USS CHANDLER was the fourth and last KIDD class guided missile destroyer. Originally built for Iran, the ship was named ANDUSHIRVAN, but after the destroyer's takeover by the U.S. Navy the ship was renamed CHANDLER . In 2005, the CHANDLER was transfered to Taiwan where she was recommissioned as MA-KONG.
Hull number: DDG-996 Keel Laid: May 7, 1979 Christened: June 28, 1980 Commissioned: March 13, 1982 Decommissioned: 1999 Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, West Bank, Pascagoula, Miss. Propulsion: four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines Propellers: two (30') Blades on each Propeller: five (veriable pitch) Length: 563' 11 3/4" (172 meters) Beam: 55' 1" (16.8 meters) Draft: 31' 5" (9.6 meters) Displacement: 9,500 tons full load Speed: 30+ knots Aircraft: two SH-2 helicopters (LAMPS I) or one SH-3 helicopter (LAMPS III) Armament: two Mk 45 5-inch/54 caliber lightweight guns, two Mk 26 launchers for Standard missiles, Harpoon missile launchers, Mk 46 torpedoes (two triple tube mounts), two 20mm Phalanx CIWS, one Mk 112 launcher for ASROC Homeport: (original) San Diego, CA - (Later) Everett, WA Crew: 31 officers, 332 enlisted
Ship's Coat of Arms:
The Shield:
Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy. The wavy Chevron, compass rose and pheons symbolize the northward sweep through the Philippines, in which Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler participated. The convex cross represents the Navy Cross, which was awarded to the Admiral for extraordinary heroism at Lingayen Gulf. The pheons and compass rose also denote the guided missile striking capabilities of a KIDD - class guided missile destroyer.
The Crest:
The rampant demi-lion, a symbol of courage and fighting spirit represents Admiral Chandler's extraordinary heroism. The fountain signifies Lingayen Gulf. The wall and flames represent the fiery bridge of the flagship USS LOUISVILLE from which Admiral Chandler continued to command even after suffering a direct hit from a kamikaze bomber.
The Motto:
"AD MORTEM FIDELIS" is the CHANDLER family motto. The translation "FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH" aptly describes Rear Admiral Chandler's heroism and devotion to duty in giving his life to save his ship.