USS Richard E. Byrd (DDG-23)

USS Richard E. Byrd (DDG-23)

USS Richard E. Byrd (DDG-23), a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, was named after noted polar explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd.

The keel for the Richard E. Byrd was laid down April 12, 1961 by Todd Shipbuilding Corp. Seattle, Washington. She was launched February 6, 1962; sponsored by Mrs. Richard E. Byrd, whose daughter, Mrs. Robert G. Breyer, acted as proxy sponsor for the admiral's wife; and commissioned on March 7, 1964, Comdr. Walter G. Lessman in command. She was decommissioned on April 27, 1990 and in 1992 was sold to Greece and used for spare parts. She was sunk as target June 19, 2003.