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Destroyer Squadron Nine History

Destroyer Squadron NINE was first formed in 1920. Homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, the Squadron consisted of 18 World War I "Four Pipers". In July 1921 the Squadron moved to Newport, Rhode Island, where it operated until it was disestablished in May 1930.

Destroyer Squadron NINE was reestablished in 1937 in the Pacific Fleet. In November 1942 the Squadron was homeported in Recife, Brazil where the Commodore was also assigned Station Commander. Destroyer Squadron NINE's mission was submarine hunting, patrol and escort duty, occasionally interspersed with brief flurries of action against German U-boats. The Squadron continued operations out of Recife until August 1944, at which time the Squadron was dissolved for the second time and its ships reassigned.

Shortly after the close of World War II, a major Navy reorganization resulted in Destroyer Squadron NINE being reestablished. The Squadron was made up of battle veterans of the Pacific Campaign and was homeported in San Diego, California, in January 1946. Deployments to the Western Pacific, alternating with First Fleet training and overhaul, became the routine for Destroyer Squadron NINE ships. With the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, the Squadron found itself actively involved in operations in the seas off Korea.

The years following Korea were years of uneasy peace. Requirements for destroyers in the Western-Pacific led to yet another change in homeport for Destroyer Squadron NINE. Beginning in 1961, the Squadron was forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for two years.  Subsequently, the squadron alternated between Long Beach, California and back to Yokosuka at two year intervals. This covered an eight year period.

With involvement of U.S. Forces in Southeast Asia, Destroyer Squadron NINE once again found itself tasked in war-time operations. During that period Destroyer Squadron NINE became the first Squadron in naval history to be awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for service in the Vietnam conflict.

From 1975 through 1983 Destroyer Squadron NINE was tasked with Pacific Fleet Introduction of SPRUANCE Class (DD-963) Destroyers, OLIVER HAZARD PERRY Class (FFG-7) Guided Missile Frigates, PEGASUS Class (PHM-1) Missile Hydrofoil Combatant and various CNO projects. The Secretary of the Navy awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation to Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE for the period 1 July 1976 to 31 May 1978 for these accomplishments.

From 1983 to 1986 Destroyer Squadron NINE evolved to an operational, deploying squadron. Squadron composition consisted of various DD's, DDG'S, FF's and FFG'S.

In 1986 Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE deployed to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Northern Pacific with USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70)/Battle Group CHARLIE as the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Commander, and was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

In January 1988 Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean embarked on USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) with Battle Group FOXTROT as the ASW Commander, and was awarded her third Meritorious Unit Commendation.

During this deployment Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE was a key participant in Operation Praying Mantis--combat operations conducted on 18 April ' 1988 in retaliation for mine damage sustained by USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG-12). COMDESRON NINE was awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for her actions in that operation. Following the deployment, Destroyer Squadron NINE shifted homeport to Long Beach, California.

In 1989 Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE participated in the Portland Rose Festival and the Third Fleet Battle Force Pacific Exercise 89 as the ASW Commander onboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70).

In February 1990 Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE embarked on USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) and deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean with Battle Group CHARLIE as the ASW Commander, and was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and a Letter of Commendation from the Secretary of the Navy.

Upon return from deployment, Destroyer Squadron NINE was reassigned as one of three Pacific Fleet Readiness Destroyer Squadrons. Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE's mission was

changed to provide oversight for the ships of the Squadron in achieving and maintaining the highest levels of material, operational and personnel readiness for the conduct of sustained

Naval operations.

In June 1991 Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean with USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72)/Battle Group FOXTROT supporting Operation "Earnest Will" and Operation "Desert Storm" as ASW Commander and Space and Electronic Warfare Commander. COMDESRON NINE was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal for her participation in Operation "Desert Storm".

During this deployment, Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE participated in Joint Task Force FIERY VIGIL, the largest peacetime evacuation of civilians in recent history. From 10 June to 28 June 1991 Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE joined with the U.S. Air Force to evacuate over 20,000 military dependents from Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Air Force Base in the Republic of Philippines after the disastrous eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE., embarked on USS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST-1198) as the on-scene coordinator for the debarkation of evacuees at Cebu City. For this action Destroyer Squadron NINE was awarded her second Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

In January 1992 COMDESRON NINE assumed Operational Commander control of six ships while their Immediate Superior in Command, Commander, Surface Squadron ONE, was deployed.

In August 1992 COMDESRON NINE assumed responsibility for ExBREWTON and Ex-ROBERT E. PEARY during their transfer to Taiwan under the Foreign Military Lease program. The Fleet Introduction Team, assigned to COMDESRON NINE, assisted and trained the Taiwan Navy to operate these former KNOX-class fast frigates.

In August 1993 COMDESRON NINE assumed responsibility for Ex-KNOX during its transfer to Taiwan under the Foreign Military Lease program.

On 01 September 1994 Destroyer Squadron NINE shifted homeport from Long Beach, California, to Everett, Washington. Destroyer Squadron NINE presently consists of USS DAVID R. RAY (DD-971), USS FORD (FFG-54) USS INGRAHAM (FFG-61) and USS PAUL F. FOSTER (DD-964).