The USS Cochrane (DDG-21) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer constructed for the United States Navy during the 1960s. Built on a modified hull derived from the Forrest Sherman class, the vessel measured approximately 437 feet (133.2 meters) in length, with a beam of 47 feet (14.3 meters) and a draft of 15 feet (4.6 meters). At full load, it displaced about 4,526 long tons (4,599 metric tons). The ship's crew comprised 18 officers and 320 enlisted personnel. Power was supplied by two geared steam turbines, each driving a propeller shaft, powered by four water-tube boilers. This machinery was designed to generate 70,000 shaft horsepower (52,000 kW), enabling the Cochrane to reach a maximum speed of 33 knots (61 km/h). Its operational range was approximately 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km) at 20 knots (37 km/h). Armament included two 5"/54 caliber Mark 42 guns positioned forward and aft of the superstructure, providing surface fire support. The ship was equipped with an eight-round RIM-24 Tartar surface-to-air missile launcher located between the funnels, with a total missile stowage capacity of 40. The anti-submarine weaponry comprised two triple sets of 12.75-inch (324 mm) Mk 32 torpedo tubes, offering close-range defense. The primary missile system was the Tartar surface-to-air missile, fired via the Mk 13 missile launcher, integral to the ship's role in protecting carrier battle groups. Laid down on July 31, 1961, by the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company in Seattle, Washington, the USS Cochrane was launched on July 18, 1962, and commissioned on March 21, 1964. Named after Vice Admiral Edward L. Cochrane, the vessel served notably in operations such as the April 1975 evacuation of Saigon (Operation Frequent Wind). It also distinguished itself in rescue operations, notably saving 104 Vietnamese refugees 620 miles east of Saigon in October 1980. Decommissioned on October 1, 1990, the USS Cochrane was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1992 and sold for scrap in 2000. Its maritime significance lies in its role as a guided missile destroyer during the Cold War era, equipped for surface and anti-submarine warfare, contributing to U.S. naval operations in Southeast Asia and beyond. The ship also appeared in popular culture, notably in the 1968 TV series Hawaii Five-O and the 1987 film "No Way Out."

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