HRD 1

This was the last ship I served aboard in the US Navy, 1970-1971. Naval history is full of significant and interesting events. This brief history of what has transpired in the past and relate them to how these events have shaped the U.S. Navy today. USS Harlan R. Dickson (DD 708), an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer was commissioned at New York on 17 February 1945, Comdr. Paul G. Osier in command. She was named for Lieutenant Commander Harlan Rockey Dickson, a naval aviator in the United States Navy. During its activity, she carried a complement of 336 officers and enlisted on board and she made numerous deployments to the Pacific Ocean, Mediterranean, Blue Nose - Arctic Circle, Black Sea, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, Cuban Missle Blockade, Caribbean, North Atlantic, and the Atlantic Ocean. USS Harlan R. Dickson served her country for 27 years, 4 months, and 14 days of active duty until decommissioned on 1 July 1972. Happy 77th Birthday, USS Harlan R. Dickson!