In the afternoon of 2 August 1964, , engaged in a DESOTO patrol, called for assistance when three Vietnam People's Navy (VPN) P 4-class torpedo boats from the 135th Torpedo Squadron attacked her. As "Maddox" engaged the boats, firing over 280 five-inch shells, the contact was broken, and each combatant withdrew from the contact. While retreating to the North Vietnamese coastline, the three torpedo boats were attacked by four Navy F-8 Crusader jets from "Ticonderoga" which fired rockets and strafed with 20mm cannon fire, damaging two torpedo boats and leaving one boat in apparently sinking condition. Meanwhile, "Turner Joy" raced to "Maddox" to provide additional surface strength. By the time she reached "Maddox", the torpedo boats were no longer in the area.