USS Orleck
The USS Orleck was a Gearing-class destroyer named after Lieutenant Joseph Orleck, commanding officer of the USS Nauset, who was killed in combat when his ship was sunk by German fighter planes in the Gulf of Palermo. Lt. Orleck was posthumously awarded the prestigious Navy Cross. Orleck’s hull was laid on November 28th 1944 at Consolidated Steel Shipyard in Orange, Texas. Orleck was launched in May 1945 and commissioned into the United States Navy on September 15th, 1945.
Orleck operated under United Nations support missions with the Seventh Fleet during the Korean War. After which, the Orleck underwent extensive renovation and modification overhaul in 1962. The Orleck then went on to serve in the Vietnam conflict, acting as a plane guard for carriers operating in and out of the Gulf of Tonkin. She also served in Sea Dragon operations, patrolled within search and rescue missions, and supported naval gunfire missions. Among her more prominent accomplishments was the recovery of the Gemini IV space capsule.
Decommissioned in October of 1982, Orleck was transferred to Turkey and given the name Yucetepe, and subsequently stricken from the U.S. register. In the year 2000, Yucetepe, was returned to the United States by the Turkish government for use within the Southeast Texas War Memorial and Heritage Foundation. Orleck was severely damaged by Hurricane Rita in 2005. Although necessary repairs were made to the ship’s hull, the museum refused to re-integrate the ship back into its display. The Orleck is now tentatively scheduled for the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum in Northern Little Rock.
Those who served aboard the Orleck saw a great deal of history that defines the 20th century. Unfortunately, these sailors may also have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos was used extensively in naval shipbuilding up until the late 1970’s. Those who served aboard the vessel or repaired vessels in naval shipyard could potentially be at risk. All those who feel they may have been exposed to asbestos aboard the Orleck or any other vessel should discuss their asbestos exposure history with their physician, who can advise the patient of what symptoms may indicate adverse health complications such as mesothelioma as result of exposure.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
