The USS Mullinnix: A Monumental Ship in American Military History

The USS Mullinnix (DD-944) was an iconic ship in the United States Navy, having served for over 30 years in the waters of the Pacific, Caribbean, and Indian Oceans. Commissioned on August 28, 1970, she would go on to become one of the most decorated ships in the Navy, including earning the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation. The Mullinnix also had the distinction of being the first American warship to enter the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm.

The Mullinnix was designed as a destroyer, a type of warship designed for both offensive and defensive operations. With a length of 563 feet, a beam of 55 feet, and a displacement of 8,800 tons, the Mullinnix was a formidable sight on the open seas. She was powered by four boilers and two geared turbines, giving her a top speed of over 30 knots.

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The Mullinnix was armed with various weaponry, including two twin 5-inch guns, two single 3-inch guns, one quad 40 mm gun, and six torpedo tubes. She also carried a variety of missiles, such as the Standard, Sea Sparrow, and Harpoon. The Mullinnix was also equipped with a variety of advanced electronic warfare systems and sensors, including the SPN-41 air search radar, the SQS-53 sonar, and the SLQ-32 active jamming system.

The Mullinnix was initially assigned to the Pacific Fleet, where she was part of several operations in the Pacific, including a deployment to the Indian Ocean in 1973. In 1977, she was transferred to the Atlantic Fleet, where she served with distinction in several Caribbean and Mediterranean operations. In 1987, the Mullinnix was assigned to the Persian Gulf, and she was one of the first American warships to enter the Gulf during Operation Desert Storm.

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Mullinnix earned numerous awards throughout her service, including the Presidential Unit Citation for her actions during Operation Desert Storm. She also earned the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

The Mullinnix was decommissioned in November of 2000 after 30 years of service. She is now a museum ship, docked in the Naval Station San Diego. Visitors to the museum can take a self-guided tour of the ship, including seeing the bridge, the engine room, the combat information center, and the living quarters. The USS Mullinnix is a true testament to the courage and dedication of the men and women who served on her and the United States Navy.