USS Hewitt (DD-966): A Pinnacle of Naval Excellence

The USS Hewitt (DD-966) was a Spruance-class destroyer, named in honor of Admiral H. Kent Hewitt, a distinguished naval leader known for his pivotal role in amphibious operations during World War II. Commissioned on September 25, 1976, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the Hewitt served the U.S. Navy with distinction until its decommissioning in 2001.

Designed as a versatile warship, the Hewitt excelled in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surface warfare, and providing fleet support. With a displacement of approximately 8,000 tons, a top speed of 32 knots, and a crew of nearly 330 officers and enlisted personnel, the ship was equipped with state-of-the-art systems, including the AN/SQS-53 sonar, Harpoon and Tomahawk cruise missiles, and the Mk 45 5-inch gun.

Stationed primarily in the Pacific Fleet, the Hewitt played a critical role in supporting U.S. operations during the Cold War, the Gulf War, and various peacekeeping missions. As a forward-deployed asset, the ship participated in joint exercises with allied navies, ensuring readiness and fostering international cooperation.

One of the Hewitt’s notable deployments was its involvement in Operation Desert Storm, where it provided naval gunfire support, missile strikes, and escort duties to coalition forces in the Persian Gulf. The ship's adaptability and cutting-edge technology made it a key player in maintaining maritime superiority.

Decommissioned on July 27, 2001, the USS Hewitt was later sold for scrap. Despite its physical absence, the legacy of the Hewitt endures, honored by the sailors who served aboard her and remembered for her unwavering commitment to duty. The USS Hewitt (DD-966) remains a testament to the strength, innovation, and dedication of the U.S. Navy.

  • USS Hewitt at the pier in Yokosuka, Japan, on August 25th, 1990. I took several new shipmates to Roppongi and met Junko in the elevator lobby as I was trying to get into the Java Jive Club.

  • Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines. Scuba diving in San Miquel.

  • I finally met up with Junko on January 1st, 1991. I missed her at the train station, so her Mom picked me up.

  • Hong Kong, February pier side in Wan Chai.

  • Pusan, South Korea, March, for Operation Team Spirit.

  • Trained the Brunei navy and had a picnic on a break wall.

  • Dependent’s Cruise on May 13th. Junko’s Mom and exchange student from Canada joined us and Junko had to work.

  • Departed Yokosuka, Japan, on May 15th to support Operation Desert Storm.

  • Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines, overnight port visit to refuel and take on supplies. Luckily, I was Shore Patrol, which is always fun in Subic.

  • Port visit in Singapore at the end of May.

  • Mount Pinatubo volcano erupts on June 15th, several weeks after we depart.

  • Port visit in Muscat, Oman, went scuba diving in the Gulf of Oman and had my Ray Bans stolen out of the van.

  • Transited to the Red Sea.

  • Conducted Multinational Interdictions Ops on vessels entering Aqaba, Jordan.

  • Port visit to Hurghada, Egypt. Went scuba diving in the Red Sea and it was incredible.

  • Completed my Enlisted Surface Warfare qualifications.

  • Scheduled a tour to visit the Great Pyramids, which was canceled. I received my orders for C-School.

  • Port visit to Safaga, Egypt and flew out the next day.

  • Received transfer orders to the Electronic Warfare C-School in Pensacola Florida.

  • Scary Taxi ride from Safaga to the airfield in Hurghada then a C-130 transport flight to Crete, Naples, then finally Sigonella Italy.

  • Prior to starting school, I was able to meet Junko in Hawaii for a vacation.