USS Harwood (DD/DDE-861) was a Gearing-class destroyer constructed by Bethlehem Shipbuilding at San Pedro, California. Laid down on October 29, 1944, and launched on May 22, 1945, she was commissioned into the United States Navy on September 28, 1945. The vessel showcased typical Gearing-class specifications, with a displacement of approximately 3,460 tons (full load), a length of about 390 feet, a beam of 40 feet, and a draft of around 14 feet. Her armament initially included guns and torpedoes suited for anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare, later modernized during a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM II) overhaul in 1961, which included new torpedo tubes and the installation of DASH drone facilities. USS Harwood’s service history spanned from her commissioning post-World War II through the Cold War era until her decommissioning in 1973. She served in the Chinese waters supporting the occupation of Japan and participated in fleet and anti-submarine exercises. Notably, she was redesignated DDE-861 in 1950, reflecting her focus on anti-submarine warfare. Her deployments included multiple Mediterranean cruises with the Sixth Fleet, where she engaged in exercises and showed presence during Cold War tensions, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. She also operated along the U.S. East Coast, the Caribbean, and in the Atlantic, contributing to NATO exercises and regional stability. In 1961, her modernization allowed her to operate advanced anti-submarine drones (QH-50 DASH) and updated weaponry, enhancing her capabilities. Her operational history included visits to South America, Europe, and the Middle East, notably transiting the Suez Canal during her 1966 Mediterranean deployment. In 1971, USS Harwood was transferred to Turkey and renamed TCG Kocatepe (D 354). Her maritime significance was marked by her Cold War anti-submarine role and participation in NATO and U.S. fleet operations. Tragically, on July 21, 1974, while serving with the Turkish Navy, she was erroneously bombed and sunk during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, resulting in the loss of 54 crew members. Her loss highlighted the intense regional tensions of the era and the risks faced by naval vessels operating in conflict zones.

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