USS Lowry (DD-770) - Vietnam

Vietnam

After her fourth Mediterranean deployment, 18 February 1965 to 12 July, Lowry had the DASH system installed, then participated in a large Atlantic Fleet operational exercises. Her 1966 6th Fleet deployment, 4 March to 12 August, was followed by duty as schoolship for the Fleet Sonar School, Key West. Through most of January and February 1967, Lowry embarked several Peruvian midshipmen for training under the Midshipmen Exchange Program. From 8 May through 22 September she underwent regular overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, followed by refresher training out of the Fleet Training Center, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Lowry departed Norfolk early in April 1968 for the Panama Canal, thence for the Far East on her first 7th Fleet deployment of the Vietnam War. Serving off the coast of that troubled country, she performed plane guard, naval gunfire support, and other duties for which the versatile destroyer is well suited. Highlight of port visits was a trip to Bangkok, Thailand. She arrived back at Norfolk 27 November, and continued Atlantic coast operations into 1969.

In July 1969 a gun turret exploded during regular sea operations. One man was killed and several were injured. (As witnessed by a sailor from the Lowry just assigned to Portsmouth Naval Hospital, after talking with the hospitalized sailors.)

Lowry received four battle stars for World War II service and two for Korean service.