Hwa-Yang Destroyer

Tags: destroyer | military

.Length:376 ft. 6 in.
.Width:40 ft. 10 in.
.Max. Speed:35 kts.  
.Eco. Speed:15 kts.  
.Draft:19 ft.   
.Displacement:3,320 tons(maximum)
                           2,200 tons(standard)
 

History

DDG-903 was the ex-USS Bristol, the Sumner-class destroyer, DD-857, laid down by Bethlehem Steel, San Pedro, CA. May 5, 1944, launched on October 29, 1944 and commissioned on March 17, 1945. DD-857’s service in USN was the end of World War II and had been sailed to Japan for Far Eastern Occupation Duty and participated in Korean War with splendid merits and great achievements Ex-USS DD-857 was transferred to ROC Navy and commissioned on April 25, 1970 by Vice Admiral Sung, Chang-Chih, the deputy Commander-In-Chief of Navy then. She was renamed as Hwa-Yang with the hull number DD-903.

The mission of DDG-903 was patrolling the Cross-Strait and surrounding waters to convoy offshore-islands-support-and-supply, task flotilla and various missions. She played an important role on the Navy force built-up and fleet combat readiness, secure the safety of Cross-Strait and Maritime communications. Finally, the DDG-903 Hwa-Yang was decommissioned on April 25, 1994.
 

DDG-903 was the ex-USS Bristol, the Sumner-class destroyer, DD-857, laid down by Bethlehem Steel, San Pedro, CA. May 5, 1944, launched on October 29, 1944 and commissioned on March 17, 1945.

Vice Admiral Sung, Chang-Chih, the former deputy Commander-In-Chief of Navy, presented the Hwa-Yang Name Template to the first commanding officer, Cap tain Sung, Jeong.

Ex-USS DD-857 was transferred to ROC Navy and commissioned on April 25, 1970 by Vice Admiral Sung, Chang-Chih, the deputy Commander-In-Chief of Navy then. She was renamed as Hwa-Yang with the hull number DD-903.

Recollection

“Today, you are proud of DDG-903, Hwa-Yang, and tomorrow, DDG-903 Hwa-Yang will be proud of you.” This is the spirit for all the crews and members of DDG-903. Since the first Commanding Officer, Captain Sung, Chon, DDG-903 had built up great foundation and tradition. Afterwards, with the great leadership of many dedicated Commanding Officers, DDG-903 won “Best ship of the Year” and “Best Prototype of the Armed Forces” awards for several times.

It was my honor to take command of DDG-903 in 1990, and I emphasized on the working discipline and training onboard ship. I still remembered that Admiral Yeh, Chang-Tung, the Commander-In-Chief of Navy encouraged all the members of the Fleet the best rewards come from strict training. Indeed, all the officers and crews at DDG-903 devote themselves to the maintenance, PQS and integrated training.

Those efforts enabled the DDG-903 to have good maintenance, best fighting capabilities, outstanding training and great mobility. We were always confident with any task and mission. I also order the X.O., deputy commander Ku Yun-Wen to arrange the liberty for the crews in turns.

Every time, when I saw the crews meet for liberty and receive the liberty announcements, I can feel the same excitement as they are. I think this is one of the best rewards for the crews! When the crews on liberty walk away, it’s time for Hwa-Yang to underway. This is the reason why DDG-903 wins the nickname of “Sea Greyhound!”

 

Admiral Wang, Li-Shen, the Commander-in-Chief
served as the commanding officer of DDG-903 from July 1, 1990 to October 1, 1991

 

Admiral Liu, He-Chian, former CINC onboard the ROCS Hwa-Yang, DDG-903 to console the crews.

General Wang, Sheng, the former director of General Political Warfare embarked the DDG-903, ROCS Hwa-Yang to inspect the offshore islands.

The crews of DDG-903, ROCS Hwa-Yang paraded at the Fleet Command.

The Commanding Officer, Captain Wang, Li-Shen inspected the DDG-903, ROCS Hwa-Yang with a flag officer.

The Commanding Officer, Captain Wang Li-Shen presented the briefing to the military correspondents corps.

The crews of DDG-903, ROCS Hwa-Yang manned the anchor bill for exercise.

 

Text and images are provided by R.O.C Naval Academy ( Navy Memorial Digital Archives – Yang Class Destroyers)