The USS Manley (DD-940) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer constructed by Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, with her keel laid on 10 February 1955. She was commissioned on 1 February 1957, sponsored by Mrs. Arleigh A. Burke. The vessel measured approximately 418 feet in length, with a beam of 43 feet and a draft of around 15 feet, typical of Forrest Sherman-class destroyers, and was powered by geared steam turbines producing about 35,000 shaft horsepower, allowing her to reach speeds of up to 33 knots. Initially, the USS Manley's service included shakedown training in the Caribbean, followed by a goodwill tour across European ports such as Lisbon, Amsterdam, Kiel, and Copenhagen. She participated in NATO exercises off Norway and supported Sixth Fleet operations in the Mediterranean. Notably, during her early deployment, she sustained heavy damage from a large wave off the Azores in December 1957, which led to emergency repairs in Gibraltar and later at Philadelphia. Throughout her career, Manley frequently engaged in antisubmarine warfare exercises, patrols, and fleet maneuvers, often serving as flagship for Destroyer Squadron 4. She played a significant role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, operating in Cuban waters and rescuing downed pilots. She also participated in space capsule recovery tests in 1960 and was involved in operations supporting U.S. military and diplomatic efforts worldwide, including the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Manley's combat service extended to the Vietnam War, where she provided gunfire support and ASW operations, earning the Navy Unit Commendation for her efforts. She experienced a notable incident in December 1966, when a gun mount fire threatened her magazine but was controlled before causing extensive damage. Decommissioned on 31 January 1970 for modernization, she was recommissioned on 19 April 1971 after upgrades to sensors and weaponry. Her later years included operations in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Atlantic, with port visits, exercises, and humanitarian missions. Her final cruise in 1982 involved evacuation efforts in Lebanon. The USS Manley was struck from the Naval Register on 4 March 1983 and subsequently scrapped after her decommissioning.

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