Thank you for posting this. My father served on this beauty when we moved back home to Oahu, Hawaii in 94'. He retired in 2000 on Ford Island not long after they built the F.Island bridge. Over 20 years later and I can still remember the day that ship gracefully entered Pearl Harbor as my Father and his fellow sailors returned from a 6 month deployment overseas. Gone are the good ol days! Aloha from the Failauga Ohana DD-984 Leftwich🍍🌴🤙🏽
thanks Bob, i'm proud to say, this is my Home away from Home. I spent nearly 10 years of my Navy life onboard this Mighty Ship and it's sad to see it go down like this, but, Her Legacy will forever be imbedded in each and every one of the sailors that spent time onboard.
@@sasjme81 hell yea, you ever heard of OTEIP? I did it a few times when I couldn't find shore duty in Pearl Harbor. I was on Leftwich from '94 til decommissioning in March of '98. Best ship I had the pleasure of serving on in my 20 year career.
I share your sentiments. My first ship USS Cleveland was just sunk in June of 24. It is a little difficult to see these proud warriors go to the deep knowing they kept us safe on rough seas. May you always have fond memories of your beautiful ship. Smooth sailing shipmate. ABH2 James E. Vidas. USS Cleveland LPD7
Was supposed to be stationed on the 'Wich. At the last moment, a friend of mine asked for a swap. I ended up on the Merrill out of San Diego, He went to the Leftwich out of Pearl. Such a beautiful Class of Ship, Sleek and Formidable Lines!!! RIP Merrill and Leftwish!!!!
I also share your pain I was on the uss Oriskany cva 34 the one they sank 24 miles off the coast of Florida I was there for the deep sixing that day the Navy served 500 hundred of us dinner my ship was home for 3 years i was a gunners mate sorry for your loss
I served on her sister ship-USS JOHN ROGERS (DD-983)- in the late 80s. The Spruance class destroyers were highly feared above and below the sea. Like the 983, it appears the 984 was fitted with Tomahawk missiles -which are still used today- they were the BEAST in the 80s. Godspeed shipmates.
+PRR5406 Furthermore, the physics of watching her succumb, those huge bursting air pockets and strain on the keel, are amazing. Does the USN monitor air pressure and temperatures inside the vessel as it goes under? I'm wondering if compartmentalized air increases in temperature as compression begins, much as a Diesel cylinder.
Served on her 87'-90'. Had 3hundred and something brothers. Had some great memories Helped put that battle 'E' on her side. And hooked this New Mexican boy to the sea forever. On my 3rd boat now living in Seattle.
I served on the Wich from 1984 to 1986. Attended the great indian ocean cruise with many great men. Sad to see her sunk, she went through a lot. I salute the mighty mighty Leftwich.
You were homeported in Charleston, SC back then, right. I was on the USS Moosbrugger DD 980 back then and I think I can remember seeing your ship there.
I was a plank owner. Brought her out of Pascagoula to San Diego,REFTRA and then WestPac. It was a great ship and crew. Profound sadness at seeing her go down.
Breakes my heart to see this vid. I served on the wicked witch of the west from 1987 thru 1990 "aka" Shake N Bake Lots of memories with my fellow shipmates. Just too bad that I was young and stupid at the time to keep in touch with my shipmates. Take care and GOD bless each and every one of you!
+Jennifer Winkler Hi Jennifer, I saw you post on the Leftwich sinking. I was a plank-owner on the USS Leftwich and Jeff was my best friend. We were stationed in Adak Alaska at the same time and went through Pre-com together in San Diego. We spent much time in Pasgagoula Mississippi. I have been looking for him in some of the forums without success. I'm saddened to hear of is passing. I would have like to have talked with him and find out his life after the Navy. May God rest his soul. - William (Pete) Peterson.
+William Peterson Thank you for remembering my brother! Jeff worked as an electrical draftsman after he left the Navy, but unfortunately, years of alcohol abuse took it's toll. He said his one regret was leaving the Navy (believe it or not) and at one point seriously looked into re-enlisting. He loved that ship, and the Navy... he just hated being told what to do!! I recently came across a bunch of his 35mm slides and negatives and the vast majority are of Adak and the Leftwich. They're in pretty rough shape and I'm in the process of cleaning them and digitally restoring them... speaking of forums, can you suggest a good one (or two) where I can post/share them. Thank you again... I think he's finally at peace. Jennifer
+Jennifer Winkler Thank you for responding to my post! I've been thinking of Jeff since I saw your original post. I just can't believe it. We were inseparable during those years. I remember meeting your dad at the commissioning ceremony and he met my parents. Did he have a wife and any children or did he remain single al those years? I would really like to see and/or get copies of his photo's. I remember him taking them and was there when he bought his camera. It's funny the things you remember. The best place to post them would be on the "USS Leftwich (DD984) Alumni Asoc" Facebook page. In fact I posted the entire commissioning book on there. You can even see Jeff's and my picture way back then on the same page. So I would post the Leftwich photos there. The leftwich and Adak photos could be posted on my Facebook page if you like. I know I would love to have them! The other forums are for sailors trying to find old shipmates and don't really have paces to post them. Please let me know what you want to do. I know everyone would like to see his pictures. Thanks again for the reply - William
I wish they would of kept one spruance as a museum ship. It was the work horse of the fleet for the last end of the cold war. We have enough carrier museum's
I think the Navy should have turned them into Arsenal destroyers. Remove the guns, flight deck and just put in VLS cell farms. A single ship could have carried 300 missiles for the Burkes to fire. SM3/6's LRASM's, Harpoons, Tomahawks. The could have massivly increased the firepower of existing battlegroups with a minimal of investment.
Problem, signed "treaties" with our enemies. That and maybe even our own not wanting us Vets to get ahold of one of these should something like Martial Law take effect. Hey this Virus has me thinking, what next? Why the push to sink these and other mothballed ships so fast? their hull is the exact same as the Ticonderoga, if they aren't they're very close.
No. The hulls wear out. Metal fatigue with all the movement at sea causes long term problems. The shell plating is gradually eroded by salt water corrosion and eventually needs replacing. It's ultimately cheaper simply to build new ships.
@@yeoldesaltydog7415 under martial law what are the chances of the minimum crew needed to get one of these out of mothball storage getting anywhere near boarding the ship? Let alone fueled and supplied? Turbines haven’t been run in decade, lucky if there’s even a 3” gun still in its mount let alone serviceable…
These were decommissioned long before the SM-3/6 missiles came into service. They were large ships with minimal weapons; Navy really never wanted this class. You should read the Book about the fight between the Navy, President Carter, and Congress over this class. Carter hated the military, especially the Navy and this was a way to shaft them.
As did I. And I would agree; It's not a very enjoyable sight to see. (90-93 on the Ingersoll means that you too almost sank.) I hope you're doing well shipmate.
I served with the crew that decomissioned her she was my first love and was never the same afterward it is a testament to the mighty leftwich that it took a massive amount of firepower to sink her but still a part of me will be missing now that the lady leftwich is gone.
Let's just hope that all Cold War relics meet the same glorious, horrifying fate. A few moments of drama, then life as an artificial reef. That's the way to go. RIP DD984.
This is so depressing. I served on the USS Briscoe DD977 79-81. She was sunk in 2003 also. I have not seen a video of her being sunk (if there is one that is public), but I am sure is was similar to this. I still do not understand why when there are much older ships that are still active to this day. RIP
I served on her from 1980-1982 when she was flagship. FTM on her Sparrows & Harpoons. Security Force. Did a WestPac, got my shellback. Good times (mostly). Hard to believe so much time has passed and yet seeing this brought a tear to my eye. RIP, Leftwich.
+Richard Harlos II I too served during that time frame as a GMM on the MK 29. This was a sad viewing and brought a tear to my eye as well. I also watched the Cushing go down. What a fight she put up. Mr. Harlos, I hope you are well.
Thanks for your comment and goodwill, Paladin Lives. I initially joined with the idea of doing 20 for early retirement but me and authoritarian structures didn't mesh well back then; some things never change :) I observe and contemplate the world as it is today and I realize that my 1980's self hadn't a clue that the future would emerge into the state of affairs evident today: perpetual military engagement, political theater, intelligence misbehavior, environmental devastation, pharmaceutical shenanigans, economic instability. The scope of dysfunction is incomprehensibly vast, and with no solution in sight -- much less, any large scale interest in finding, and implementing, such a solution. This... isn't the future that I imagined my service bringing about, Paladin. It's all rather disheartening at times. They say that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. I think that's a fair characterization of our culture today: so busy being busy, pretending to have hope, and ignoring the big problems. I read somewhere long ago that "we can ignore reality, but we can't ignore the consequences of ignoring reality." One need not be a genius to look around today and consider the consequences so far. And with those observations in mind, one need not be a genius to infer the outcome if we collectively continue to ignore reality. Well, that's probably more than you wanted to hear back from me but I think it needs to be said out loud every now and then. In any case, I wish you well, Paladin :)
+Richard Harlos II Richard, I can relate to your perspective and I appreciate it. Have you had any contact with the fella's from CM Div.? Best Wishes, Jeff Carter
I was on the final crew to Push the Cush she was my first ship. Took her home to San Diego for decom in 05. Still remember sitting in 3 Boiler room spending all day trying to find and plug a leaking condenser tube.
@@scottworley1479 The market for scrap steel of this quality has been flooded since the early 00's. There was talk of selling some of them, but the Navy balked at that. Not counting the Burke class, these were the most advanced ships of their type at that time. The Navy wasn't too keen on giving the bad guys a chance at these.
US Navy sank everyone of the Kidd and Spruance class quickly hulls had many years of life left but claimed to be to expensive to modernize. Beautiful ships
To those commenting that it should be made into a museum ship, where do you think it can be docked for that and who's going to pay those fees? If we made every ship a museum ship, where would we dock the commissioned ships?
USS Spruance DD-963 from 83-87. She was sent to Davy Jones Locker in a live fire exercise. Great Ships and even greater Crews. Fair Winds and Following Seas
I was onboard USS Caron DD970 from 1990-94. IC3. I was heartbroken when I got the news that they had sunk the Caron. It was like getting the news that your first love had been murdered! Oddly though, there wasn’t any video shot of her actually sinking. Just the explosion that led to her demise and a few stills of the ship listing to starboard and that’s it.
These were pretty cool Spruance class ships. They were actually built for the Iranian Navy but delivery didn't take place because the Shah of Iran was overthrown. They had wide passageways to accommodate live animals :O
These ships were sunk way before their time. They all had plenty of sea time left. The current destroyers are built with the same design and power plants.
r dodge the current Arleigh Burke class has similar engineering plant, but is entirely different from the Spruance class hull and superstructure are all steel and have a different shape. Ticonderoga class cruisers use a similar hull form, but the DDGs are a completely new design.
That unit of the Spruance class (DD-984) missile destroyer can still be reliable and useful to the other Navies in the world. And I cannot see the reason of why that ship should be blown and sink it to the ocean, where on the other side of the world, there is some nation's that are willing to do anything and everything so that they could acquired a well updated combat ship, that is well sophisticated such as this one.
Those decommissioned ships serve to help design better future ships since they are equipped with sensors to measure all sort of parameters to measure the damage by various weapons to design future ships to better survive.
I know that the Navy needs to practice with their weapons, but why sink the ship instead scrapping? Perhaps this is a better way to go for a retired combat ship
Facebook page and a reunion in Vegas July 26, 27, 2013 (Friday & Saturday) email ussleftwich@gmail.com if you or any prior shipmate would like to attend.
Spruances were in a bad position in the late 90s. Too old to fit into the present fleet. Too new and too similar to the Ticos to go foreign navies that wanted them, like Turkey and Mexico.
I love her sleek lines. Once crewed by living breathing humans, I can't help but feel so sad to see her sink like that.
Thank you for posting this. My father served on this beauty when we moved back home to Oahu, Hawaii in 94'. He retired in 2000 on Ford Island not long after they built the F.Island bridge. Over 20 years later and I can still remember the day that ship gracefully entered Pearl Harbor as my Father and his fellow sailors returned from a 6 month deployment overseas. Gone are the good ol days! Aloha from the Failauga Ohana DD-984 Leftwich🍍🌴🤙🏽
thanks Bob, i'm proud to say, this is my Home away from Home. I spent nearly 10 years of my Navy life onboard this Mighty Ship and it's sad to see it go down like this, but, Her Legacy will forever be imbedded in each and every one of the sailors that spent time onboard.
You're trying to tell us you spent 10 years of let's say a 20 year, or less, career on one ship?
That's exactly what I was thinking!!!
@@sasjme81 hell yea, you ever heard of OTEIP? I did it a few times when I couldn't find shore duty in Pearl Harbor. I was on Leftwich from '94 til decommissioning in March of '98. Best ship I had the pleasure of serving on in my 20 year career.
I share your sentiments. My first ship USS Cleveland was just sunk in June of 24. It is a little difficult to see these proud warriors go to the deep knowing they kept us safe on rough seas. May you always have fond memories of your beautiful ship. Smooth sailing shipmate. ABH2 James E. Vidas. USS Cleveland LPD7
Was supposed to be stationed on the 'Wich. At the last moment, a friend of mine asked for a swap. I ended up on the Merrill out of San Diego, He went to the Leftwich out of Pearl. Such a beautiful Class of Ship, Sleek and Formidable Lines!!! RIP Merrill and Leftwish!!!!
Man, that was hard to watch!! For 3 years the Witch was home! I was a GSM in forward engine room 89 to 91.
I also share your pain I was on the uss Oriskany cva 34 the one they sank 24 miles off the coast of Florida I was there for the deep sixing that day the Navy served 500 hundred of us dinner my ship was home for 3 years i was a gunners mate sorry for your loss
I was GSM in the aft ER from 82-85
I served on her sister ship-USS JOHN ROGERS (DD-983)- in the late 80s. The Spruance class destroyers were highly feared above and below the sea. Like the 983, it appears the 984 was fitted with Tomahawk missiles -which are still used today- they were the BEAST in the 80s. Godspeed shipmates.
Served on the Leftwich from 81 to 83,good memories.
Sad to see her go!
This ship has great lines.
+PRR5406 Furthermore, the physics of watching her succumb, those huge bursting air pockets and strain on the keel, are amazing. Does the USN monitor air pressure and temperatures inside the vessel as it goes under? I'm wondering if compartmentalized air increases in temperature as compression begins, much as a Diesel cylinder.
Definitely a sad sight. I became a honorable Shellback on DD-984, 1990 - 1994. Great times!
DeJesus it brought tears to my eyes
It's like a punch in the gut
I served on it from 1985-1988 sad to see her go
Served on her 87'-90'. Had 3hundred and something brothers. Had some great memories Helped put that battle 'E' on her side. And hooked this New Mexican boy to the sea forever. On my 3rd boat now living in Seattle.
Onboard USS OLDENDORF DD-972) we often sailed with the Lefty. God bless them both and all who sailed on them.
I was part of the Commissioning crew - Plankowner - sad to see her go down like that!
I served on the Wich from 1984 to 1986. Attended the great indian ocean cruise with many great men. Sad to see her sunk, she went through a lot. I salute the mighty mighty Leftwich.
You were homeported in Charleston, SC back then, right. I was on the USS Moosbrugger DD 980 back then and I think I can remember seeing your ship there.
I served on her from 1988 - 92, had a lot of great times, great ship!
I was a plank owner. Brought her out of Pascagoula to San Diego,REFTRA and then WestPac. It was a great ship and crew. Profound sadness at seeing her go down.
put my faith in this 535ft 5000 ton Goddess
I walked on the ocean because of her..!
562, 7800
@@garysarratt1 that's exactly what I said😂
I have a buddy that's a plank owner of that, now sunken, Spruance class.
The superstructure on this class of ships amazing as it is intimdating. This ship has great lines..
Breakes my heart to see this vid. I served on the wicked witch of the west from 1987 thru 1990 "aka" Shake N Bake Lots of memories with my fellow shipmates. Just too bad that I was young and stupid at the time to keep in touch with my shipmates. Take care and GOD bless each and every one of you!
That was hard to watch. My brother was a plank owner (passed in 2011) and we got to go the commissioning and toured the ship. She was a beauty!
+Jennifer Winkler Hi Jennifer, I saw you post on the Leftwich sinking. I was a
plank-owner on the USS Leftwich and Jeff was my best friend. We were
stationed in Adak Alaska at the same time and went through Pre-com
together in San Diego. We spent much time in Pasgagoula Mississippi. I
have been looking for him in some of the forums without success. I'm
saddened to hear of is passing. I would have like to have talked with
him and find out his life after the Navy. May God rest his soul. -
William (Pete) Peterson.
+William Peterson Thank you for remembering my brother! Jeff worked as an electrical draftsman after he left the Navy, but unfortunately, years of alcohol abuse took it's toll. He said his one regret was leaving the Navy (believe it or not) and at one point seriously looked into re-enlisting. He loved that ship, and the Navy... he just hated being told what to do!! I recently came across a bunch of his 35mm slides and negatives and the vast majority are of Adak and the Leftwich. They're in pretty rough shape and I'm in the process of cleaning them and digitally restoring them... speaking of forums, can you suggest a good one (or two) where I can post/share them. Thank you again... I think he's finally at peace.
Jennifer
+Jennifer Winkler Thank you for responding to my post! I've been thinking of Jeff since I saw your original post. I just can't believe it. We were inseparable during those years. I remember meeting your dad at the commissioning ceremony and he met my parents. Did he have a wife and any children or did he remain single al those years? I would really like to see and/or get copies of his photo's. I remember him taking them and was there when he bought his camera. It's funny the things you remember. The best place to post them would be on the "USS Leftwich (DD984) Alumni Asoc" Facebook page. In fact I posted the entire commissioning book on there. You can even see Jeff's and my picture way back then on the same page. So I would post the Leftwich photos there. The leftwich and Adak photos could be posted on my Facebook page if you like. I know I would love to have them! The other forums are for sailors trying to find old shipmates and don't really have paces to post them. Please let me know what you want to do. I know everyone would like to see his pictures. Thanks again for the reply - William
My father served as a sonar tech on this beaut
brandon dietrich - the crew has been wondering how your Dad is, we are on Facebook. Robert Millroy has some great photos of your Dad.
Made me sick. I was on the Radford(DD-968).
I wish they would of kept one spruance as a museum ship. It was the work horse of the fleet for the last end of the cold war. We have enough carrier museum's
Didn't they keep the Paul Foster DD964 as a test ship or something in California
The superstructure on this class of ships amazing as it is intimdating
I think the Navy should have turned them into Arsenal destroyers. Remove the guns, flight deck and just put in VLS cell farms. A single ship could have carried 300 missiles for the Burkes to fire. SM3/6's LRASM's, Harpoons, Tomahawks. The could have massivly increased the firepower of existing battlegroups with a minimal of investment.
Problem, signed "treaties" with our enemies. That and maybe even our own not wanting us Vets to get ahold of one of these should something like Martial Law take effect. Hey this Virus has me thinking, what next? Why the push to sink these and other mothballed ships so fast? their hull is the exact same as the Ticonderoga, if they aren't they're very close.
No. The hulls wear out. Metal fatigue with all the movement at sea causes long term problems. The shell plating is gradually eroded by salt water corrosion and eventually needs replacing. It's ultimately cheaper simply to build new ships.
@@yeoldesaltydog7415 under martial law what are the chances of the minimum crew needed to get one of these out of mothball storage getting anywhere near boarding the ship? Let alone fueled and supplied? Turbines haven’t been run in decade, lucky if there’s even a 3” gun still in its mount let alone serviceable…
These were decommissioned long before the SM-3/6 missiles came into service. They were large ships with minimal weapons; Navy really never wanted this class. You should read the Book about the fight between the Navy, President Carter, and Congress over this class. Carter hated the military, especially the Navy and this was a way to shaft them.
there is some talk about taking some decommissioned VLS Tycos and mooring them near Guam as an alternative option to AEGIS Ashore.
I served aboard the USS Ingersoll dd-990 90-93. Sad to see her and yours suffer this fate.
1984-1988 BM3 on the Ingersoll. At least they have video of their ship going down. Painful to watch though.
As did I. And I would agree; It's not a very enjoyable sight to see. (90-93 on the Ingersoll means that you too almost sank.) I hope you're doing well shipmate.
I served with the crew that decomissioned her she was my first love and was never the same afterward it is a testament to the mighty leftwich that it took a massive amount of firepower to sink her but still a part of me will be missing now that the lady leftwich is gone.
August '92-Sept '96
Let's just hope that all Cold War relics meet the same glorious, horrifying fate. A few moments of drama, then life as an artificial reef. That's the way to go. RIP DD984.
Colonel Superior won't be an artificial reef where she went down. Water there is about 2000 fathoms deep.
Great Ship, Great Crew....Sad to see her go!
The Ticonderoga class cruisers and Spruance class destroyers just needed some maintenance and TLC, and they would have lasted another 30 years.
Un buque de primera linea para muchas marinas que tienen verdaderas chatarras unidas tan solo con pintura.
Served on two Sprucans (968 and 963). Always hurts to see these greyhounds end their service like this.
The Spruance class shouldn't have gone out like that.
Such great boats.
This is so depressing. I served on the USS Briscoe DD977 79-81. She was sunk in 2003 also. I have not seen a video of her being sunk (if there is one that is public), but I am sure is was similar to this. I still do not understand why when there are much older ships that are still active to this day. RIP
Short answer is the hulls were flawed and would crack and leak esp. near #3 GTG. Too expensive to reengineer and repair.
@@pamelarobinson859 Nevertheless. It was a beautiful ship.
I served on her from 1980-1982 when she was flagship. FTM on her Sparrows & Harpoons. Security Force. Did a WestPac, got my shellback. Good times (mostly). Hard to believe so much time has passed and yet seeing this brought a tear to my eye. RIP, Leftwich.
+Richard Harlos II I too served during that time frame as a GMM on the MK 29. This was a sad viewing and brought a tear to my eye as well. I also watched the Cushing go down. What a fight she put up. Mr. Harlos, I hope you are well.
Thanks for your comment and goodwill, Paladin Lives. I initially joined with the idea of doing 20 for early retirement but me and authoritarian structures didn't mesh well back then; some things never change :)
I observe and contemplate the world as it is today and I realize that my 1980's self hadn't a clue that the future would emerge into the state of affairs evident today: perpetual military engagement, political theater, intelligence misbehavior, environmental devastation, pharmaceutical shenanigans, economic instability. The scope of dysfunction is incomprehensibly vast, and with no solution in sight -- much less, any large scale interest in finding, and implementing, such a solution. This... isn't the future that I imagined my service bringing about, Paladin. It's all rather disheartening at times.
They say that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. I think that's a fair characterization of our culture today: so busy being busy, pretending to have hope, and ignoring the big problems. I read somewhere long ago that "we can ignore reality, but we can't ignore the consequences of ignoring reality." One need not be a genius to look around today and consider the consequences so far. And with those observations in mind, one need not be a genius to infer the outcome if we collectively continue to ignore reality.
Well, that's probably more than you wanted to hear back from me but I think it needs to be said out loud every now and then. In any case, I wish you well, Paladin :)
+Richard Harlos II Richard, I can relate to your perspective and I appreciate it. Have you had any contact with the fella's from CM Div.? Best Wishes, Jeff Carter
+Paladin Lives Sad to say I haven't, Jeff.What about you?
+Richard Harlos II I had the opportunity to speak with Erik Benson a couple years ago. He resides in WA. I am in OR.
Remembering when the Spruance class cans first hit the fleet. USS Halsey CG23 80-83. RIP.
The Best Man at my wedding was a Plankowner on this ship. I was a Plankowner on the 985 (also sunk).
I was on the final crew to Push the Cush she was my first ship. Took her home to San Diego for decom in 05. Still remember sitting in 3 Boiler room spending all day trying to find and plug a leaking condenser tube.
@@Dawgsofwinter I remember watching that boiler get rebuilt at the end of Cushing's first INSURV.
@@scottworley1479 The market for scrap steel of this quality has been flooded since the early 00's. There was talk of selling some of them, but the Navy balked at that. Not counting the Burke class, these were the most advanced ships of their type at that time. The Navy wasn't too keen on giving the bad guys a chance at these.
US Navy sank everyone of the Kidd and Spruance class quickly hulls had many years of life left but claimed to be to expensive to modernize. Beautiful ships
Not sure where you got that information. I was on the Chandler and that ship was sold to the Taiwan Navy. Not sank.
The Callaghan was also sold to Taiwan. There is a Taiwanese sailor that is part of the Callaghan Facebook page. He post photos every now and again!
All the Kidd class were sold to Taiwan and are still in service.
I was on the John Rodgers and she was sold for scrap. I have pictures of her being disassembled.
Saddest sight in the world.
Just seems like a big waist of resources
I served as ELO and NAV 1993-1996.
My 3rd ship, USS Kinkaid DD 965, suffered the same fate in 2005. Sitting at the bottom of the Pacific ocean at 6000 fathoms.
Always a sad sight to see a ship sink
my friend's dad was the captain of USS Leftwich
To those commenting that it should be made into a museum ship, where do you think it can be docked for that and who's going to pay those fees? If we made every ship a museum ship, where would we dock the commissioned ships?
USS Spruance DD-963 from 83-87. She was sent to Davy Jones Locker in a live fire exercise. Great Ships and even greater Crews. Fair Winds and Following Seas
yes, two good books are "America's First Clash with Iran", by Lee Allen Zatarain and "Inside The Danger Zone" by Harold Lee Wise
I was part of that operation as well my friend.
Extra ordinary.
Gracefully she went down.
I was onboard USS Caron DD970 from 1990-94. IC3. I was heartbroken when I got the news that they had sunk the Caron. It was like getting the news that your first love had been murdered! Oddly though, there wasn’t any video shot of her actually sinking. Just the explosion that led to her demise and a few stills of the ship listing to starboard and that’s it.
These were pretty cool Spruance class ships. They were actually built for the Iranian Navy but delivery didn't take place because the Shah of Iran was overthrown. They had wide passageways to accommodate live animals :O
I currently serve aboard CG-62 and seeing this video kinda made me sad to watch an old warship go :(
This is your captain speaking, stay with her stay with her do not abandon ship, we can save her
These ships were sunk way before their time. They all had plenty of sea time left. The current destroyers are built with the same design and power plants.
r dodge the current Arleigh Burke class has similar engineering plant, but is entirely different from the Spruance class hull and superstructure are all steel and have a different shape. Ticonderoga class cruisers use a similar hull form, but the DDGs are a completely new design.
Sad to see this Awseome steel fall into the ocean, farewell 😢😢😢
That unit of the Spruance class (DD-984) missile destroyer can still be reliable and useful to the other Navies in the world. And I cannot see the reason of why that ship should be blown and sink it to the ocean, where on the other side of the world, there is some nation's that are willing to do anything and everything so that they could acquired a well updated combat ship, that is well sophisticated such as this one.
Those decommissioned ships serve to help design better future ships since they are equipped with sensors to measure all sort of parameters to measure the damage by various weapons to design future ships to better survive.
@@HoneyBadger363 bologna~
Spruance Class 👍
Served aboard the USS Fletcher, DD-992 in the mid 80’s. It sure hurts to see these ships be sunk like garbage scows....
I would like to see what the bottom of the ocean looks like with all these ships at the bottom.
Why do they sink them? Any clue
@@scottworley1479 alot of times they are sunk as test targets when they get too expensive to repair. They also make great reefs for sea life
Was on the decommissioning crew
I was on 966- tuff to watch that
Sad to see ! Serve in 89-92 ! Awesome ship and crew ! Stay safe shipmates! Adios
YN3 Hannah served on this for 1983 - 1987. Crossed the equator this in 1985-87.
I believe this happened to the two ships I served aboard: Belknap (CG-26) and Conolly (DD-979)
Were you part of Nimble Archer? I was onboard the Hoel at the time.
I was
What a sight that would be underwater
Hate to admitt but i remember when this class was commissioned!
I’m surprised they don’t salvage more of the steel from the hull etc. all that just sunk off the coast of Kauai.
My brother was in that ship 91-93
So how long would one of these hulls last before they are not seaworthy? Im sure the metal does not last forever riding the waves on the high seas.
Another ship heading to 15K feet of water but this one went with a single shot.
They were not very watertight, not enough compartments. I was on John Young DD973
What a waste of good steel could have been recycled built another good ship
recycling cost way WAY more money
sinking it was cheaper
Where are the people? Lifeboats...? How did this ship sink?
Why can't they recycle the steel?
I know that the Navy needs to practice with their weapons, but why sink the ship instead scrapping? Perhaps this is a better way to go for a retired combat ship
I think its outrages! Again US kicking world opinions about recycling right in the face! As if US have just to mutch money and steel...
Stern first and straight down.
one hit and she sank ? Notice the first hit smoke came out of the stern than must have had every water tight door open or off.
You're right. I'm not sure this is a SINKEX. It looks more like a reef thing to me.
How long did it take for the ship to sink?
4 minutes and 24 seconds
RIP USS Leftwich.........
Facebook page and a reunion in Vegas July 26, 27, 2013 (Friday & Saturday) email ussleftwich@gmail.com if you or any prior shipmate would like to attend.
Is it shallow enough to dive on?
No, water is about 12000 ft deep.
Shako, l lived on that bad boy for 4 years
Remember when we hit that Sub in the South China Sea. 2 months in a Philippines dry dock ( East Coast/ West Coast)
Shako wheres Rossi🧐 Chief Hempel is sending you to mess cooking🤯
What a shame. It could have been the Command ship of some small Navy.
I am surprised they did use it for a SinkEx like they do yearly. Test rockets and torpedoes in big exercise out of Hawaii.
Have any video for DD 987
that is messed up destroying something that has helped serve your and my country
makes nice shelter for fish
I definitely agree with you brother, she should not be put in there.
Don’t know why it’s sink ex they blew it from inside
Oh ok, it was a target sinking....whew!!!
MAKING A REEF FOR SEA LIFE HAS A PLACE TO CALL HOME , THIS I CAN SEE ...
What did it actually take to sink her?
Looks like EDO did her in,
It would have been more useful using it as live fire torpedo practice, or harpoon missile firings.
ATTENTION ON DECK!
USS Leftwich (DD-984) Facebook page ... facebook.com/groups/76827325502/
Spruances were in a bad position in the late 90s. Too old to fit into the present fleet. Too new and too similar to the Ticos to go foreign navies that wanted them, like Turkey and Mexico.
Everything is sad now
Why don’t reuses the steel again.
scrapping makes more sense, look at hte oil slick just ahead off the starboard bow.. lots of $$$ worth of GOOD OLD USA STEEL in that one
Seems like such a waist
All that steel wasted.