USS Callaghan (DDG-994)

The USS Callaghan (DD/DDG-994) was the second ship of the Kidd-class of destroyers derived from the Spruance-class and modified for air defense in hot weather. Originally named Daryush, the ship was ordered by the Shah of Iran. However, the order was canceled when the Iranian monarch was overthrown in 1979. The U.S. Navy decided to commission the four Kidd-type vessels for service in the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea. The Callaghan was commissioned in 1981 and initially based out of San Diego.

Service History

On 1 September 1983, the Callaghan was on deployment to the Far East and making a port visit to Sasebo, Japan when Korean Air Lines Flight 007 strayed into Soviet airspace. A Soviet fighter jet destroyed the Boeing 747, killing all aboard. After the attack, the Callaghan's crew was recalled and sent to search for survivors. During its survey of the crash site, the Callaghan was under very close scrutiny of the Soviet Navy.

The Callaghan visited San Francisco at various times throughout the 1980s. In 1987, she was deployed to the Far East as part of the USS Kitty Hawk carrier group. She visited Sydney, Australia during her 1994 deployment. In the late 1990s, Callaghan was moved to the port of Everett, Washington where she remained until she was decommissioned in 1998.

Fate

The USS Callaghan was berthed at Bremerton, Washington with the Pacific Reserve Fleet until sold to the Republic of China in 2004. She was originally named Ming Teh, but it was later decided to name her ROCS Su Ao (DDG-1802) after the Taiwanese naval base. After two years of refit and crew training in the United States, the ROCS Su Ao was commissioned on 17 December 2005 at Kee-Lung naval port in northern She is still on active duty with the Taiwanese navy.

Asbestos Risks

Although the USS Callaghan was built during a time when the use of asbestos was limited, asbestos-containing materials were still likely aboard the vessel. As a result, crew members may have been exposed to asbestos throughout their daily routines and may be at risk of developing an illness related to asbestos, including mesothelioma.

If you have already been diagnosed with an illness related to asbestos exposure, you may have legal options for compensation. Many have received financial assistance to help pay for medical expenses and lost income. If you would like to learn more about this and treatment options, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a complimentary packet.

Sources

Destroyers Index