The USS Aaron Ward (DD-773/DM-34) was a Robert H. Smith-class destroyer minelayer built for the United States Navy during World War II. Originally laid down as an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer (DD-773) on December 12, 1943, at Bethlehem Shipbuilding in San Pedro, California, she was launched on May 5, 1944. She was redesignated as a destroyer minelayer (DM-34) on July 19, 1944, and commissioned on October 28, 1944. The vessel measured approximately 376 feet in length, with a beam of about 40 feet and a displacement of roughly 2,200 tons. She was equipped with a variety of anti-aircraft guns and torpedo armament suitable for her dual role as a destroyer and minelayer. After fitting out and shakedown off California, she proceeded to Pearl Harbor in February 1945, where she conducted training in Hawaiian waters. She then joined the 5th Fleet at Ulithi and participated in operations supporting the Okinawa campaign. During her service at Okinawa, Aaron Ward supported minesweeping operations and engaged enemy aircraft, shooting down several intruders. Notably, she was heavily involved in the intense kamikaze attacks of late April and early May 1945. On May 3, she was struck by a kamikaze that crashed into her hull below the waterline, causing severe damage, flooding, and loss of steering control. Despite fires, explosions, and multiple subsequent attacks, her crew fought to save her, and she was eventually taken in tow by USS Shannon. After temporary repairs at Kerama Retto, she returned to the United States for permanent repairs. Due to the extent of her damage and a surplus of destroyers, Aaron Ward was decommissioned on September 28, 1945, and struck from the Navy list. She was sold for scrapping in July 1946. Her service earned her one battle star and the Presidential Unit Citation. Her anchor remains on display in Elgin, Illinois, serving as a memorial to her wartime service.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.