Kidd-class (DDG-993)

Summary

Description

The USS Kidd (DDG-993) was commissioned into the U.S. Navy on June 27, 1981, as the leader of the Kidd-class destroyers, named after the Medal of Honor recipient Admiral Isaac C. Kidd. Initially ordered by the Shah of Iran and named Kouroush, the ship was undelivered due to the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The U.S. Navy then adapted the class for service in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean, given their heavy-duty air conditioning and sand-filtering capabilities, as well as NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) warfare protection.

The design of the USS Kidd was derived from the Spruance-class, intended to offer superior air defense capabilities in hot weather environments. The destroyer's armament included various missile systems, guns, torpedoes, and countermeasures. She was also capable of operating multiple helicopters for various missions, including anti-submarine warfare and surveillance.

During her operational history, the USS Kidd played important roles in various U.S. Navy assignments. She embarked on her first deployment to the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean in December 1982 under Commander William J. Flanagan, Jr., and received the Battle Efficiency "E" award in September 1983. Significant milestones of her service include participation in the protection of Kuwaiti tankers during Operation Nimble Archer in 1987, support for Operation Desert Storm in 1991 where she engaged in mine destruction and maritime interdiction, and counter-narcotics operations near South America's coast in 1992.

As of its current status, the USS Kidd has been renamed to ROCS Tso Ying and serves with the Republic of China Navy as a Kee Lung-class guided-missile destroyer. She was formally recommissioned in 2006 alongside her sister ship, ROCS Ma Kong, after being stored in less than optimal condition. Her home, the Tso Ying Naval Base, is a significant facility in Taiwan, serving as the naval academy and fleet headquarters location.

Technical specifications