USS Hayler ( DD - 997 ) USS " Hayler " ( DD - 997 ) , the last " Spruance " - class destroyer , was the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for Vice Admiral Robert W . Hayler ( 1891 – 1980 ) . History . For fiscal year 1978 , Congress authorized the production of two additional " Spruance " - class destroyers , though they funded only one . These were intended to be built as helicopter destroyers ( DDH ) , provided they would not cost more than a standard " Spruance " - class . Litton - Ingalls completed sketch design work for DDH - 997 , which moved the helicopter deck aft , stretching the length of the hangar and displacing the Sea Sparrow launcher to the top of the hangar . The design would have accommodated two SH - 3 Sea King s or four smaller SH - 60 Seahawk or SH - 2 Seasprite helicopters . While the prospective DDH - 997 probably wouldn ' t have cost much more to build than a standard " Spruance " - class , the detail design and engineering work required before the ship could be built would have been substantial ( similar work for the " Kidd " - class cost $ 110 . 8 million ) . This raised the cost of the DDH substantially above a standard " Spruance " - class destroyer . While this additional cost might have been justified if the DDH was going to enter series production , it was difficult to justify for a single ship . Accordingly the Navy built " Hayler " to the same design as the rest of the class . " Hayler " was laid down on 20 October 1980 by Ingalls Shipbuilding , in Pascagoula , Miss . ; launched on 2 March 1982 ; and commissioned on 5 March 1983 . Fate . " Hayler " was decommissioned 25 August 2003 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard , Portsmouth , Va . She was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 6 April 2004 and sunk as a target on 13 November 2004 , during the 2004 Sink Exercise . Ship ' s crest . " Hayler " ' s crest is representative of Vice Admiral Hayler ' s inspiring leadership , his dedication to his country , his proficiency as a naval officer , and of the history and traditions of the naval service . The gold stars on the blue background in the upper area of the shield symbolize the many Pacific Island Campaigns Admiral Hayler participated in as a Commanding Officer , and as a Commander of a cruiser division during World War II . The stars also represent the numerous awards he received , some repeated two and three times . The chevron is a symbol of strength and support , and the blue crosses represent the Admirals ' s three Navy Cross es , an award for valour exceeded only by the Medal of Honor . The crossed red battle axes are a symbol of strength and resourcefulness under fire , and represent Admiral Hayler ' s wartime service . The two stars they bear are in recognition of the Silver and Bronze Star s awarded to Admiral Hayler for valour . The bomb represents naval firepower , gunfire support and anti - aircraft fire , and symbolizes the contributions of Admiral Hayler to the development of naval ordnance at the outbreak of World War II . The anchor refers to the fleet , and Admiral Hayler ' s efforts toward its strength and safety . The predominant colors , red , white , and blue , are representative of the national flag , and Admiral Hayler ' s patriotism and loyalty to the flag and the nation it represents .