics. During , Conolly rose to prominence as an amphibious commander, first serving with the Amphibious Force Atlantic Fleet from March to October 1943, where he contributed to the invasions of , , and by commanding and bases, emphasizing precise logistical coordination for troop landings. Transitioning to the Pacific Theater, he led Assault Group 3 of the Amphibious Force Pacific Fleet, directing operations in the Gilbert and in 1942, Kwajalein, Wake, and Marcus Islands in 1943–1944, the recapture of in July 1944, and the landings in January 1945. Known as "Close-In Conolly" for his doctrine requiring fire support ships to operate perilously near shorelines to maximize accuracy and suppressive fire— a tactic validated by reduced casualties and successful beachheads in multiple assaults— he received three Navy Distinguished Service Medals and two awards for these efforts. His commands demonstrated the causal efficacy of integrated naval gunfire and amphibious logistics over dispersed or cautious approaches. In the post-war period, Conolly commanded the U.S. Twelfth Fleet from to January 1947 and served as of U.S. Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean from 1947 to 1950, positions that positioned him to bolster NATO-aligned naval postures amid emerging Soviet naval expansion in European waters. As President of the from 1950 to 1953, he prioritized rigorous strategic education grounded in empirical analysis of amphibious and fleet operations, fostering readiness for potential conflicts with peer adversaries through advanced war gaming and doctrinal refinement rather than untested theoretical models. Retiring as a full in November 1953, he later served as president of until his death. Conolly died on March 1, 1962, in the crash of Flight 1 over , New York, and was buried at . The Spruance-class destroyer USS Conolly (DD-979), commissioned in 1978, was named in his honor to recognize his proven leadership in and contributions to naval deterrence strategies that emphasized operational effectiveness and logistical realism during the era.

Construction and commissioning

Keel laying, launch, and builder details

The keel of USS Conolly (DD-979) was laid down on September 29, 1975, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. This event marked the initiation of physical construction for the vessel as the seventeenth Spruance-class destroyer under a 1970 U.S. Navy contract awarded to Litton Industries for thirty such ships, aimed at bolstering American naval surface combatants amid escalating Cold War tensions with the expanding Soviet fleet. Ingalls, Litton's shipbuilding division, handled fabrication using modular construction techniques that accelerated assembly compared to earlier destroyer programs. The ship was launched on , 1977, entering the water for the first time after approximately 20 months of hull work. At launch, Conolly measured 529 feet in length with a full-load displacement of approximately 8,040 long tons, reflecting the class's design emphasis on heavy capabilities powered by four gas turbine engines. This milestone demonstrated the efficiency of Ingalls' production line, which had already delivered over a dozen Spruance-class ships by the mid-1970s, contributing to the Navy's rapid fleet modernization to maintain maritime superiority. Conolly was delivered to the U.S. Navy on , 1978, following outfitting and trials, enabling her subsequent commissioning later that year. The roughly three-year span from to delivery underscored the industrial capacity of American shipyards during the era's defense procurement surge, despite challenges like cost overruns on earlier Litton contracts.

Commissioning ceremony and initial crew

The USS Conolly was commissioned into service on October 14, 1978, at the yard in , transitioning the Spruance-class destroyer from builder's trials to operational status under the U.S. Navy. This event formalized the ship's readiness for fleet assignment, with emphasis placed on its primary capabilities amid heightened tensions requiring rapid integration of new hulls into active squadrons. The crew numbered 19 officers and 315 enlisted sailors, totaling approximately 334 personnel trained to operate the vessel's advanced , facilities, and systems for extended at-sea patrols. selection prioritized technical expertise in , weapons handling, and ASW tactics, reflecting the Navy's focus on countering Soviet threats without emphasis on non-operational demographics. Post-commissioning, Conolly undertook a in the Atlantic, testing systems under real-world conditions including weather challenges like , while the crew honed proficiency in ASW exercises and damage control drills essential for forward-deployed operations. This phase ensured the ship's seaworthiness and crew cohesion prior to assignment to Atlantic Fleet units, marking the completion of preparations for .

Design and capabilities

Class characteristics and propulsion

The USS Conolly (DD-979), as a member of the Spruance class, measured 563 feet (172 m) in overall length, with a of 529 feet (161 m), a beam of 55 feet (17 m), and a draft of 29 feet (8.8 m). Its full-load displacement reached 8,040 long tons, reflecting a design optimized for extended blue-water operations rather than the lighter configurations of prior classes. Propulsion was provided by four gas turbines delivering 80,000 shaft horsepower to two shafts, enabling a maximum speed exceeding 32 knots. This COGAG (combined gas and gas) arrangement prioritized reliability and fuel efficiency for (ASW) missions, with an endurance of approximately 6,000 nautical miles at 20 knots. Crew accommodations supported 19 officers and 315 enlisted personnel, incorporating spacious berthing areas that earned the class the informal nickname "Love Boats" due to their cruiser-like habitability compared to cramped predecessors. The Spruance design emphasized ASW primacy in response to Soviet submarine proliferation during the , featuring a larger hull to integrate helicopter facilities and sonar systems—doubling the displacement of the Charles F. Adams class (around 4,500 tons full load)—over traditional surface gunfire roles. This shift enabled empirical advantages in detecting and engaging submerged threats at range, substantiated by post-commissioning evaluations of the class's and endurance in multi-threat scenarios.

Armament, sensors, and modernization efforts

The Conolly was equipped with two Mark 45 5-inch/54-caliber lightweight guns mounted fore and aft, capable of firing a range of projectiles for surface, air, and shore bombardment roles. armament included a Mark 112 octuple launcher for ASROC rockets, paired with two triple Mark 32 tubes launching Mark 46 lightweight torpedoes, optimized for engaging Soviet-era high-speed submarines through standoff delivery. Initial antiship capability comprised two quadruple canister launchers for eight RGM-84 missiles, added during early service to counter surface threats in open-ocean scenarios. Sensors emphasized ASW detection, featuring the AN/SQS-53 bow-mounted active/passive for long-range acquisition and classification, a system that provided superior performance over prior hull sonars due to its digital and variable-depth integration potential. suite included AN/SPS-40 for air search up to 200 nautical miles, AN/SPG-60 for missile fire control, AN/SPS-55 for surface search, and for gun targeting, integrated into the ship's for multisensor fusion. Mid-life upgrades in the expanded multirole capacity without full vertical launch system refits, which were prioritized for other Spruance-class hulls amid fiscal constraints favoring rapid deployment over comprehensive overhauls. Close-in defense was bolstered by two 20 mm CIWS mounts, installed to autonomously engage sea-skimming missiles and aircraft, reflecting adaptations to evolving air threats from regional adversaries. Strike capability grew via two Mark 143 armored box launchers (each four cells), accommodating eight BGM-109 land-attack missiles as an interim solution for Conolly and six sister ships, enabling precision shore bombardment while retaining ASROC space initially before its removal. These modifications, completed by the early 1990s, shifted focus from pure ASW to balanced strike and self-defense, though limited cell count constrained magazine depth compared to VLS-equipped peers. Combat data systems received incremental software updates for improved threat tracking, but hardware lags stemmed from Navy-wide prioritization of newer platforms over legacy fleet sustainment.

Operational history

1978–1989 deployments and exercises


Following its commissioning on 14 October 1978, USS Conolly (DD-979) undertook initial shakedown operations before embarking on its first significant deployment from August to December 1980 as part of the Force, conducting patrols in the and to support regional stability amid rising tensions with . The ship returned for a second Force rotation from October 1981 to February 1982, focusing on maritime surveillance and deterrence in the same theater. In September 1982, Conolly deployed to the , contributing to NATO's forward presence against potential Soviet naval threats through routine patrols and alliance coordination. June 1983 saw the destroyer participate in UNITAS XXIV, a multinational exercise with South American navies off the continent's coasts, emphasizing hemispheric and tactics; Conolly served as for portions of the operation. Following UNITAS, in November 1983, it joined USS for a West African Training Cruise, engaging in bilateral exercises to build partner capacity along the continent's coast. Conolly returned to the Mediterranean in June 1987 for another deployment, including live-firing exercises at the Avgo Nisi range north of , honing gunnery and missile capabilities in a NATO-aligned environment. By 1989, the ship conducted two Force deployments, transiting the during the waning phases of the Iran-Iraq War's Tanker War, escorting commercial shipping and enforcing maritime security under that prioritized threat neutralization. These operations logged extensive steaming hours, underscoring Conolly's role in deterrence and alliance reinforcement without reported major incidents.

1990–1998 operations including Gulf engagements

In March 1992, USS Conolly embarked on a six-month deployment transiting the , , and as part of ongoing maritime operations following the 1991 Gulf War, supporting U.S. Central Command efforts to maintain regional stability and enforce resolutions against . During this period, the ship conducted routine patrols and exercises, contributing to the multinational presence that deterred Iraqi aggression and monitored compliance with ceasefire terms, though specific combat actions such as Tomahawk launches were not recorded for Conolly in declassified reports. In 1993, Conolly deployed to the in support of Operation Support Democracy, enforcing sanctions against amid political instability and refugee flows, including operations off where the ship provided presence and interdiction capabilities to prevent sanctions evasion. This mission highlighted the destroyer's versatility in post-Cold War littoral operations, shifting from Soviet-era blue-water focus to regional enforcement against asymmetric threats like and unauthorized migration. Conolly returned to the in April 1994 for a deployment to the , conducting Maritime Interception Operations in the to enforce sanctions on , boarding and inspecting vessels suspected of violating the oil-for-food restrictions and arms embargoes imposed after the . These operations underscored the ship's role in sustaining pressure on Saddam Hussein's regime, which had repeatedly challenged no-fly zones and sanctions through proxy means, with Conolly's sensors and helicopters aiding in surveillance amid persistent Iraqi threats to shipping lanes. By 1996, as part of the USS carrier battle group, Conolly undertook another scheduled deployment involving exercises in the Mediterranean, supporting Operation Joint Endeavor by providing air defense and presence in the to enforce no-fly zones and arms embargoes related to the Bosnian conflict. Secondary counter-narcotics patrols in the supplemented these efforts, reflecting the Navy's pivot to multifaceted missions amid budget constraints and the need for fleet modernization, as aging Spruance-class vessels like Conolly faced increasing maintenance demands without upgrades matching emerging threats. Through 1998, the ship underwent overhauls in the Atlantic Fleet at , but operational tempo declined as post-Cold War drawdowns prioritized newer Arleigh Burke-class destroyers equipped for advanced and networked warfare.

Decommissioning and disposal

Deactivation process and ceremony

The USS Conolly underwent formal deactivation on September 18, 1998, concluding nearly 20 years of active service since her commissioning on October 14, 1978. This process aligned with broader U.S. Navy decisions to retire aging Spruance-class destroyers amid post-Cold War force structure reductions and the imperative to transition to platforms better suited to evolving threats, such as precision-guided munitions and integrated air defense networks that outpaced the class's baseline focus. Maintenance demands on ships exceeding 20 years in service had escalated due to structural fatigue, propulsion inefficiencies, and the need for frequent overhauls of 1970s-era systems, rendering continued operation economically unsustainable compared to procuring multi-role successors. The decommissioning ceremony occurred at , , the ship's final homeport, and followed standard protocol for inactivating surface combatants. Key elements included addresses by the and visiting dignitaries, recognition of past commanding officers, a full muster for photographs, and the symbolic striking of the colors at sunset, signifying the vessel's removal from commissioned status. Veterans and former members attended, reflecting the ship's legacy in deployments from the Mediterranean to the , though the event underscored the Navy's empirical prioritization of fleet renewal over sentimental preservation. Upon completion, the was reassigned, with many personnel transferring to incoming Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (DDG-51), which incorporated vertical launch systems, combat suites, and enhanced survivability to sustain U.S. naval dominance against peer competitors. Administrative closure involved immediate striking from the on the same date, initiating transfer to inactive status at the Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility for storage pending disposal. This step formalized the ship's , driven by lifecycle analyses favoring over extended reserve retention, as the Spruance design's limitations in power generation and hindered cost-effective upgrades for 21st-century contingencies. No foreign sales or conversions materialized despite offers, reflecting limited international demand for vessels requiring extensive refurbishment.

Sinking as a target and environmental considerations

The ex-USS Conolly (DD-979) was sunk on April 29, 2009, during the multinational UNITAS Gold exercise in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of , serving as a live-fire target for participating naval forces. The sinking involved strikes from multiple platforms, including cannon fire from U.S. vessels such as USS (DDG-79), rockets from a BO-105 , and other ordnance, demonstrating efficacy in a realistic scenario. This disposal method provided cost-effective training opportunities for precision strikes and tactics, maximizing the utility of the decommissioned hull over alternatives like scrapping or museum preservation. Prior to the sinking, the vessel underwent preparation in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, which governs SINKEX operations. Removable hazardous materials, including fuels, oils, and loose , were extracted to minimize environmental release, while integrated components like paint containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) remained if concentrations fell below the 50 parts per million threshold permitted for ocean disposal. efforts aligned with Navy protocols established in the early , focusing on friable materials to prevent airborne or waterborne dispersion. Environmental considerations centered on balancing training imperatives with risks, amid critiques from advocacy groups alleging long-term PCB leaching into marine ecosystems. Empirical data from monitoring sites near prior SINKEX wrecks indicate localized PCB elevations in sediments and biota, though assessments maintain compliance yields negligible broader impacts relative to natural background levels and industrial sources. These exercises, deemed essential for sailor proficiency in and employment—including depth charges and anti-ship weapons—prioritize operational readiness, with regulatory oversight ensuring hazmat protocols mitigate unsubstantiated doomsday narratives of widespread ecological devastation.

Awards and decorations

Unit awards and campaign credits

The USS Conolly earned the for participation in joint operations from 1 November 1991 to 11 January 1992, reflecting coordinated efforts in the post-Desert Storm period. A second award followed for service in 1997 during Mediterranean and Adriatic deployments supporting operations. The ship received three Battle "E" ribbons for exceptional battle efficiency, awarded in 1994, 1995, and 1996 as part of Cruiser-Destroyer Group 8 competitions evaluating readiness, maintenance, and tactical proficiency. Campaign credits included the for deployments to the in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 1990 to February 1991, where the ship conducted maritime interdiction and escort duties. The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal was authorized for Force operations, including North Arabian Sea patrols in the 1980s amid heightened tensions. Multiple Navy Expeditionary Medals recognized deployments such as UNITAS XXIV exercises in South American waters from June to December 1983 and evacuations during the aftermath in February 1979. These honors, totaling seven unit-level recognitions when accounting for stars and repetitions, underscore empirical metrics of operational reliability over the ship's 20-year career.

References

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  3. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/dd-979.htm
  4. https://militaryhallofhonor.com/honoree-record.php?id=486
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  12. https://www.navsource.org/archives/05/979.htm
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  21. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1997/february/dont-forget-spruances
  22. https://www.destroyers.org/ships/dd-979/
  23. https://www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com/asbestos-navy-vessels/uss-conolly-dd-979
  24. https://mesothelioma.net/the-uss-conolly-dd-979-and-asbestos/
  25. https://nationalsecurityjournal.org/why-were-the-u-s-navys-spruance-class-destroyers-all-scrapped/
  26. https://laststandonzombieisland.com/2013/11/10/the-abandoned-destroyer-class-curse-of-the-spruances/
  27. https://www.ebay.com/itm/332656570101
  28. https://greatnavalimages.com/uss-conolly-dd-979-decommissioning-program-on-cd-1998/
  29. https://www.quora.com/Why-did-the-United-States-Navy-destroy-all-of-its-Spruance-class-destroyers-instead-of-selling-or-mothballing-them
  30. https://www.epa.gov/marine-protection-permitting/transport-target-vessels-ocean-disposal
  31. https://www.mesotheliomaveterans.org/veterans/navy/ships/destroyers/
  32. http://wiki.ban.org/images/4/44/Dishonorable_Disposal_BAN_Report.pdf
  33. https://earthjustice.org/press/2011/navy-ship-sinking-pollutes-sea-with-toxic-pcbs
  34. https://navylog.navymemorial.org/mcintyre-gerard
  35. https://www.armedconflicts.com/USS-Conolly-DD-979-t77731
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