USS Keppler (DD-765)

USS Keppler (DD-765) in Roosevelt Roads 1965
History
United States
NameUSS Keppler
NamesakeReinhardt J. Keppler
BuilderBethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, San Francisco, California
Launched24 June 1946
Commissioned23 May 1947
Decommissioned1 July 1972
Reclassified
  • DDE-765, 4 March 1950
  • DD-765, 1962
Honors and
awards
2 battle stars (Korea)
FateSold to Turkey
Turkish Navy EnsignTurkey
NameTCG Tınaztepe (D 355)
NamesakeTown of Tınaztepe
Stricken1982
FateScrapped
General characteristics
Class and typeGearing-class destroyer
Displacement2,425 long tons (2,464 t)
Length390 ft 6 in (119.02 m)
Beam41 ft 1 in (12.52 m)
Draft18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
Speed35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph)
Complement267
Armament

The third USS Keppler (DD/DDE-765) was a Gearing-class destroyer in the United States Navy during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. She was named for Boatswain's Mate First Class Reinhardt J. Keppler (1918–1942), who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism" during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.

Keppler was launched on 24 June 1946 by Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Shipbuilding Division, San Francisco, California sponsored by Mrs. Elizabeth L. Keppler, widow of BM1c Keppler; and commissioned on 23 May 1947.