The third ship named USS Aaron Ward in honor of Rear Admiral Aaron Ward was a Robert H. Smith-class destroyer minelayer in the service of the United States Navy.
The U.S. Navy destroyer-minelayer USS Aaron Ward (DM-34) in the Kerama Retto anchorage, 5 May 1945, showing damage received when she was hit by several Japanese suicide planes off Okinawa on 3 May. Note the three-bladed aircraft propeller lodged in her superstructure, just forward of the after 5″/38 twin gun mount.
Minemen aboard the AARON WARD who perished on 3 May 1945 were:
ARMOND, M. J., MN1
FOLLETT, R.R., MN2
RAWLINS, J.B., MN3
ZOLOGA, J.E., MN2