USS Aaron Ward

USS Aaron Ward was a United States Navy destroyer that served during World War II. Named after Rear Admiral Aaron Ward, the ship was the second of the Fletcher-class to bear the name.

Construction and Commissioning[edit | edit source]

The USS Aaron Ward was laid down on 12 December 1943 at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation's San Francisco shipyard. She was launched on 5 May 1944, sponsored by Mrs. G. H. Ratliff, and commissioned on 28 October 1944 with Commander William H. Sanders in command.

Service History[edit | edit source]

During World War II, the USS Aaron Ward participated in several significant battles in the Pacific Theater. These included the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa, where she was severely damaged by Kamikaze attacks.

Post-War Service and Fate[edit | edit source]

After the war, the USS Aaron Ward was decommissioned and placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet. She was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 June 1971 and sold for scrap on 21 January 1974.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The USS Aaron Ward's service in World War II earned her two battle stars. Her name lives on in the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Aaron Ward (DDG-51), which was commissioned in 1991.