The USS Paulding (DD-576) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, launched on 24 April 1945. She was named after Rear Admiral John Paulding, a naval officer known for his service during the War of 1812. The ship was commissioned on 30 December 1945 and primarily served in the Pacific Fleet during her early years. Throughout her service, the USS Paulding participated in various operations, including the Korean War and Cold War missions. She was decommissioned on 1 December 1970 and later sold for scrap in 1974, marking the end of her nearly 25 years of naval service.