The USS Parsons (DD-949/DDG-33) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy, laid down in 1957, launched in 1958, and commissioned in 1959. After shakedown, the ship began operations with the 1st Fleet in 1960. Later that year, she deployed to the Western Pacific with the 7th Fleet. After significant improvements in her communications and antisubmarine warfare (ASW) equipment in 1961, the vessel rejoined the 1st Fleet in extensive coastal training and deployed for her second WestPac tour. The ship was one of four destroyers in her class selected for conversion from all-gun destroyers to the new Decatur class of guided missile destroyers. She received hull classification DDG-33 in 1967, was recommissioned, and was assigned to the Pacific Fleet in the same year. In 1968, the destroyer assumed duties as flagship for DesRon 31 and sailed to the Western Pacific for operations off Vietnam. From 1971 through 1972, the vessel supported forces afloat and ashore until her last Vietnam deployment in 1974. She was decommissioned in 1982, stricken from the Register in 1984, and sunk as a target in 1989. If you’re a veteran affected by the toxic asbestos fibers, you could be eligible for compensation from one or more asbestos trust funds set up for victims of exposure and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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