While the term “gyatt” might be trending in modern slang, today we’re diving into a different kind of “Gyatt”—a historic vessel of the United States Navy. This article explores the distinguished service of the USS Gyatt (DD-712), a destroyer that played a vital role throughout the Cold War era.
Commissioning and Early Service of the USS Gyatt
The USS Gyatt (DD-712) was not just any ship; it was a symbol of American naval power from the mid-20th century. Launched on April 15, 1945, by the Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Company in Kearney, N.J., its sponsorship was a poignant tribute, undertaken by Mrs. Hilda Morrell, the mother of Private Gyatt, in whose honor the ship was named. Commissioned on July 2, 1945, at the New York Navy Yard, under the command of Comdr. A. D. Kaplan, the USS Gyatt embarked on its journey in naval history.
Following its shakedown cruise in the Caribbean, the USS Gyatt (DD-712) made its presence known along the East Coast, operating out of Norfolk. Its early duties were diverse, ranging from local operations and essential training exercises to complex training operations alongside aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Demonstrating its diplomatic role, the Gyatt set sail on January 24, 1947, southward to represent the United States at the presidential inauguration in Montevideo, Uruguay, from February 27 to March 6. This voyage also included goodwill visits to Rio de Janeiro and Port of Spain, Trinidad, before its return to Norfolk on March 21, showcasing its role in international relations.
Deployments and Cold War Contributions
The USS Gyatt (DD-712) played a crucial role in projecting American seapower during the Cold War. Departing on November 20, 1947, it joined the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, returning to Norfolk on March 2, 1948. This marked the first of six deployments to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. These deployments were instrumental in reinforcing the readiness of American naval forces, acting as a significant deterrent to the spread of Communist influence across Free World nations. Beyond these critical deployments, the USS Gyatt’s operations extended from the northern waters of Nova Scotia and Iceland to the Caribbean Sea, maintaining a wide sphere of influence and readiness.
Transformation into a Guided Missile Destroyer
A significant transformation in the USS Gyatt’s capabilities occurred on December 1, 1956, when its hull classification changed to DDG-712, signifying its conversion into a guided missile destroyer. Recommissioned just two days later, under the command of Comdr. Charles F. Helme, Jr., the newly enhanced USS Gyatt became a potent symbol of America’s evolving military technology. For nearly three years, the ship underwent intensive evaluation and development work along the Atlantic coast, integrating its new missile systems and refining its operational capabilities. This pioneering role was further recognized on May 23, 1957, when its hull number was redesignated DDG-1, underscoring its leadership in a new class of naval warfare.
Space Program Support and Berlin Crisis Deployment
The USS Gyatt’s service extended into groundbreaking new areas. It played a supporting role in America’s burgeoning space program, participating in “Project Mercury.” The destroyer served as a nose-cone recovery station from November 5 to 10, 1960, and again from April 24 to 26, 1961, contributing to the early successes of manned spaceflight. Amidst rising global tensions and another crisis concerning Berlin, the USS Gyatt was once again deployed on August 3, 1961, to reinforce the powerful 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, demonstrating its adaptability and readiness to respond to international crises.
Return to Destroyer Classification and Experimental Service
In a further evolution of its role, the USS Gyatt entered the Charleston Naval Shipyard on June 29, 1962, for a significant overhaul. This refit involved the removal of its missile system and the installation of advanced, newly developed equipment tailored for specialized service with the Operational Test and Evaluation Force. Consequently, on October 1, 1962, its classification reverted from guided missile destroyer DDG-1 back to conventional destroyer DD-712. By January 1, 1963, the USS Gyatt was in Norfolk, ready to commence experimental work under the Operational Test and Evaluation Force, operating in a range extending into the Caribbean Sea.
Throughout the following years into 1967, the USS Gyatt (DD-712) continued its active service along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean. Its duties included patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations. Crucially, it served as a training platform for Navy officers and sailors in guided missile destroyer tactics, contributing to the Navy’s readiness and expertise in this evolving field. The USS Gyatt was also instrumental in the testing and evaluation of new naval equipment, playing a vital part in ensuring the U.S. Navy remained at the forefront of naval technology and operational effectiveness.
Conclusion: The Legacy of USS Gyatt
The USS Gyatt (DD-712) served as a versatile and adaptable vessel throughout its long career. From its initial role as a conventional destroyer, through its transformation into a guided missile destroyer, and finally as an experimental test platform, the Gyatt consistently contributed to the strength and modernization of the United States Navy. While the name “Gyatt” might evoke different images today, the legacy of the USS Gyatt (DD-712) remains a significant chapter in naval history, representing innovation, adaptability, and steadfast service during critical periods of the 20th century.
For a more detailed historical account of the USS Gyatt (DD-712), please refer to its page on the DANFS (Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships).
