DE Classified

Episode 18 - USS KIRK

At the end of the Vietnam War, USS KIRK DE-1087 / FF- 1087 found herself caring for thousands of refugees during the “epic” evacuation of Saigon. In this podcast, we explore this Cold War-era destroyer escort and how, despite being designed for warfare, she was even better at saving lives.

While you're here, use the transcript to follow along, check out our bibliography, and take a look at the photos below.

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See you next month!

KIRK airman stand by as a UH-1 Huey lands on their small flight deck during the evacuation, April 1975.

KIRK crewman directing a Chinook onto the small flight deck, April 1975.

KIRK crewmen push a Huey helicopter into the ocean to make room for more crafts carrying refugees, April 1975.

KIRK crew disposing of a helicopter after rescuing its survivors, April 1975.

Remnants of the South Vietnamese fleet following KIRK to Philippines across the South China Sea. Photo by Michael Guerin, Navsource.org