View source for USS Cushing (DD-985)

{{short description|Spruance-class destroyer}}
{{Other ships|USS Cushing}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Coord|23.745126|-160.334473|display=title}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin
| infobox caption = USS ''Cushing'' (DD-985)
}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = [[Image:Usscushing-phuket-04.JPG|border|300px]]
| Ship caption = USS ''Cushing'' anchored off [[Phuket Island]] in August 2004
}}
{{Infobox ship career
| Hide header =
| Ship country = United States
| Ship flag = {{USN flag|2005}}
| Ship name = ''Cushing''
| Ship nickname = ''Golden Lion''
| Ship namesake = [[William B. Cushing]]
| Ship ordered = 15 January 1974
| Ship builder = [[Ingalls Shipbuilding]]
| Ship laid down = 2 February 1977
| Ship launched = 17 June 1978
| Ship acquired = 4 September 1979
| Ship commissioned = 21 September 1979
| Ship decommissioned = 21 September 2005
| Ship in service =
| Ship out of service =
| Ship struck = 21 September 2005
| Ship reinstated =
| Ship identification = *[[Maritime call sign|Callsign]]: NPGC
*{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Papa}}{{ICS|Golf}}{{ICS|Charlie}}
*[[Hull number]]: DD-985
| Ship motto = *''Non Sibi Sed Patriae''
*(Not&nbsp;for&nbsp;self but&nbsp;for&nbsp;country)
| Ship badge = {{Dodseal|DD-985|150}}
| Ship fate = [[Target ship|Sunk as target]], 14 July 2008
| Ship notes =
}}
{{Spruance class destroyer infobox ship characteristics
| armament extra =
*1 × 21 cell [[RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile]] launcher
}}
|}

'''USS ''Cushing'' (DD-985)''', named after [[Commander (United States)|Commander]] [[William Barker Cushing]], was the fifth ship of the [[United States Navy]] to bear the name. ''Cushing'' was a {{sclass|Spruance|destroyer}} built by the [[Ingalls Shipbuilding]] Division of [[Litton Industries]] at [[Pascagoula, Mississippi]]. ''Cushing'' operated out of [[Yokosuka|Yokosuka, Japan]] for the last several years of her career. ''Cushing'' was the last ''Spruance''-class destroyer to remain in active service, until decommissioned on 21 September 2005.

==History==
''Cushing'' was laid down 27 December 1976 by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was launched on 17 June 1978 and commissioned on 21 September 1979. ''Cushing'' was the last U.S. warship to transit the [[Panama Canal]] prior to control of the canal being handed over to [[Panama]] in 1979.
[[File:A vertical view of the destroyer USS CUSHING (DD-985) underway - DPLA - 784a3165cff2e1cc8d6f45f52305ad70.jpeg|left|thumb|USS ''Cushing'' on 1 January 1987]]
Prior to its formal commissioning, ''Cushing'' departed her builders in Mississippi in order to avoid the oncoming [[Hurricane Frederic]]. She remained in the [[Gulf of Mexico]] with a crew of U.S. Navy sailors and ship builder personnel. After the passage of the storm, she returned to her builders yard for final outfitting and was quickly commissioned with her crew in dungarees in the helo hangar and deck prior to departure for her first homeport of [[San Diego|San Diego, California]] where she was formally commissioned on 21 September 1979 in its home port.

During the mid-to-late 1980s ''Cushing'' was a member of the Pacific Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron--[[Destroyer Squadron 31]].  She was specially modified to support the DESRON staff operations and served as the primary flagship. She was also one of the few of the class that carried the AN/SQR-15 Towed Array Sonar System.
[[File:Port quarter view of USS Cushing (DD-985) underway near San Diego c1990 DN-ST-90-06669.jpg|left|thumb|USS ''Cushing'' off [[San Diego]] in 1990]]
In the early 1990s ''Cushing'' served to demonstrate the effectiveness of rudder roll stabilization (RRS). Engineers from the [[Carderock Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center]] installed the developmental RRS system and monitored its operations. The successful demonstration led to RRS being implemented in [[Arleigh Burke-class destroyer|Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-51)]] destroyers. While home ported in Pearl Harbor HI, Cushing conducted cruises in the North Pacific in 1991 and 1992 with visits to the west coast and Canada.  In 1992 Cushing deployed to Central and South America as the flagship for UNITAS 33, 92.  Cushing passed through the Panama Canal from Pacific to Atlantic side in 1992 embarked the Admiral at Puerto Rico.  Cushing circumnavigated South America and passed through the Panama Canal again from the Pacific to the Atlantic side in less than 6 months.  After disembarking the Admiral in Puerto Rico the Cushing passed through the Panama Canal again on her return voyage to San Diego then home port Pearl Harbor HI in late 1992.  1993 was spent conducting short cruises at sea around HI and in 1994 Cushing entered dry dock at Pearl Harbor for, among other things, the addition of the VLS (vertical launch system) missile package.

As part of a 1995 reorganization of the [[United States Pacific Fleet|Pacific Fleet]]'s surface ships into six core battle groups and eight destroyer squadrons, with the reorganization scheduled to be completed by 1 October, and homeport changes to be completed within the following year, ''Cushing'' was reassigned to [[Destroyer Squadron 5]].

A prototype Remote Minehunting System (RMS) was installed onboard ''Cushing'' in time for the Fall 1996 [[Image:USS Cushing DD-985.jpg|thumb|left|USS ''Cushing'' sailing through the [[South China Sea]] in April 2001.]]{{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63|6}} deployment to provide the battle group with a mine reconnaissance capability. This was an upgrade of the system successfully used in 1995 with the additional capability for shipboard launch and recovery and direct interface to the shipboard system. In fiscal year 1997, the RMS concept was successfully demonstrated by employment of a prototype system from ''Cushing'' during a [[Persian Gulf]] exercise.

In early 1997, ''Cushing'' was conducting Maritime Interception Operations in the Persian Gulf.

''Cushing'' departed [[Pearl Harbor, Hawaii]], on 16 March 1998, for its new home port of Yokosuka, Japan. The destroyer had been homeported in Pearl Harbor since 1991 and was set to replace {{USS|Fife|DD-991}} which was changing homeports to [[Everett, Washington]]. During her time in Pearl Harbor, ''Cushing'' made four Western [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] deployments and one to the South [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]]. Upon arrival in [[Japan]], ''Cushing'' was assigned to Commander, [[Destroyer Squadron 15]], and deployed in May to participate in CARAT '98, a multi-national exercise with navies of [[Southeast Asia]]n nations. CARAT '98 was the fourth annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise held between the United States and six Southeast Asia countries from 12 May to 5 August 1998. As part of a series of bilateral training exercises, CARAT 98 had U.S. forces training with military forces of [[Brunei]], [[Indonesia]], [[Malaysia]], [[Thailand]], [[Singapore]], and the [[Philippines]]. CARAT '98 demonstrated U.S. commitment to security and stability in Southeast Asia while increasing the operational readiness and capabilities of U.S. forces. The exercise also promoted interoperability and cooperation with U.S. regional friends and allies by offering a broad spectrum of mutually beneficial training opportunities.

From 22 to 25 March 1999 ''Cushing'' operated along with Battle Force [[United States 7th Fleet|7th Fleet]] and took part in a multi-national live-fire missile exercise (MTX 99) in waters near the [[Marianas Islands]]. Also involved in the MTX 99 were naval units from Australia, Canada, Singapore, and South Korea. Fired during MTX 99 were live weapons which included [[Harpoon missile|Harpoon]], [[Penguin missile|Penguin]] and [[AGM-65 Maverick|Maverick]] missiles, [[torpedo]]es and various shipboard weapons systems. The former {{USS|Oklahoma City|CL-91}} was used as the target vessel.

''Cushing'' took part in the 38th [[Foal Eagle]] exercise held in the fall of 1999. A regularly scheduled exercise, Foal Eagle combined forces from South Korea and the United States. In August 2000, ''Cushing'' took part in SHAREM 138. ''Cushing'' and various units in the Forward Deployed Naval Force (FDNF), participated in SHAREM (Ship [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] Readiness Effectiveness Measuring) 138 along with units from the host, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force near Okinawa, Japan. Although weather conditions curtailed SHAREM events, valuable training was accomplished in the art of Undersea Warfare (USW).

''Cushing'' took part in Missile Exercise (MISSILEX) 01-1 which was held 17 to 18 November 2000 as part of a coordinated task group operation.

[[Image:USS Cushing;0598507.jpg|thumb|left|USS ''Cushing'' enters [[Guam]]'s [[Apra Harbor]] in October 2001]]
During a Naval Surface Fire Support exercise held near [[Guam]] on 4–5 December 2000, the Cushing posted a better-than-perfect score during a gun shoot. The exercise was designed to test the accuracy and effectiveness of ''Cushing'''s guns and the proficiency of its watch teams. When the grade sheets were tallied, with bonus points for superior communications performance, ''Cushing'' was awarded 101.5 points out of 100.

''Cushing'' was honored by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15, when she received the Silver Enlisted Surface Warfare Excellence Pennant on 25 January 2001. As a result, ''Cushing'' was now authorized to fly the pennant as all enlisted personnel E5 and senior have qualified as enlisted surface warfare specialists within the required time standard set forth by the [[Chief of Naval Operations]]. ''Cushing'' was the first ship of Destroyer Squadron 15 to qualify for this award.

[[File:USS Cushing being towed.jpg|thumb|The former USS ''Cushing '' being towed to the mothball fleet]]
On 5 July 2002, a U.S. Navy Sikorsky UH-3H Sea King, Desert Duck 744, operated by HC-2, Detachment 2, suffered a tail rotor failure while landing aboard ''Cushing''. It spun out of control and went over the starboard side. The seven on board got out safely.

On 7 November 2003, ''Cushing'' began joint exercise Annualex 15G, which included maneuvers with the Japanese Navy.

===Fate===
''Cushing'' operated out of [[Yokosuka|Yokosuka, Japan]] for the last several years of her career. ''Cushing'' was the last ''Spruance''-class ship to remain in active service, until decommissioned and stricken from the Navy list on 21 September 2005. GlobalSecurity.org showed the ship listed for grant transfer to Turkey.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/transfer.htm Ship Transfers / Transfer of Naval Vessels] according to [http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ134.109 Public Law 109-134] [http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/publaw/109publ.html 109th Congress] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303192545/http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/publaw/109publ.html |date=3 March 2008 }}.</ref> Ex-''Cushing'' was sunk as a target on 14 July 2008<ref>[http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/985.htm navsource.org USS CUSHING (DD-985)]</ref> during [[RIMPAC]] 2008 along with {{USS|David R. Ray}}, {{USS|Fletcher|DD-992}} and {{USS|Horne|CG-30}}.<ref>{{cite news |work=[[Honolulu Star-Bulletin]] |url=http://starbulletin.com/2008/07/04/news/story11.html |title=Kitty Hawk remains in Hawaii for RIMPAC |last=Kakesako |first=Gregg K. |date=4 July 2008 |access-date=23 December 2014 |archive-date=11 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011175130/http://starbulletin.com/2008/07/04/news/story11.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Ship's crest==
''Cushing''{{'}}s coat of arms symbolizes the spirit and endeavors of [[William B. Cushing|William Barker Cushing]], as well as the tradition of destroyers named in honor of this naval officer.

The predominant colors of dark blue and gold are traditionally associated with the Navy and symbolize the sea and excellence. The indented division of the shield represents a log boom and pile and is suggestive of the manner in which Commander Cushing accomplished the sinking of [[CSS Albemarle|CSS ''Albemarle'']]. The upper area of the pile is red, alluding to the danger of this famous action and that Commander Cushing was under enemy fire more than any other [[United States Navy|Union Navy]] officer. The lion's head is a symbol of courage and strength and signifies the character of Commander Cushing. His spirit is also reflected in the ship's motto, "Non Sibi Sed Patriae", a statement attributed to the ancient Roman [[Cicero]] that translates to "Not for Self but for Country". The trident is a traditional maritime symbol and its sharp points suggest offensive action. The spar torpedo is dark blue alluding to the dark night and the covert nature of the sinking of ''Albemarle''. The dark blue also recalls the fact that Commander Cushing took the torpedo, at that time a Confederate weapon, and successfully used it to sink an enemy vessel. The five stars refer to the fact that ''Cushing'' is the fifth ship in the U.S. Navy to carry the name.

===Awards===
* [[Navy Unit Commendation]] - (Jan-May 2003)
* [[Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation]] - (Jun-Sep 1984, Jan-Dec 2001)
* [[Battle E|Battle "E"]] - (1982, 1984, 1987, 1997)
* [[Navy Expeditionary Medal]] - (Jul-Sep 1981)
* [[Humanitarian Service Medal]] - (2 October 1981)

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:USS Cushing (DD-985) launching RIM-7 Sea Sparrow RIMPAC 960604-N-4704G-001.jpg|USS ''Cushing'' launching a [[RIM-7 Sea Sparrow]] on 4 June 1996
File:US Navy 020627-N-4374S-009 USS Cushing conducts MIO operation in the Arabian Gulf.jpg|USS ''Cushing'' in the [[Persian Gulf]] on 27 June 2002
File:US Navy 021025-N-6811L-009 Morning colors aboard USS Cushing.jpg|USS ''Cushing''<nowiki/>'s aft on 25 October 2002
File:SPG-60 Radar DD-985 Cushing 2005-09-21.jpg|USS ''Cushing''<nowiki/>'s forward mast on 21 September 2005
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20050728080751/http://www.cushing.navy.mil/}}
*[http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,77803,00.html Article on decommissioning]
*{{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=DD985|title=nvr.navy.mil: USS ''Cushing''}}
*[http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/985.htm navsource.org: USS ''Cushing'']
*[http://www.navysite.de/dd/dd985.htm navysite.de: USS ''Cushing'']
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/202649849779955/?ref=bookmarks/ USS ''Cushing'' Association Facebook Page]
*[https://www.usscushingassociation.org/ USS Cushing Association Website]

{{Spruance class destroyer}}
{{2008 shipwrecks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cushing (DD-985)}}
[[Category:Spruance-class destroyers]]
[[Category:Cold War destroyers of the United States]]
[[Category:1978 ships]]
[[Category:Ships sunk as targets]]