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USS Klakring

2025-10-23T21:31:30Z

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{{short description|Frigate of the US Navy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin|infobox caption=USS ''Klakring'' (FFG-42)}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=[[File:USS Klakring (FFG 42) in Souda Bay, Greece.jpg|300px|border]]
|Ship caption= USS ''Klakring'' arrives for a brief port visit at [[Souda Bay]] in 2004.
}}
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Ship country=United States
|Ship flag={{USN flag|2006}}
|Ship name=''Klakring''
|Ship namesake= [[Rear Admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[Thomas B. Klakring]]
|Ship ordered=
|Ship awarded=27 April 1979
|Ship builder=[[Bath Iron Works]], [[Bath, Maine]]
|Ship original cost=
|Ship yard number=
|Ship way number=
|Ship laid down=19 February 1982
|Ship launched=18 September 1982
|Ship sponsor=Mrs. Beverly Bohen
|Ship christened=
|Ship completed=
|Ship commissioned=20 August 1983
|Ship recommissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=22 March 2013
|Ship renamed=
|Ship reclassified=
|Ship refit=
|Ship struck=22 March 2013
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship homeport=[[Naval Station Mayport|Mayport]], [[Florida]]
|Ship identification=*[[Hull classification symbol#Surface combatant type|Hull symbol]]:FFG-42
*[[International Code of Signals|Code letters]]:NTBK
*{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Tango}}{{ICS|Bravo}}{{ICS|Kilo}}
|Ship motto="Freedom Through Vigilance"
|Ship nickname=
|Ship honors=
|Ship fate=
|Ship status=Stricken, to be disposed of
|Ship notes=
|Ship badge= [[File:USS Klakring FFG-42 Crest.png|150px]]
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Ship class={{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate}}
|Ship type=
|Ship displacement={{OHP frigate displacement}}
|Ship length={{OHP frigate length}}
|Ship beam={{OHP frigate beam}}
|Ship height=
|Ship draft={{OHP frigate draft}}
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion={{OHP frigate propulsion}}
|Ship speed={{OHP frigate speed}}
|Ship range={{OHP frigate range}}
|Ship complement={{OHP frigate complement}}
|Ship crew=
|Ship time to activate=
|Ship sensors={{OHP frigate sensors}}
|Ship EW=[[AN/SLQ-32]]
|Ship armament={{OHP frigate armament}}
|Ship aircraft=2 × [[SH-60 Seahawk|SH-60 LAMPS III]] helicopters
|Ship aircraft facilities={{OHP frigate aircraft facilities}}
|Ship notes=
}}
|}

'''USS ''Klakring'' (FFG-42)''', an [[Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate|''Oliver Hazard Perry'' class]] frigate, was a ship of the [[United States Navy]] named for [[Rear Admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[Thomas B. Klakring]] (1904–1975), who was awarded three [[Navy Cross (United States)|Navy Crosses]] as commander of the [[submarine]] {{USS|Guardfish|SS-217|6}} during [[World War II]].

==Construction and commissioning==
''Klakring'' was laid down on 19 February 1982 by the [[Bath Iron Works]] Corp. [[Bath, Maine]]; [[Ship naming and launching|launched]] on 18 September 1982; sponsored by Beverly Bohen, niece of Rear Admiral Klakring; and [[ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 20 August 1983 at Bath.<ref name="DANFS">{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/klakring-ffg-42-1982-1990.html |title=Klakring (FFG 42), 1982-2013 |first1=Courtney |last1=Frey |first2=Mark L. |last2=Evans |name-list-style=amp |date=28 July 2015 |website=Naval History and Heritage Command |access-date=5 January 2016}}</ref>

==Service history==

===1980s===

====1983====
''Klakring'' completed a light-off examination on 8 September 1983, followed on 15 September by her initial crew certification. Prior to leaving for Charleston, South Carolina, ''Klakring'' visited Newport, Rhode Island. The ''Klakring'' crew was able to explore Newport while the [[America's Cup]] battle was underway. Many sailors experienced getting their "land legs" back after their first days at sea. The ship reached her initial home port of [[Charleston, South Carolina]], on 18 September. Family members and friends on the pier displayed homemade banners while they welcomed the ship as she maneuvered up the [[Cooper River (South Carolina)|Cooper River]] on 28 September.<ref name="DANFS" />

The ship sailed for her shakedown cruise to [[Caribbean Sea|Caribbean waters]]. She visited [[St. Thomas, Virgin Islands]] (4–7 November 1983), and on 13 November put into [[Guantánamo Bay, Cuba]]. ''Klakring'' sailed on 3 December, carried out a weapons systems accuracy test at [[Port Everglades|Port Everglades, Florida]], and then test-fired torpedoes on the range at [[Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center]] (AUTEC), [[Andros, Bahamas|St. Andros Island]], on 13 December. She returned to Charleston on 16 December.<ref name="DANFS" />

[[File:USS Klakring (FFG-42) underway in the Atlantic Ocean, 28 June 1983 (6405087).jpg|thumb|left|''Klakring'' in June 1983]]

====1984====
''Klakring'' carried out additional training during the New Year 1984, including a visit to [[Nassau, Bahamas]] (27–30 January 1984), a brief stop for fuel in [[Frederiksted, United States Virgin Islands|Frederiksted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands]], and another port visit on 18 February to [[Roosevelt Roads Naval Station|Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico]]. ''Klakring'' completed her [[Shakedown cruise|Post Shakedown Availability]] at Bath (5 April–23 August). The yard work included the installation of fin stabilizers. The ship conducted her [[sea trials]] on 29 September, and on loaded weapons from [[Norfolk, Virginia]], on 7 September. [[Hurricane Diana (1984)|Hurricane Diana]] swept up the East Coast and delayed the frigate's return to Charleston from her scheduled date of 11 to 16 September. The ship completed a variety of training during the succeeding weeks, and escorted the [[aircraft carrier]] {{USS|Nimitz||2}} during mid November.<ref name="DANFS" />

====1985====
''Klakring'' sailed for nearly five weeks of refresher training off Guantánamo Bay on 14 January 1985. On 21 February, Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron [[HSM-72|(Light—HSL-42)]] Detachment 3, equipped with a single [[Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk]] Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mk III, embarked on board ''Klakring''. The ship began participation in her first major fleet exercise, [[Composite Unit Training Exercise]] (COMTUEX) 2-85, on 22 April 1985. She broke up the training with a three-day visit to [[Frederiksted, U.S. Virgin Islands]], and returned to Charleston on 8 May.<ref name="DANFS" />

The [[destroyer]] {{USS|Comte de Grasse|DD-974|2}} and ''Klakring'' sailed as MEF 3-85 Transit Group for the [[United States Naval Forces Central Command|Middle East Force]] on 7 June 1985. This cruise marked the frigate's first overseas deployment. Comdr. Whalig served as the group's [[officer in tactical command]] (OTC). The two ships fueled and provisioned at [[Ponta Delgada, Azores]], on 13 June, entered the [[United States Sixth Fleet]], and stopped for additional fuel and supplies at [[Naval Station Rota Spain|Rota, Spain]], on 16 June. ''Klakring'' visited [[Palma de Mallorca, Spain]] (18–21 June). The ship then crossed the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] by easterly courses.<ref name="DANFS" />

''Klakring'' passed southbound through the [[Suez Canal]] on 25 and 26 June 1985. As the ship crossed the [[Red Sea]], she began to observe the weekends on Thursdays and Fridays to assimilate crewmen to [[Muslim]] daily routines. ''Klakring'' fueled and provisioned at [[Djibouti]], [[Horn of Africa]], on 30 June. On 1 July, she rendezvoused with [[guided missile destroyer]] {{USS|Charles F. Adams|DDG-2|2}} and exchanged information and equipment. Whalig became Commander Task Unit (CTU) 109.1.2, and oversaw the scheduling of all multi-ship training in the [[Persian Gulf]]. ''Klakring'' sailed through the [[Strait of Hormuz]], and on 7 July rendezvoused with command ship {{USS|La Salle|AGF-3|2}} near [[Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates]] (UAE). The frigate escorted the [[flagship]] to [[Sitra|Sitrah, Bahrain]].<ref name="DANFS" />

During the ship's first two months in the Persian Gulf, visibility averaged barely {{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} because of haze, sand, and dust. The daily temperature repeatedly rose to {{convert|117|°F|°C|abbr=on}} with 90% humidity. The frigate's Seahawk flew an average of two sorties per day, and the crew reported that the presence of the strong temperature inversion made radar ranges of 160 nautical miles at altitudes below {{convert|500|ft|m|abbr=on}} common, which extended the helo's patrol coverage of the region.<ref name="DANFS" />

The ship next visited [[Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia]] (14–17 July 1985), briefly patrolled the Persian Gulf, and then completed upkeep at [[Mina Salman]], [[Bahrain]] (22–31 July). On 6 August, ''Klakring'' escorted ''La Salle'', and fueled and provisioned at Sitrah on 20 August. The frigate sailed from the Persian Gulf, and (25–28 August) visited [[Karachi, Pakistan]]. She passed through the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf on 31 August, and completed an additional upkeep at [[Dubai]], UAE (3–10 September). The ship anchored at Sitrah for a Combat Systems Groom (13–15 September). On 20 September, she sailed from the Persian Gulf and trained with the [[Indian Ocean]] [[Carrier battle group|Battle Group]], focusing on aircraft carrier operations, [[anti-air warfare]], [[underway replenishment]], and [[antisubmarine warfare]]. ''Klakring'' returned to the Persian Gulf on 24 September, training along the way with [[French Navy|French]] [[aviso]] [[D'Estienne d'Orves-class aviso|''Quartier-Maître Anquetil'']].<ref name="DANFS" />

After topping off her fuel and provisions on 26 October 1985, ''Klakring'' made for Ash Shuaibah, [[Kuwait]], as the flagship for Commander Middle East Force. The ship patrolled the Persian Gulf, and completed upkeep at Mina Salman (30 October–4 November). The guided missile frigate {{USS|Gallery|FFG-26|2}} relieved ''Klakring'' in the Persian Gulf on 6 and 7 November. On 9 November, ''Klakring'' rendezvoused with ''Comte de Grasse'' and the two ships formed a transit group back to the United States. Comdr. Wahlig again served as OTC for the group.<ref name="DANFS" />

''Klakring'' fueled and provisioned at [[Djibouti (city)|Djibouti]] on 11 November 1985, and continued northward across the Red Sea, returning to the standard workweek when she reached the southern entrance to the Suez Canal on 15 November. The following day, both ships transited the canal northbound, and visited [[Málaga, Spain]] (20–23 November). On 24 November, ''Klakring'' fueled and provisioned at Rota on 24 November, and that same afternoon entered the [[United States Second Fleet|Second Fleet]]. The frigate celebrated [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]] in [[Ponta Delgada (Azores)|Ponta Delgada]], and returned to Charleston on 6 December 1985. On 12 December, Comdr. James M. Coon relieved Comdr. Wahlig as the commanding officer.<ref name="DANFS" />

====1986====
The ship accomplished Combined at Sea Operations (CASTOPS) 2-86 (3–15 February 1986), including a visit to Nassau in the Bahamas (8–11 February). ''Klakring'' underwent an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination (OPPE) from 26 to 28 April, 1 and 2 May, and 29 and 30 May. The ship visited [[Savannah, Georgia]], on 27 and 28 June. ''Klakring'' trained with ''Nimitz'' from 8 to 17 July 1986, including a visit to Port Everglades (11–14 July). On 31 July and 1 August, the ship conducted special projects for the [[Chief of Naval Operations]] (CNO).<ref name="DANFS" />

Following her CNO project and a visit to [[Dodge Island|Dodge Island Terminal]], [[Miami|Miami, Florida]] (8–10 September) ''Klakring'' held a Tiger Cruise for her crew's dependents, on 11 September 1986. While the ship sailed to the operating area, she received a distress call from ''King Fisher II'', a small [[fishing boat]] from Charleston. ''Klakring'' proceeded at full speed to ''King Fisher II'', and the ship transferred her emergency party via small boat to render assistance. The frigate returned to port on 12 September. On 29 September she off loaded her weapons at the [[Naval Weapons Station Charleston]], and completed her first Selective Restricted Availability (SRA-1) from 30 September to 5 December. On 12 December, ''Klakring'' on loaded her weapons from the Naval Weapons Station, and carried out her [[sea trials]] (15–18 December).<ref name="DANFS" />

====1987====
{{Main|Iran–Iraq War|Operation Earnest Will}}
''Klakring'' completed a number of training exercises during the New Year, including Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 1-87 and a War at Sea scenario (10–27 February 1987), and Solid Shield 87, FLEETEX 2-87, and another War at Sea scenario from 30 April to 10 May. ''Klakring'' deployed from Charleston for the [[Middle East]] on 6 June 1987. On 8 June she rendezvoused with the other ships of her transit group, and refueled at Rota on 15 June. The frigate visited [[Taormina]], [[Sicily]] (19–21 June). She passed through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea on 24 June, and on 29 June refueled at Djibouti.<ref name="DANFS" />

The ship supported [[Operation Earnest Will]]. The [[Iran]]ians and [[Iraq]]is escalated their attacks against ships sailing in the Persian Gulf during the [[Iran–Iraq War]], and the U.S. launched Earnest Will to maintain [[freedom of navigation]] in the area. The Americans initially renamed and reflagged eleven Kuwaiti tankers. ''Klakring'' patrolled the Persian Gulf between [[Radar Picket]] Stations North and South. The ship repeatedly passed outbound through the Strait of Hormuz to refuel from [[underway replenishment ship]]s, and then returned to the Persian Gulf. On 10 August, ''Klakring'' embarked a detachment of Army helicopters and helped coordinate the efforts of British tugs converted for [[Mine sweeping#Mine sweeping|mine sweeping]]. ''Klakring'' escorted {{SS|Bridgeton||2}}—reflagged tanker ''Al Rekkah''—outbound through the Strait of Hormuz on 30 August. The Iranians mined ''Bridgeton'' on 24 July, but the tanker survived.<ref name="DANFS" />

The frigate rendezvoused with cargo ship {{USNS|Courier|T-AK-5019|2}} and steamship ''President Pierce'' and escorted them to [[Fujairah]] (2 and 3 September 1987). On 3 September, she escorted tanker {{USNS|Sealift Mediterranean|T-AO-173|2}} to Bahrain. ''Klakring'' escorted tanker {{USNS|Sealift Pacific|T-AO-168|2}} through the Strait of Hormuz on 1 October. ''Klakring'' passed outbound through the Strait of Hormuz and anchored at Fujairah on 24 October. The guided missile frigate {{USS|Carr|FFG-52|2}} relieved ''Klakring'' on 26 October. The frigate refueled at Djibouti on 29 October, visited [[Jeddah, Saudi Arabia]] (1–4 November), passed northbound through the Suez Canal on 7 November, and (12–16 November) visited [[Saint-Raphaël, Var|Saint Raphael, France]]. The ship put into [[Palma, Majorca|Palma de Mallorca]] (17–21 November), on 22 November refueled at Rota, refueled again at Ponta Delgada on 26 November, and returned to Charleston on 4 December.<ref name="DANFS" />

[[File:USS Klakring (FFG-42) launches BQM-74E drone in the Pacific Ocean on 5 July 2002 (6612351).jpg|thumb|''Klakring'' launches a drone in July 2002 as part of an exercise]]

''Klakring'' participated in [[Operation Earnest Will]] in the Persian Gulf in 1987 as the first air-capable, air-embarked ship.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} The frigate participated in [[Operation Prime Chance]] in the Persian Gulf during the "[[Iran-Iraq War#Attacks on shipping|Tanker War]]".{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

====1988====
CMDR Dennis J. Van Buskirk relieved CMDR Coon as the commanding officer on 22 January 1988. ''Klakring'' completed repairs in drydock at [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville Shipyards, Florida]] (1–22 February). The ship accomplished Interim Readiness Training with Task Group (TG) 43.2 at Guantánamo Bay (21 March–13 April). A variety of training exercises followed, broken by a visit to [[Ft. Lauderdale, Florida]] (8–13 May). She carried out further training, refueled at Roosevelt Roads on 18 May, visited St. Thomas (18–21 May), and on 27 May returned to Charleston. ''Klakring'' loaded a [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] [[Rigid-hulled inflatable boat|Rigid Inflatable Boat]] in preparation for her Caribbean Law Enforcement Operations (CDOPs) on 13 June 1988, setting sail the following day. The ship embarked a helicopter detachment at [[Naval Station Mayport|Mayport, Florida]], on 18 June, and the following day the remaining Coast Guardsmen and their equipment boarded at Miami. ''Klakring'' participated in CDOPs (22 June–8 July), and returned to Charleston on 13 July.<ref name="DANFS" />

The ship took part in Middle East Force Exercise (MEFEX) 1-89 with destroyer {{USS|O'Bannon|DD-987|2}} and guided missile frigates {{USS|De Wert|FFG-45|2}} and {{USS|Hawes|FFG-53|2}} in the Caribbean (12–28 October 1988). On 19 October, ''Klakring'' and ''De Wert'' anchored off [[Vieques Island]], Puerto Rico, for drills with a [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy Sea, Air, Land (SEAL) Team]]. ''Klakring'' also conducted flight operations with [[United States Army Aviation Branch|Army]] helicopters on 27 October.<ref name="DANFS" />

====1989====
''Klakring'' began her duties as host ship for the [[West Germany|West German]] frigate {{ship|German frigate|Rheinland-Pfalz|F209|2}} on 14 March 1989.<ref name="DANFS" />

''Klakring'' took part in FLEETEX 3-89 (13–28 April).<ref name="DANFS" />

''Klakring'' deployed as part of MED 3-89 on 31 May 1989. The group comprised aircraft carrier {{USS|Coral Sea|CV-43|2}}, guided missile [[cruiser]]s {{USS|Mississippi|CGN-40|2}}, {{USS|San Jacinto|CG-56|2}}, and {{USS|Thomas S. Gates|CG-51|2}}, guided missile destroyer {{USS|John King|DDG-3|2}}, [[Guided missile frigate#Guided-missile role|guided missile frigate]] {{USS|Kauffman|FFG-59|2}}, frigates {{USS|Ainsworth|FF-1090|2}} and {{USS|Aylwin|FF-1081|2}}, [[amphibious assault ship]] {{USS|Nassau|LHA-4|2}}, amphibious transport dock {{USS|Shreveport|LPD-12|2}}, tank landing ship {{USS|Barnstable County|LST-1197|2}}, oiler {{USS|Monongahela|AO-178|2}}, ammunition ship {{USS|Butte|AE-27|2}}, and destroyer tender {{USS|Shenandoah|AD-44|2}}.<ref name="DANFS" />

While ''Klakring'' passed through the Strait of Gibraltar at 0400 on 11 June, she launched her helo in 44 knot winds. The ship relieved ''Charles F. Adams'' on 14 June. In company with ''San Jacinto'' she passed northbound through the Dardanelles and Bosporus on 18 June, and visited Constanta, Romania (19–22 June). Comdr. Van Buskirk and Capt. H. Ward Clark, the Commanding Office of ''San Jacinto'', were flown to [[Bucharest]] to meet with Romanian defense leaders.<ref name="DANFS" />

''Klakring'' returned through the Bosporus and anchored at [[Istanbul]], Turkey, on 23 June. On 27 June, she sailed southbound through the Dardanelles, and completed an intermediate maintenance availability with Haifa Shipyard, Ltd., [[Haifa]], Israel, from 30 June to 10 July. Following her maintenance, she took part in Noble Dina 3, a joint US-Israeli naval exercise (10–13 July). She visited [[Alexandria]], Egypt (19–24 July), and returned to Haifa (28–31 July). Rear Adm. Richard C. Macke, Commander Carrier Group 2, boarded the ship before her departure.<ref name="DANFS" />

The frigate set a course for [[La Palma|Palma]], Spain, but on 1 August 1989, Arab terrorists in [[Beirut]] hanged Lt. Col. William R. Higgins, USMC, a member of the UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, and threatened to murder additional hostages they held. ''Klakring'' steamed to Alexandria, where Admiral Macke boarded ''Coral Sea'', and the carrier made for the Eastern Mediterranean as a show of force. ''Klakring'' spent August off the Lebanese coast on contingency operations.<ref name="DANFS" />

''Mississippi'', ''Kauffman'', and ''Klakring'' visited Marseille, France (4–13 September 1989). ''Klakring'' participated in Display Determination, a multi-national exercise involving U.S., Italian, Spanish, and Turkish forces, across the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas (13 September–2 October). During the exercise, ''Klakring'' received word that [[Hurricane Hugo]] devastated Charleston. The Wives Support Group and the ship's Ombudsman, Janice Moore, confirmed that none of the crewmen's dependents sustained serious injuries. The ship took part in the 39th activation of Naval on Call Forces, Mediterranean, at Ancona, Italy (9–14 October 1989), and in the seaward exercise of the commemoration, Deterrent Force 2-89 (14–19 October). ''Klakring'' operated with British destroyer {{HMS|Coventry|D118|2}} and fast fleet tanker {{ship|RFA|Olmeda|A124|2}}, {{ship|Spanish corvette|Descubierta|F31|2|up=yes}}, {{ship|Greek frigate|Elli|F450|2|up=yes}}, {{ship|Italian frigate|Euro|F 575|2|up=yes}}, {{ship|Turkish destroyer|Kılıç Ali Paşa|D-349|2|up=yes}}, and West German destroyer {{ship|German destroyer|Schleswig-Holstein|D182|2}}. The exercise concluded with a briefing in Augusta Bay, Sicily. The frigate {{USS|Bowen|FF-1079|2}} relieved ''Klakring'' at [[Alicante]], Spain, on 27 October. Three days later, ''Klakring'' put to sea and on 10 November she returned to Charleston.<ref name="DANFS" />

===1990s===

====1990====
''Klakring'' began 1990 in [[Port of Charleston]], South Carolina, after returning from a Mediterranean cruise in November.

In January, ''Klakring'' spent most of her time in the Charleston and Jacksonville OPAREA's conducting exercises. After completing a combat Systems Assessment on 10 January, the ship arrived in Port Everglades, Florida on 13 January for a five-day port visit. While transiting back to Charleston, the ship encountered extremely rough weather with high winds and heavy seas. The Commanding Officer made the decision to enter port at night due to heavy weather, and the crew successfully conducted a difficult navigation detail in the Cooper River and returned ''Klakring'' to homeport during the stormy night.

The last two weeks of February were spent preparing for Type Commander's Core Training (TCCT) 2-90 and conducting deck landing qualifications with [[HSM-46|Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light FORTY SIX]] in the Jacksonville OPAREA. On 22 February, the ship rendezvoused with the frigate {{USS|Truett|FF-1095|2}} and submarine {{USS|San Juan|SSN-751|2}} just east of the Bahamas. ''Klakring'' arrived in Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico on 26 February, onloaded exercise torpedoes, and was underway to the Puerto Rico OPAREA to begin TCCT 2-90.

During TCCT 2-90, the ship participated in numerous tracking and gunnery exercises, underway refuelings, highline transfers, and anti-submarine warfare evolutions. In addition, ''Klakring'' was selected to conduct two live missile firings along with the cruiser {{USS|Mississippi|CGN-40|2}}. Only one of the two missiles engaged the target due to a missile failure on the first missile fired. The event was significant in providing critical data needed in the performance evaluation of one of the Navy's primary weapons.

The month of March consisted of an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination (OPPE) and a Change of Command Ceremony. The two-day engineering inspection was completed on 23 March. On 30 March, CDR Larry J. Carter relieved CDR Dennis J. Van Buskirk as the fourth Commanding Officer of the frigate.

On 5 April, the ship began its preliminary preparations for its scheduled Dry-Docking Selective Restricted Availability (DSRA) with an offload of ammunition and weapons at the Charleston Naval Weapons Station. ''Klakring''{{'}}s non-essential ammunition being transferred to the frigate {{USS|Fahrion|FFG-22|2}}.

On 14 May, the ship was underway en route to Mayport Naval Station, Florida to make final preparations to enter the shipyard. All hands participated in an Integrated Logistics Overhaul offload of all shipboard parts and supplies completed on 16 May, and on 23 May, ''Klakring'' was dry-docked at Atlantic Dry Dock facility to begin the DSRA. The entire crew was moved into the Jacksonville Airport Days Inn Motel and would reside there for a period of 74 days.

In early August, the crew moved out of the Days Inn Motel and returned to shipboard living. On 27 August, installation of the SQR-19 Tactical Towed Array Sonar System began.

''Klakring'' started the month of September preparing for the most important of a continued series of inspections: the Propulsion Examination Board Light-Off Examination (LOE). LOE commenced on 10 September and on 12 September she was "certified to steam." The end of the overhaul period was drawing near, and on 14 September the ship was underway for the final phase: the post-DSRA sea trials. All systems proved reliable and ''Klakring'' was delivered on 17 September, thirty-one days ahead of schedule and under budget. The ship would remain at the Mayport Naval Station for another month.

On 25 October, the ship got underway from Mayport and arrived at homeport Charleston one day later. Upon arrival, there was a Welcome Home Party held on board for all the families and friends of the crew.

''Klakring'' was scheduled to participate in Caribbean Law Enforcement Operations in November, but a post overhaul hull inspection brought about a change in plans. After careful examination of videos of an underwater hull inspect:ion, it was determined that the ship's hull would have to be repainted. ''Klakring'' was dry-docked from 7–21 November at the Charleston Naval Shipyard to undergo the necessary repairs. The ship successfully received full aviation certification on 27 November, and began final preparations for a [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon]] Missile Tactical Qualification.

On 5 December, the ship was underway to embark HSL-48's Lamps MK III crew to participate in Destroyer Squadron Six "Operation Greyhound" for two days, fine tuning the skills of ship maneuvering and communications. In addition, ''Klakring'' turned north on 7 December en route to the Boston OPAREA to conduct at sea evaluations of the Navy's new [[Mark 50 torpedo|Mk 50]] Torpedo. Assisting aircraft were able to fire weapons, but continuously adverse weather conditions prevented ''Klakring'' and HSL-48 from doing so. The ship returned to Charleston on 19 December and began another extensive inspection the following day. The ship's Training Readiness Evaluation was completed on 21 December and the holiday stand down period began with a children's Christmas party held on board.

USS ''Klakring'' ended 1990 in port at Charleston.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/k/ffg-42/1990.pdf |title=Command History of USS Klakring (FFG 42) from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 1990 |date=April 1991 |website=Naval History and Heritage Command |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201225728/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/k/ffg-42/1990.pdf |archive-date=1 February 2014}}</ref>

====1991====
November, the day after Thanksgiving, the ship went underway for a six-month cruise to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Shield. The ship conducted exercises in the Mediterranean with an eight-day stop in Haifa, Israel, before entering the Suez Canal.

===2000s===
From August to November 2000, USS ''Klakring'' (FFG-42) participated in UNITAS 41, conducting exercises with Latin American partner navies and circumnavigating South America.

===2010s===

From 2001, ''Klakring'' was homeported at [[Naval Station Mayport|NAVSTA Mayport]], [[Florida]], and was part of [[Destroyer Squadron 14]]. In March 2008 and 2009, the ship was the subject of protests from pro-Russian activists in [[Sevastopol]], Ukraine, when it visited the port for five-day "friendly" visits.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/us-frigates-friendly-visit-gets-a-furious-reception-h97gnrqtmnv |title=US Frigate's 'Friendly Visit' Gets A Furious Reception |date=26 March 2009 |work=[[The Times]]}}</ref>

''Klakring'' was decommissioned on 22 March 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2012/03/navy-11-ships-to-be-decommissioned-in-fiscal-2013-031412w/ |title=11 ships to be decommissioned in fiscal 2013 |last=Klimas |first=Jacqueline |work=Navy Times |date=14 March 2012 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref>

== Awards ==
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
| colspan="3"|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Battle Effectiveness Award ribbon, 2nd award.svg|width=106}}{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon, 2nd award.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=2|type=service-star|ribbon=Armed Forces Expedtionary Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Southwest Asia Service Medal ribbon (1991-2016), 1st award.svg|width=106}}{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Global_War_on_Terrorism_Expeditionary_ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Global_War_on_Terrorism_Service_ribbon.svg|width=106}}{{ribbon devices|number=7|type=service-star|ribbon=Armed Forces Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}{{ribbon devices|number=10|type=service-star|ribbon=Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=3|type=service-star|ribbon=Naval Reserve Sea Service Ribbon.svg|width=106}}{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=Special Operations Service Ribbon.svg|width=106}}{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=NATO Medal ribbon (Article 5).svg|width=106}}
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
| colspan="3"|[[Navy Unit Commendation]]
|-
||[[Meritorious Unit Commendation|Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation]]
|[[Navy E Ribbon]] 2nd award
|[[National Defense Service Medal]] w/1 star
|-
|[[Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal]] w/2 stars
|[[Southwest Asia Service Medal]] w/1 star
|[[Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal]]
|-
|[[Global War on Terrorism Service Medal]]
|[[Armed Forces Service Medal]] w/7 stars
|[[Sea Service Ribbon|Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon]] w/20 stars
|-
|[[Sea Service Ribbon|Navy Reserve Sea Service Ribbon]] w/3 stars
|[[Special Operations Service Ribbon|Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon]] w/1 star
|[[NATO Medal|NATO Service (Iraq-Afghanistan-Sudan)]]
|-
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
*{{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/klakring-ffg-42-1982-1990.html}} (1982-1990)
*{{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/klakring-ffg-42-1982-1990/klakring-ffg-42-1991-1994.html}} (1991-1994)
*{{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/klakring-ffg-42-1982-1990/klakring-ffg-42-1995-2003.html}} (1995-2003)
*{{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/klakring-ffg-42-1982-1990/klakring-ffg-42-2004-2013.html}} (2004-2013)
*{{Naval Vessel Register|hull=FFG-42}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|USS Klakring (FFG-42)|USS ''Klakring'' (FFG-42)}}
* {{Official website|http://www.klakring.navy.mil/|USS ''Klakring'' official website}}
*{{navsource|07/0742|USS Klakring(FFG-42)}}
*[http://www.navysite.de/ffg/FFG42.HTM USS ''Klakring''] at navysite.de
*[http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/us_navy_pages/frigates/pages/klakring_ffg42_page_1.htm USS ''Klakring'' FFG-42 pages] at MaritimeQuest
*[http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/g/ffg42.htm USS ''Klakring'' command histories]{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} at the [[Naval History & Heritage Command]]

{{Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Klakring (FFG-42)}}
[[Category:1982 ships]]
[[Category:Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Ships built in Bath, Maine]]
[[Category:Cold War frigates and destroyer escorts of the United States]]

USS Reuben James (FFG-57)

2025-10-23T20:39:33Z

2603:8000:D400:C2:4891:F3AC:173:580B:

{{Short description|Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate}}
{{Other ships|USS Reuben James}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=USS Reuben James;075702.jpg
|Ship caption=USS ''Reuben James'' (FFG-57), Pacific Ocean, port bow view, 5 November 1985.
}}
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Ship country=United States
|Ship name=''Reuben James''
|Ship namesake=[[Boatswain's mate (United States Navy)|Boatswain's Mate]] [[Reuben James]]
|Ship flag={{USN flag|2013}}
|Ship awarded=22 March 1982
|Ship builder=[[Todd Pacific Shipyards, Los Angeles Division]], [[San Pedro, Los Angeles|San Pedro]], [[California]]
|Ship laid down=19 November 1983
|Ship launched=8 February 1985
|Ship purchased=
|Ship sponsor=Lois Haight Herrington
|Ship commissioned=22 March 1986
|Ship decommissioned=18 July 2013
|Ship captured=
|Ship struck=18 January 2016
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship fate=Sunk as target 18 January 2016 by [[USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53)|USS ''John Paul Jones'']]
|Ship identification=*[[Hull classification symbol#Surface combatant type|Hull symbol]]:FFG-57
*[[International Code of Signals|Code letters]]:NNRJ
*{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Romeo}}{{ICS|Juliet}}
|Ship badge=[[File:USS Reuben James. FFG-57 Crest.png|150px]]
|Ship motto="Back with a Vengeance"
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Ship class={{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|0}} [[guided missile frigate]]
|Ship type=
|Ship tonnage=
|Ship displacement={{OHP frigate displacement}}
|Ship length={{OHP frigate length}}
|Ship beam={{OHP frigate beam}}
|Ship height=
|Ship draft={{OHP frigate draft}}
|Ship depth=
|Ship hold depth=
|Ship decks=
|Ship deck clearance=
|Ship ramps=
|Ship ice class=
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion={{OHP frigate propulsion}}
|Ship sail plan=
|Ship speed={{OHP frigate speed}}
|Ship range={{OHP frigate range}}
|Ship endurance=
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|Ship complement={{OHP frigate complement}}
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|Ship time to activate=
|Ship sensors={{OHP frigate sensors}}
|Ship EW=[[AN/SLQ-32]]
|Ship armament={{OHP frigate armament}}
* [[Mk 38]] Mod 2 in place of Mk 13
|Ship armor=
|Ship aircraft=2 × [[SH-60B Seahawk|SH-60B LAMPS Mk III]] helicopters
|Ship aircraft facilities={{OHP frigate aircraft facilities}}
|Ship notes=
}}
|}

'''USS ''Reuben James'' (FFG-57)''', an [[Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate|''Oliver Hazard Perry''-class]] [[guided missile]] [[frigate]], was the third ship of the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] named for [[Reuben James]], a [[Boatswain's Mate (US Navy)|boatswain's mate]] who distinguished himself fighting the [[Barbary pirates]]. Her crew totaled 201 [[Enlisted rank|enlisted]], 18 [[Chief Petty Officer|chief petty officers]], and 26 [[Officer (armed forces)|officers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ship's History |url=http://www.reuben-james.navy.mil/history.htm |website=USS Reuben James |date=2006 |access-date=21 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205153226/http://www.reuben-james.navy.mil/history.htm |archive-date=5 February 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Ship history ==

===1980s ===
The contract to build ''Reuben James'' was awarded on 22 March 1982 to [[Todd Pacific Shipyards, Los Angeles Division]], [[San Pedro, Los Angeles|San Pedro]], [[California]]. Her keel was laid on 19 November 1983, and she was [[Ship naming and launching|launched]] on 8 February 1985; sponsored by Lois Haight Herrington, wife of [[Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs)]] [[John S. Herrington]]. She was delivered to the Navy on 3 March 1986, and [[ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 22 March. She was faster than {{convert|30|kn|mph km/h}} and powered by two gas turbine engines. Armed with anti-air and anti-ship missiles, an automated three-inch (76 mm) gun, an anti-missile defense system, and two [[SH-60 Seahawk]] anti-submarine helicopters, ''Reuben James'' was tasked with hunting submarines as well as with [[Carrier battle group|battle group]] escort and maritime interception. ''Reuben James'' joined the Red Stallions of [[Destroyer Squadron]] Thirty-One in June 1987.

Assigned to Mideast Force on her maiden deployment, ''Reuben James'' participated in twenty-two [[Operation Earnest Will]] convoy missions, serving as the convoy commander's flagship on ten of those missions.

===1990s ===
On 10 September 1990, ''Reuben James'' [[1990 United States Navy visit to Vladivostok|visited Vladivostok]] in the [[Soviet Union]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/DefenseLINK_Search/Still_Details.cfm?SDAN=DNSC9102252&JPGPath=/Assets/1991/Navy/DN-SC-91-02252.JPG |title=Still Asset Details for DNSC9102252 |access-date=22 April 2007 |website=DefenseLink |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704000530/http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/DefenseLINK_Search/Still_Details.cfm?SDAN=DNSC9102252&JPGPath=%2FAssets%2F1991%2FNavy%2FDN-SC-91-02252.JPG |archive-date=4 July 2007}}</ref>

In August 1991, ''Reuben James'' moved from [[Long Beach, California]], to [[Pearl Harbor]], Hawaii. On 1 October 1998, she joined the "Ke Koa O Ke Kai", [[Destroyer Squadron]] Thirty-One.

In 1994 ''Reuben James'' collided with {{USNS|Pecos|T-AO-197|6}} while fueling underway (UNREP). The flight deck sustained damage in addition to hangar fire and external hangar wall damage. [[HSM-37|HSL-37]] detachment was on board.

During a WestPac deployment on 21 February 1996, the ship's rudder fell off in the Indian Ocean. The ship used its Auxiliary Power Units (APU) to try to stay on station until rendezvoused with the USNS Catawba (T-ATF-168) on 23 February.
USNS Catawba towed Reuben James to Bahrain for repairs. Since a dry dock wasn't available, divers installed a new rudder while the ship was at the pier.

En route to WestPac deployment in 1997, the air detachment's SH-60B Seahawk helicopter was conducting deck landing practice. The Seahawk had landed and was not secured to the deck because it was preparing to lift off again. The ship was hit by a rogue wave which caused the ship to roll steeply to port and the blades of the helicopter struck the flight deck causing the helicopter to roll on its port side and spin 90 degrees with the tail hanging over the port side of the flight deck. The ship docked in Guam where the helicopter was craned off to be repaired. No fault was found with the flight crew or the ship's personnel for the mishap.

===2000s ===
''Reuben James'' participated in the [[Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training|CARAT 2000]] exercises, including phases in the [[Philippines]], [[Thailand]], [[Indonesia]], [[Brunei]], [[Malaysia]], and [[Singapore]]. The first phase of CARAT began in the [[Philippines]] on 14 June and the final phase, conducted in [[Singapore]], ended on 22 September. CARAT 2000 demonstrated U.S. commitment to security and stability in Southeast Asia while increasing the operational readiness and capabilities of U.S. forces. The exercise also promoted interoperability and cooperation with U.S. regional friends and allies by offering a broad spectrum of mutually beneficial training opportunities.

In [[Malaysia]], CARAT 2000 encompassed two weeks of extensive training to promote interoperability between U.S. naval forces and the [[Royal Malaysian Navy]] and Army. The [[Strait of Malacca]] was the setting for several exercises. These included anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, and gunnery exercises. One of the exercises was a semi-final battle problem, or night encounter exercise. The two navies' task groups steamed together in formation for more than 25 hours. The Malaysian-U.S. naval task group was divided into two opposing forces. The Blue Forces consisted of ''Reuben James'', {{USS|Germantown|LSD-42|2}}, {{USS|Mount Vernon|LSD-39|2}}, and the Malaysian ships {{ship|KD|Sri Indera Sakti}} and {{ship|KD|Lekir}}. The Blue Forces were supported by U.S. helicopters from [[List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons#Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Squadrons|Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light)]] [[HSM-37|HSL-37]], Detachment Four, from Hawaii. The Orange Forces consisted of the frigate {{USS|Sides|FFG-14|2}}, the Malaysian ships [[Brave-class fast patrol boat|KD ''Perkasa'']], [[Laksamana-class corvette|KD ''Laksamana Tun Abdul Jamil'']], and a [[U.S. Navy]] [[P-3C Orion]] aircraft. {{USS|Columbus|SSN-762|2}}, homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and {{USS|Helena|SSN-725|2}}, homeported in San Diego, also joined the task group in individual phases.<ref>{{cite web |title=Destroyer Squadron Nine |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/desron9.htm |website=GlobalSecurity.org |access-date=24 February 2019}}</ref>

For nine months from 2 August 2002, to 27 April 2003, ''Reuben James'' deployed to the [[Persian Gulf]] and participated in [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] and [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Home From the War: ''Paul Hamilton'', ''Reuben James'', ''Cheyenne'', VP-47, HSL-37 Return |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7291 |first=Daniel J. |last=Calderón |date=6 May 2003 |website=U.S. Navy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205023140/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=7291 |archive-date=5 February 2007}}</ref> as part of Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three, the [[Carrier Strike Group Nine|''Abraham Lincoln'' Battle Group]]. After serving approximately six months in theater, ''Reuben James'' started to make its way back to [[Pearl Harbor]]. On New Year's Day 2003, while in port in [[Brisbane, Queensland|Brisbane]], Australia, the ship was ordered to turn around and go back to the [[Persian Gulf]]<ref name="home">{{cite news |title=First Hawai'i troops heading home from war |url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2003/Apr/10/ln/ln04a.html |first=William |last=Cole |date=10 April 2003 |newspaper=[[The Honolulu Advertiser]] |access-date=21 February 2007}}</ref> and the deployment was extended indefinitely.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pearl warships to join carrier groups in Gulf |url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2003/Jan/22/ln/ln01a.html |first=William |last=Cole |date=22 January 2003 |newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser |access-date=21 February 2007}}</ref> Finally, after an extended deployment of almost nine months, the ''Abraham Lincoln'' Battle Group was relieved by {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68|6}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Last Pearl ship returns from Iraq duty |url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2003/Jul/29/ln/ln13a.html |first=William |last=Cole |date=29 July 2003 |newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser |access-date=21 February 2007}}</ref> This deployment was extremely long, breaking a number of records,<ref>{{cite web |title=Ships Returning to Pearl Harbor |url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=6861 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530192730/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=6861 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 May 2017 |first=Tim |last=Paynter |date=14 April 2003 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=21 February 2007}}</ref> including the longest deployment ever for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.<ref name="home" />

In July 2003, ''Reuben James'' hosted the Japanese [[Hatakaze-class destroyer]] {{JDS|Shimakaze|DDG-172|2}} for exercises in [[Pearl Harbor]].<ref>{{cite web |title=''Reuben James'' Crew Says 'Sayonara' to Friends |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=8708 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041106171355/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=8708 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2004 |first=Nathan |last=Christensen |date=29 July 2003 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=21 February 2007}}</ref> On 23 October 2003 the crew of ''Reuben James'' dressed ship and manned the rails to render honors to [[President (United States)|President]] [[George W. Bush]] as he toured [[Pearl Harbor]] and visited the [[USS Arizona Memorial|USS ''Arizona'' Memorial]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bush greets vets, pupils in whirlwind O'ahu visit |url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2003/Oct/23/br/br02p.html |first1=Mike |last1=Gordon |first2=Dan |last2=Nakaso |date=23 October 2003 |newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser |access-date=21 February 2007}}</ref>

From February to April 2004, she deployed to the Eastern Pacific with an embarked [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] [[Law Enforcement Detachments|Law Enforcement Detachment]] in support of [[counter-narcotics]] operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Reuben James'' Heads to Central America |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11840 |first=Nathan |last=Christensen |date=17 February 2004 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=21 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205024614/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11840 |archive-date=5 February 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=''Reuben James'' Returns to Pearl Harbor |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13104 |first=Daniel J. |last=Calderon |date=3 May 2004 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=21 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070330134808/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13104 |archive-date=30 March 2007}}</ref>

Between July and December 2004, ''Reuben James'' went through an extensive modernization and maintenance program.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Reuben James'' Sails with Pride After Successful INSURV |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=18524 |first=Jon |last=Derges |date=31 May 2005 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=21 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070326163552/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=18524 |archive-date=26 March 2007}}</ref> In October 2004, ''Reuben James'' participated in PASSEX exercises with the {{ship|French frigate|Prairial|F731|3}}.

As part of [[Expeditionary Strike Group 3]] (ESG 3), ''Reuben James'' deployed on 15 February 2006 on a WESTPAC mission to the [[Persian Gulf]] in support of [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] and [[Operation Enduring Freedom]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Peleliu ESG WESTPAC 06 Deployment |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/lha-5-westpac06.htm |website=GlobalSecurity.org |access-date=25 February 2007}}</ref> The strike group also consisted of Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 3, the [[11th Marine Expeditionary Unit]] (Special Operations Capable), {{USS|Peleliu|LHA-5|6}}, the guided-missile [[cruiser]] {{USS|Port Royal|CG-73|2}}, the guided-missile destroyer {{USS|Gonzalez|DDG-66|2}}, the [[amphibious transport dock]] {{USS|Ogden|LPD-5|2}}, the [[dock landing ship]] {{USS|Germantown|LSD-42|2}}, Tactical Air Control Squadron(TACRON) 11, and the "Black Jacks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21.<ref>{{cite web |title=ESG 3 Deploys in Support of Global War on Terrorism |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22247 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805073018/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22247 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 August 2012 |first1=Regina L. |last1=Brown |first2=Zack |last2=Baddorf |date=15 February 2006 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=25 February 2007}}</ref>

En route to the Persian Gulf, ''Reuben James'' stopped in [[New Caledonia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=USS ''Reuben James'' Visits New Caledonia |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22778 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060403231408/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22778 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 April 2006 |first=Jon |last=Derges |date=19 March 2006 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=25 February 2007}}</ref> The strike group relieved {{USS|Tarawa|LHA-1|6}} on station in early April 2006 and began its mission of conducting maritime security operations. During operations, ''Reuben James'' performed services such as providing medical assistance to [[Sri Lanka]]n fishermen<ref>{{cite web |title=USS ''Reuben James'' Assists Fisherman in Arabian Sea |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=23288 |first=Jon |last=Derges |date=23 April 2006 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=25 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070322155107/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=23288 |archive-date=22 March 2007}}</ref> and rescuing Kenyan sailors.<ref>{{cite web |title=USS ''Reuben James'' Rescues Kenyan Sailors |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=24386 |first=Jon |last=Derges |date=27 June 2006 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=25 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070322155056/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=24386 |archive-date=22 March 2007}}</ref> Expeditionary Strike Group 3 was relieved on 9 July 2006 and ''Reuben James'' returned to [[Pearl Harbor]] in August 2006.

''Reuben James'' participated in a Passing Exercises (PASSEX) with the Philippine Navy frigate {{ship|BRP|Gregorio del Pilar|PF-15|2}} off the coast of Hawaii on 30 July 2011.<ref name=menafn>{{cite web |url=http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid={55f78fbe-e988-4bac-ac1d-e22b1b5584ad} |title=Newest Philippine Navy Ship Gets Aloha Welcome |date=28 July 2011 |website=Middle East North Africa Financial Network |access-date=31 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320040431/http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid=%7B55f78fbe-e988-4bac-ac1d-e22b1b5584ad%7D |archive-date=20 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The frigate completed her final deployment on 3 May 2013. During the final cruise, the ship visited Japan, Brunei and the Philippines in support of theatre security operations and CARAT 2012. ''Reuben James'' was also awarded the [[USCG]] [[Meritorious Unit Citation]] for fisheries patrols in the economic exclusion zones of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Nauru.<ref name="Reuben James Makes Final Return">{{cite web |title=USS Reuben James Makes Final Return to Hawaii |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73899 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130706085234/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73899 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 July 2013 |first=Travis |last=Dickerson |date=3 May 2013 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=6 July 2013}}</ref>

==Final disposition==
''Reuben James'' was [[Ship decommissioning|decommissioned]] on 18 July 2013,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/07/18/uss-reuben-james-decommissioning-ceremony/ |title=USS Reuben James Decommissioning Ceremony |first=Jason |last=Kelly |date=18 July 2013 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=18 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130718173631/http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/07/18/uss-reuben-james-decommissioning-ceremony/ |archive-date=18 July 2013}}</ref> and sunk on 18 January 2016 in a test of a new [[anti-surface warfare]] variant of the Raytheon [[RIM-174 Standard ERAM|Standard Missile 6 (SM-6)]] at the U.S. Pacific Missile Range Facility near Hawaii.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.usni.org/2016/03/07/navy-sinks-former-frigate-uss-reuben-james-in-test-of-new-supersonic-anti-surface-missile |title=Navy Sinks Former Frigate USS Reuben James in Test of New Supersonic Anti-Surface Missile |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |date=7 March 2016 |website=USNI News |access-date=24 February 2019}}</ref>

==Cultural references ==

''Reuben James'' played a significant role in [[Tom Clancy]]'s 1986 novel ''[[Red Storm Rising]]''. She appeared in the 1990 movie ''[[The Hunt for Red October (film)|The Hunt for Red October]]'' (although her appearance in the film was anachronistic, since she was commissioned about a year after the events in the film). In some scenes, ''Reuben James'' was portrayed in the film by other ''Oliver Hazard Perry'' frigates — ''Wadsworth'' (now [[ORP Generał Tadeusz Kościuszko|ORP ''Generał Tadeusz Kościuszko'']])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usswadsworth.org/html/history.html |title=History |website=USS Wadsworth |access-date=14 December 2011 |archive-date=24 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424232006/http://www.usswadsworth.org/html/history.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and {{USS|Gary|FFG-51|2}} (the hull number can be seen as Soviet submariners are in their rafts) The ship was later featured prominently in the 2010 novel by [[Don Brown (author)|Don Brown]] entitled ''[[Malacca Conspiracy]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Author Donates Autographed Books to ''Reuben James'' Sailors |url=http://www.hookelenews.com/author-donates-autographed-books-to-reuben-james-sailors/ |first=Ben |last=Dalton |date=8 July 2011 |website=Ho'Okele News |access-date=8 July 2011 |archive-date=27 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827045251/http://www.hookelenews.com/author-donates-autographed-books-to-reuben-james-sailors/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==See also ==
*[[List of frigates of the United States Navy]]
*[[List of ships sunk by missiles]]
*[[Abraham Lincoln Battle Group|''Abraham Lincoln'' Battle Group]]

==References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Naval Vessel Register|hull=FFG-57}}

==External links ==
{{Commons category|USS Reuben James (FFG-57)}}
* {{Official website|http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ffg57|USS ''Reuben James'' official website}}
*{{navsource|07/0757|USS Reuben James (FFG-57)}}
*[http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=21350409&x=-157943706&z=19&l=0&m=a&v=2 USS ''Reuben James'' at WikiMapia]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050320122041/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16868 WWE Divas Tour Pearl Harbor]
* {{Official website|http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/HSL37-New/main.html|Helicopter Squadron Light 37 official website}}

{{Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate}}
{{Los Angeles SB&DDC and Todd, Los Angeles ships}}
{{2016 shipwrecks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Reuben James (Ffg-57)}}
[[Category:Ships built in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:1985 ships]]
[[Category:Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Ships sunk as targets]]
[[Category:Shipwrecks in the Pacific Ocean]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in 2016]]

USS Sides

2025-10-23T20:37:21Z

2603:8000:D400:C2:4891:F3AC:173:580B:

{{Short description|Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=US Navy 021006-N-8590B-001 USS Sides passes under Golden Gate Bridge.jpg
|Ship caption=USS ''Sides'' entering San Francisco Bay in 2002
}}
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Ship country=United States
|Ship flag={{USN flag|2003}}
|Ship name=''Sides''
|Ship namesake=Admiral [[John H. Sides]]
|Ship owner=
|Ship operator=
|Ship registry=
|Ship route=
|Ship ordered=27 February 1976
|Ship awarded=
|Ship builder=[[Todd Pacific Shipyards, Los Angeles Division]], [[San Pedro, Los Angeles|San Pedro]], [[California]]
|Ship original cost=
|Ship yard number=
|Ship way number=
|Ship laid down=7 August 1978
|Ship launched=19 May 1979
|Ship sponsor=Mrs. Joanne Sides Watson, daughter of Adm. Sides
|Ship christened=
|Ship completed=
|Ship acquired=
|Ship commissioned=30 May 1981
|Ship recommissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=28 February 2003
|Ship maiden voyage=
|Ship in service=
|Ship out of service=
|Ship renamed=
|Ship reclassified=
|Ship refit=
|Ship struck=24 May 2004
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship homeport=[[Naval Station San Diego|NS San Diego]], California (former)
|Ship identification=*[[Hull classification symbol#Surface combatant type|Hull symbol]]:FFG-14
*[[International Code of Signals|Code letters]]:NJHS
*{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Juliet}}{{ICS|Hotel}}{{ICS|Sierra}}
|Ship motto="Savvy"
|Ship nickname=
|Ship honours=
|Ship honors=
|Ship captured=
|Ship fate=Sold for scrapping 15 December 2014
|Ship notes=
|Ship badge={{Dodseal|FFG-14|150}}
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.navsource.net/archives/07/0714.htm | title=USS Sides (FFG 14) | publisher=Navesource.org | access-date=10 April 2015}}</ref>
|Ship class={{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate}}
|Ship type=
|Ship tonnage=
|Ship displacement={{OHP frigate displacement}}
|Ship length={{OHP frigate length short hull}}
|Ship beam={{OHP frigate beam}}
|Ship height=
|Ship draught={{OHP frigate draft}}
|Ship draft=
|Ship depth=
|Ship hold depth=
|Ship decks=
|Ship deck clearance=
|Ship ramps=
|Ship ice class=
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion={{OHP frigate propulsion}}
|Ship sail plan=
|Ship speed={{OHP frigate speed}}
|Ship range={{OHP frigate range}}
|Ship endurance=
|Ship test depth=
|Ship boats=
|Ship capacity=
|Ship troops=
|Ship complement={{OHP frigate complement}}
|Ship crew=
|Ship time to activate=
|Ship sensors={{OHP frigate sensors}}
|Ship EW=[[AN/SLQ-32]]
|Ship armament={{OHP frigate armament}}
|Ship armour=
|Ship armor=
|Ship aircraft=1 × [[Kaman SH-2 Seasprite|SH-2F LAMPS I]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.navysite.de/ffg/FFG14.HTM | title=USS Sides (FFG 14) | publisher=Navysite.de | access-date=10 April 2015}}</ref>
|Ship aircraft facilities=
|Ship notes=
}}
|}
'''USS ''Sides'' (FFG-14)''' was an {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|0}} [[guided-missile frigate]] that served in the [[US Navy]].

== History ==
The eighth ship in the class, it was named for Admiral [[John H. Sides]] (died 1978). Ordered from [[Todd Pacific Shipyards, Los Angeles Division]], [[San Pedro, Los Angeles|San Pedro]], [[California]], on 27 February 1976 as part of the FY76 program, ''Sides'' was laid down on 7 August 1978, launched on 19 May 1979, and commissioned on 30 May 1981. ''Sides'' [[ship sponsor]] was Mrs. Joanne Sides Watson, daughter of Admiral Sides.

''Sides'' escorted tankers through the [[Straits of Hormuz]] during the [[Iran–Iraq War#Attacks on shipping|Tanker War]] and participated in [[Operation Praying Mantis]], the retaliation for Iranian mining operations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/ffg-14.htm|title=FFG 14 Sides}}</ref> ''Sides'' was also part of the Surface Action Group under {{USS|Vincennes|CG-49|6}} when [[Iran Air 655]] was shot down. ''Sides'' and her crew received a [[Meritorious Unit Commendation]] for the time period 13 April 1988 to 25 July 1988.<ref name="awards">{{cite web |url=https://awards.navy.mil |title=Unit Awards |website=US Navy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041014224730/https://awards.navy.mil/ |archive-date=14 October 2004 }}</ref> The following year, Commander David R. Carlson authored an article in ''U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings'' in which Carlson called into question Vincennes' self-defense justification for the use of force and wrote, "Iran Air Flight 655 was shot down for no good reason."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/9b2db6379867d9735e3ad8083399c6db|title=Commander Says Vincennes Tragedy Was Avoidable|author=Bryna Brennan|date=1 September 1989|access-date=22 December 2020|publisher=Associated Press}}</ref> Capt. Will Rogers of ''Vincennes'' and David L. Dillon, speaking on behalf of the US Navy, challenged Carlson's account of events.

''Sides'' and her crew received [[Navy E Ribbon]]s for the 18-month period, July 1983 to December 1984, and for the years 1995, 1999 and 2000.<ref name="awards"/>

''Sides'' was decommissioned on 28 February 2003 and as of 2014 was laid up in reserve at Naval Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility Bremerton, Washington.

''Sides'' was expected to join the [[Portuguese Navy]] in 2006, together with her sister ship {{USS|George Philip|FFG-12|2}}, but the Portuguese Navy dropped the offer and chose two Dutch {{sclass|Karel Doorman|frigate|1}}s instead. ''Sides'' was expected to join the [[Turkish Navy]] in the summer of 2008, together with her sister ship ''George Philip'', but the Turkish Navy dropped the offer.

== Further reading ==
*{{cite book
|author=Wise, Harold Lee
|title=Inside the Danger Zone: The U.S. Military in the Persian Gulf 1987–88
|url=http://www.insidethedangerzone.com
|location=Annapolis | publisher=Naval Institute Press
|year=2007
|isbn=978-1-59114-970-5}}

== References ==
{{Naval Vessel Register|hull=FFG-14}}
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|USS Sides (FFG-14)}}
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/68263790294/ Crew Group USS ''Sides'' FFG-14 pages]
* [https://www.facebook.com/FFG14/ Crew Page USS ''Sides'' FFG-14 pages]
* [http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/us_navy_pages/frigates/pages/sides_ffg14_page_1.htm MaritimeQuest USS ''Sides'' (FFG-14) pages]

{{Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate}}
{{Los Angeles SB&DDC and Todd, Los Angeles ships}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sides (FFG-14)}}
[[Category:Ships built in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:1979 ships]]
[[Category:Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates of the United States Navy]]

USS George Philip

2025-10-23T20:35:55Z

2603:8000:D400:C2:4891:F3AC:173:580B:

{{Use American English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=[[File:USS George Philip FFG-12.jpg|300px|USS ''George Philip'' underway during sea trials in 1982]]
|Ship caption=USS ''George Philip'' underway during sea trials in 1982
}}
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Ship country=United States
|Ship flag={{USN flag|2003}}
|Ship name=''George Philip''
|Ship namesake=[[Commander (United States)|Commander]] George Philip Jr.
|Ship ordered=27 February 1976
|Ship awarded=
|Ship builder=[[Todd Pacific Shipyards, Los Angeles Division]], [[San Pedro, Los Angeles|San Pedro]], [[California]]
|Ship original cost=
|Ship yard number=
|Ship way number=
|Ship laid down=14 December 1977
|Ship launched=16 December 1978
|Ship sponsor= Snow Philip-Simpson, daughter of Commander Philip
|Ship christened=
|Ship completed=
|Ship acquired=
|Ship commissioned=10 October 1980
|Ship recommissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=15 March 2003
|Ship maiden voyage=
|Ship in service=
|Ship out of service=
|Ship renamed=
|Ship reclassified=
|Ship refit=
|Ship struck=24 May 2004
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship homeport=[[Naval Base San Diego|San Diego]], [[California]] (former)
|Ship identification=*[[Hull classification symbol#Surface combatant type|Hull symbol]]:FFG-12
*[[International Code of Signals|Code letters]]:NSGP
*{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Sierra}}{{ICS|Golf}}{{ICS|Papa}}
|Ship motto=*"Intrepide Impelle"
*(To Go Boldly)
|Ship nickname=
|Ship honors=
|Ship captured=
|Ship fate=Scrapped 2015 at Southern Recycling, [[Port Fourchon, Louisiana]]
|Ship notes=
|Ship badge=[[File:USS George Philip (FFG-12) crest.jpg|150px]]
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Ship class={{Sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|3}}
|Ship displacement={{OHP frigate displacement}}
|Ship length={{OHP frigate length short hull}}
|Ship beam={{OHP frigate beam}}
|Ship height=
|Ship draft={{OHP frigate draft}}
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion={{OHP frigate propulsion}}
|Ship speed={{OHP frigate speed}}
|Ship range={{OHP frigate range}}
|Ship endurance=
|Ship complement={{OHP frigate complement}}
|Ship sensors={{OHP frigate sensors}}
|Ship EW=[[AN/SLQ-32]]
|Ship armament={{OHP frigate armament}}
|Ship armor=
|Ship aircraft=1 × [[Kaman SH-2 Seasprite|SH-2F LAMPS I]] helicopter<ref name="navysite" />
|Ship aircraft facilities=
|Ship notes=
}}
|}

'''USS ''George Philip'' (FFG-12)''', sixth ship of the {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|4}} of guided-missile [[frigate]]s, was named for Commander George Philip Jr. (1912–1945), posthumous recipient of the [[Navy Cross (United States)|Navy Cross]] for actions as commanding officer of the destroyer {{USS|Twiggs|DD-591|6}}.<ref name="navycross">{{cite web |url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/20780 |title=Valor awards for George Philip Jr |website= Military Times |access-date= 2014-05-30}}</ref>

''George Philip'' was expected to join the [[Portuguese Navy]] in 2006, together with her [[sister ship]] {{USS|Sides|FFG-14|2}}, but the Portuguese Navy dropped the offer and chose two Dutch {{sclass|Karel Doorman|frigate}}s instead. ''George Philip'' was expected to join the [[Turkish Navy]] in the summer of 2008, together with her sister ship {{USS|Sides|FFG-14|2}}, but the Turkish Navy dropped the offer. As of May 2012, both frigates were awaiting their fates at anchor in the Sinclair Inlet off the [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility]].<ref name="navysite">{{cite web |url=http://navysite.de/ffg/FFG12.HTM |title=FFG-12 |publisher=Navysite.de |access-date=2015-04-10 |website=Navysite.de}}</ref>

==Namesake==
[[File:CDR George Philip Jr..jpg|thumb|left|George Philip Jr. as a LCDR]]
George Philip Jr. was born on 14 April 1912 in [[Fort Pierre, South Dakota]], to George Philip (1880{{spaced ndash}}1948), a Scottish immigrant from [[County of Moray|Morayshire]], [[Scotland]] and Alice Island "Isle" Waldron (1890{{spaced ndash}}1972), of part [[Oglala Lakota]] descent and also born in Fort Pierre. He was known as Geordie.<ref name="Cowboy Life">{{cite book |title= Cowboy Life: The Letters of George Philip |first= George |last= Philip |publisher= [[South Dakota State Historical Society]] |year= 2013 |isbn= 9780985290573}}</ref> He attended the [[South Dakota School of Mines and Technology|South Dakota School of Mines]] in [[Rapid City, South Dakota]] before his appointment to the [[United States Naval Academy]]. After completion of the course of instruction at the Naval Academy, he was commissioned an [[Ensign (rank)|Ensign]] on 6 June 1935. He continued to progress in grade until his promotion to Commander on 4 September 1944. During this period he served under a variety of commands including: {{USS|Mississippi|BB-41|6}} (1935–37), {{USS|California|BB-44|6}} (1937–38), {{USS|Ellet|DD-398|6}} (1938–40), {{USS|O'Bannon|DD-450|6}} (1942-43). For his service during the [[Solomon Islands campaign]], Philip was awarded the [[Silver Star]] Medal and ''O'Bannon'' received the [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]].<ref name=ShipBio>{{cite web |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20030214181459/http://www.george-philip.navy.mil/namesk.htm |url= http://www.george-philip.navy.mil/namesk.htm |title= Namesake of USS George Philip, Public Domain US Navy |accessdate= 2014-05-30 |archivedate= 2003-02-14 }}</ref> He then served with Operational Training Command, Pacific Fleet, [[San Diego]], [[California]] (1943–44).

He then served as Commanding Officer of {{USS|Twiggs|DD-591|6}} (1944–45).<ref name=ShipBio/> On 16 June 1945 while operating off [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]] ''Twiggs'' was hit by a [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] [[kamikaze]] aircraft.<ref name=ShipBio/> According to eyewitness Chief [[Machinist's mate]] Charles F. Schmidt, Commander Philip was last seen mortally wounded, grasping the railing of the [[Bridge (nautical)|bridge]] trying to stand.<ref>{{cite news |first= Lt. John G. |last= Norris |title= Death of a Destroyer |newspaper= US Navy Press Release |date= 1945-06-26 }}</ref> Philip and 151 other crewmen were killed or missing when ''Twiggs'' sank. He was posthumously awarded the [[Navy Cross]]. On 12 March 1946, [[Secretary of the Navy]] [[James Forrestal]] stated, during the presentation of the Navy Cross to his widow, Margaret Taussig-Philip:
{{blockquote|His courage, fortitude and initiative in the performance of a difficult and hazardous duty characterized Commander Philip as a brilliant leader and seaman, reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service, he gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.|[[James Forrestal]]<ref name=ShipBio/>}} Captain Philip was the son in law of [[Joseph Taussig]], brother in law of [[Joseph K. Taussig Jr.]] and uncle of Captain Joseph K. Taussig III USMC.

== History ==
Ordered from [[Todd Pacific Shipyards, Los Angeles Division]], [[San Pedro, Los Angeles|San Pedro]], [[California]] on 27 February 1976 as part of the FY76 program, ''George Philip'' was laid down on 14 December 1977, launched on 16 December 1978, and commissioned on 10 October 1980. Decommissioned on 15 March 2003, as of June 2003 ''George Philip'' was in reserve at Naval Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility [[Bremerton, Washington]].

=== 1980s ===
''George Philip'' was [[ship sponsor|sponsored]] by Snow Philip-Simpson, daughter of the ship's namesake, George Philip Jr. at the [[ceremonial ship launching|ship launching]] on 16 December 1978. ''George Philip'' was commissioned 15 November 1980 at Todd Shipyard in San Pedro, California.

From November 1980 to June 1981 ''George Philip'' conducted sea trials and testing. In June 1981 the ship received the [[Battle Effectiveness Award|Battle "E" award]] for excellence.

From July 1982 to February 1983 ''George Philip'' deployed for the first time in support of {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|6}} battle group. ''George Philip'' and her crew were awarded a Battle Effectiveness Award for operations during the 18-month period from 1 January 1982 to 30 June 1983.<ref name="awards">{{cite web |website=Navy Unit Awards |title=Navy Unit Awards |url=https://awards.navy.mil/ |access-date=2014-05-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041014224730/https://awards.navy.mil/ |archive-date=14 October 2004 }}</ref>

From September 1984 to March 1985 the ship was deployed in support of U. S. efforts to keep sea lanes open in the [[Persian Gulf]] during the height of the [[Iran–Iraq War]]. In June 1985 the frigate transferred to the Naval Reserve Force (NRF). As a member of the NRF, the focus turns to the training and readiness of Selected Reservists. The ship goes from full manning to 60% manning, with the remainder made up of Reservists. From June 1985 to June 1987 engineering and weapons readiness examinations and inspections were performed along with training for helicopter pilots.

''George Philip'' underwent an overhaul at Southwest Marine in [[San Diego]], California from December 1987 to June 1989. While in overhaul the ship received major upgrades in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities among which, the ship was fitted with a Tactical Towed Array Sonar (TACTASS).

From June 1989 to May 1992 ''George Philip'' participated in extensive ASW operations and was used as a test platform for the new ASW equipment.<ref name="History">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030221111510/http://www.george-philip.navy.mil/shiphist.htm |url=http://www.george-philip.navy.mil/shiphist.htm |title=Ship's History |website=USS George Philip (FFG-12) – Public Domain, US Navy |archive-date=2003-02-21 |access-date=2014-06-03}}</ref>

=== 1990s ===
From May to August 1992 ''George Philip'' was deployed in support of efforts to counter drug traffic from South America to the United States. In August 1992 the ship began a series of independent operations and port visits that included: [[San Francisco]]; [[Seattle]]; [[Vancouver]], British Columbia; and [[Mazatlán]], Mexico.

These operations lasted until July 1994 when ''George Philip'' deployed in support of efforts to counter drug traffic from South America to the United States. In October 1994 the frigate was escort to the towing of the retired submarine {{USS|Richard B. Russell|SSN-687|6}} to Bremerton Naval Station.

''George Philip'' and her crew were awarded a [[Battle Effectiveness Award]] for operations in 1994, 1995 and 1996.<ref name="awards" />

In November 1997 the ship participated in the Maritime Combined Operational Training (MARCOT) Exercise in the Northern Pacific. From January to April 1998 ''George Philip'' took part in counter-narcotics operations (CNOPS) in the South Pacific.

From March to October 1999 the ship was assigned to the Co-operation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Deployment.<ref name="History" />

=== 2000s ===
''George Philip'' underwent the Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA 00) at Continental Marine in San Diego from January to March 2000 In April ''George Philip'' transited to [[Alaska]]. The frigate conducted port visits to [[Esquimalt]], British Columbia and [[Juneau, Alaska]]. On 2–8 October 2000 the ship made a port visit to [[Ensenada, Baja California|Ensenada, Mexico]].<ref name="History" />

''George Philip'' was [[Ship decommissioning|decommissioned]] on 15 March 2003, as of June 2003 the ship was in reserve at [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility]], [[Bremerton, Washington]].

== References ==
{{Naval Vessel Register|hull=FFG-12}}
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|USS George Philip (FFG-12)}}
* [http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/us_navy_pages/frigates/pages/george_philip_ffg_12.htm MaritimeQuest USS ''George Philip'' FFG-12 pages]

{{Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate}}
{{Los Angeles SB&DDC and Todd, Los Angeles ships}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:George Philip (Ffg-12)}}
[[Category:Ships built in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:1978 ships]]
[[Category:Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Cold War frigates and destroyer escorts of the United States]]

USS Ford (FFG-54)

2025-10-23T20:33:50Z

2603:8000:D400:C2:4891:F3AC:173:580B:

{{Short description|US Navy frigate}}
{{other ships|USS Ford}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = USS Ford (FFG-54) underway in the South China Sea on 25 September 1997 (970925-N-4778W-150).jpg
| Ship caption =
}}
{{Infobox ship career
| Hide header =
| Ship country = United States
| Ship flag = {{USN flag|2013}}
| Ship name = ''Ford''
| Ship namesake = [[Gunner's Mate]] Patrick O. Ford
| Ship ordered =
| Ship awarded = 22 May 1981
| Ship builder = [[Todd Pacific Shipyards, Los Angeles Division]], [[San Pedro, Los Angeles|San Pedro]], [[California]]
| Ship laid down = 11 July 1983
| Ship sponsor = Jonda McFarlane
| Ship launched = 23 June 1984
| Ship acquired =
| Ship commissioned = 29 June 1985
| Ship decommissioned = 31 October 2013
| Ship fate = Sunk as target, 1 October 2019
| Ship out of service =
| Ship struck =
| Ship reinstated =
| Ship homeport = [[Naval Station Everett]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
| Ship identification = *[[Hull classification symbol#Surface combatant type|Hull symbol]]: FFG-54
*[[International Code of Signals|Code letters]]: NPOF
*{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Papa}}{{ICS|Oscar}}{{ICS|Foxtrot}}
| Ship motto = ''Tenacious''
| Ship nickname =
| Ship honours =
| Ship notes =
| Ship badge = [[File:USS Ford FFG-54 Crest.png|150px]]
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header =
| Header caption =
| Ship class = {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|0}} [[guided missile frigate]]
| Ship type =
| Ship tonnage =
| Ship displacement = {{OHP frigate displacement}}
| Ship length = {{OHP frigate length}}
| Ship beam = {{OHP frigate beam}}
| Ship height =
| Ship draft = {{OHP frigate draft}}
| Ship depth =
| Ship hold depth =
| Ship decks =
| Ship deck clearance =
| Ship ramps =
| Ship ice class =
| Ship power =
| Ship propulsion = {{OHP frigate propulsion}}
| Ship sail plan =
| Ship speed = {{OHP frigate speed}}
| Ship range = {{OHP frigate range}}
| Ship endurance =
| Ship test depth =
| Ship boats =
| Ship capacity =
| Ship troops =
| Ship complement = {{OHP frigate complement}}
| Ship crew =
| Ship time to activate =
| Ship sensors = {{OHP frigate sensors}}
| Ship EW = [[AN/SLQ-32]]
| Ship armament = {{OHP frigate armament}}
* [[Mk 38]] Mod 2 in place of Mk 13
| Ship armor =
| Ship aircraft = 2 × [[SH-60B Seahawk|SH-60B LAMPS Mk III]] helicopters
| Ship aircraft facilities = {{OHP frigate aircraft facilities}}
| Ship notes =
}}
|}

'''USS ''Ford'' (FFG-54)''' was a {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate}} in service with the [[United States Navy]] from 1985 to 2013. She was sunk as a target in the [[Pacific Ocean]] near [[Guam]] in 2019.

==Namesake==
Patrick Osborne Ford was born on 2 May 1942 in [[San Francisco]], California. He enlisted in the Navy at [[Phoenix, Arizona]] on 24 July 1959. He completed basic training at [[Naval Training Center San Diego]], and received orders to report to [[Naval Air Facility Adak|Naval Station Adak]] [[Alaska]]. He reported aboard the [[destroyer]] {{USS|James E. Kyes|DD-787|6}} where he served as a [[Gunner's Mate]] until the end of his enlistment in 1963. Reenlisting on 11 February 1965 he served at the [[Long Beach Naval Shipyard|NS Long Beach, California]]. In 1966, he was transferred to the [[Danang]], [[South Vietnam]], where he was ordered to report aboard {{USS|George K. MacKenzie|DD-836|6}}. Following completion of his tour aboard ''MacKenzie'', Ford was subsequently transferred to {{USS|Henderson|DD-785|6}} where he remained until the end of his second enlistment in 1967. Later that year Ford reenlisted for the second time at the Naval Receiving Station, San Francisco, California. He was ordered to the [[Naval Amphibious Base Coronado]] for [[River Patrol Craft]] Training. Following completion of training in 1968, GMG2 Ford was directed to report to [[Saigon]], Republic of Vietnam. He was assigned to [[Task Force 116]], [[River Squadron 5]], River Section 535 in 1968.

For the next five months, he served as a [[Patrol Boat, River]] (PBR) sailor, monitoring the traffic of the many rivers and coastal waterways of the area. On 21 June 1968, GMG2 Ford was serving as the aft [[machine gun|machine-gunner]] aboard ''PBR 750'' as part of a two-boat patrol operating in the upper [[My Tho River]] near the town of [[Cái Bè District|Cái Bè]]. The boats were maneuvering down the river when they spotted a [[sampan]] fleeing into a nearby canal. The two patrol boats gave chase and captured the sampan one hundred meters further up the canal. As the PBR returned to the river with the captured sampan in tow, it was ambushed by a [[Viet Cong]] (VC) patrol that unleashed an overwhelming barrage of heavy machine-gunfire and rockets. Two [[B-40 rocket]]s struck Ford's boat, immediately killing the patrol leader, William E. Dennis, and Boatswain's Mate First Class Scott C. Delph. Within seconds, the boat was ablaze and out of control, heading directly for the VC positions. Even as the boat was hit by four additional rockets and after suffering serious injuries, Ford maintained a steady volume of return fire from his aft machine-gunner's station. In the face of enemy gunfire and with his clothing on fire, Ford assisted three seriously wounded shipmates into the water. Ford told the last of the men to swim to the rescue boat while he maintained cover fire. He did not make it off the boat and despite search efforts was not found until the next morning on the beach of the river. However, his actions saved the lives of two of his shipmates. In recognition of his bravery, the US Navy posthumously awarded him the [[Navy Cross (United States)|Navy Cross]].<ref name="DANFS">{{cite web | url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/f/ford-ffg-54.html | title=Ford (FFG-54) | publisher=Naval History and Heritage Command | date=8 July 2015 | access-date=8 January 2016 | author=Evans, Mark L.}}</ref> A description of Gunner's Mate Ford's actions can be found here.<ref>[http://www.navsource.net/archives/07/0754a.htm History Provided By Ralph J. Fries, River Section 535 (9/67 – 6/68)]</ref>

==Construction and commissioning==
''Ford'' was laid down by [[Todd Pacific Shipyards, Los Angeles Division]], [[San Pedro, Los Angeles|San Pedro]], [[California]] on 11 July 1983. It was [[Ship naming and launching|launched]] on 23 June 1984; sponsored by Jonda McFarlane, wife of [[National Security Advisor (United States)|National Security Advisor]] [[Robert C. McFarlane]]; and [[ship commissioning|commissioned]] 29 June 1985. Ford was decommissioned 31 October 2013.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131102204134/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75618 USS Ford Completes Final Underway]</ref>

==Service history==
''Ford'' deployed on 28 November 1985, stopping first in San Diego to pick up [[List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons#Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Squadrons|Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light)]] [[HSM-75|HSL 45]] Detachment ONE, the embarking [[SH-60F Sea Hawk]] Detachment.<ref>USS ''Ford'' Command History 1995</ref> After a five-hour stop ''Ford'' was underway to rendezvous with the {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68|2}} Battle Group under the command of [[Rear Admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] Lyle Bien, Commander, [[Carrier Strike Group Seven|Carrier Group 7]]. The battle group then transited the Pacific Ocean from 2–20 December en route for [[Hong Kong]]. ''Ford'' participated in two [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] exercises with a US {{sclass|Los Angeles|submarine|2}} and a new state-of-the-art Diesel submarine of the [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]]. ''Ford'' remained part of the Carrier Group 7 battlegroup during the events of the [[Third Taiwan Straits Crisis]].

The guided missile frigate completed her first deployment during a voyage to the Western Pacific and Middle East Force (17 August 1987 – 17 February 1988). She took part in [[Operation Earnest Will]], an operation to maintain freedom of navigation within the [[Persian Gulf]], that included renaming and reflagging 11 [[Kuwait]]i [[Oil tanker|tankers]].<ref name="DANFS" />

During a deployment to the Western Pacific, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean (13 November 1990 – 13 May 1991), Ford fought in [[Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm]] (28 January–18 March 1991). She alternated plane guard and "shotgun" duties for aircraft carriers {{USS|Midway|CV-41|2}}, {{USS|Ranger|CV-61|2}}, and {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71|2}} during 34 continuous days of flight operations, and interdicted more than 90 merchant ships suspected of smuggling.<ref name="DANFS" />

From 13 December 1995 to 3 May 1996 ''Ford'' was assigned to the ''Nimitz'' [[Carrier Battle Group|Battle Group]]. Along with the aircraft carrier [[USS Nimitz (CVN-68)|USS ''Nimitz'']], ''Ford'' deployed to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. In March 1996, it patrolled the waters off [[Taiwan]] amid missile tests conducted by the Chinese in the area. It also cruised the Persian Gulf in support of Southern Watch prior to returning from deployment on 20 May 1996.

On 16 February 2007, ''Ford'' was awarded the 2006 [[Battle E|Battle "E"]] award.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27895 |title=Surface Force Ships, Crews Earn Battle "E" |access-date=1 March 2007 |archive-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206142601/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27895 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

''Ford'' completed a [[Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training]] (CARAT) deployment starting 4 May 2007 and returning home on 20 September 2007. ''Ford'' made port visits to Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Saipan, and Guam.{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}}
[[File:USS Ford (FFG-54) under attack during a sinking exercise in the Philippine Sea on 1 October 2019 (191001-N-YI115-2039).JPG|thumb|left|USS ''Ford'' under fire as a target ship off Guam, 1 October 2019]]
Inactivated on 19 August 2013, ''Ford'' was decommissioned 31 October 2013.<ref name="DANFS" /> As of September 2016, the ship was in reserve at Bremerton and was slated to be disposed of as a target.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.navsea.navy.mil/Portals/103/Documents/TeamShips/SEA21/InactiveShips/InactiveShipInventory-27Sep16(3).pdf |title= Inactive ship inventory |publisher= NAVSEA, US Navy |date= 27 September 2016 |access-date= 9 October 2016 |archive-date= 12 October 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161012093639/http://www.navsea.navy.mil/Portals/103/Documents/TeamShips/SEA21/InactiveShips/InactiveShipInventory-27Sep16(3).pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref> 1 October 2019 it was used as a target during a SINKEX near Guam. A MK-48 ADCAP torpedo was used to sink the Ford.

==Awards==
*[[Navy Unit Citation]] with star
*[[Meritorious Unit Commendation]] with star
*[[Navy E Ribbon]] (four awards)
*[[Combat Action Ribbon]]
*[[Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal]] with three stars
*[[Southwest Asia Service Medal]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Naval Vessel Register|hull=FFG-54}}
{{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/f/ford-ffg-54.html}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|USS Ford (FFG-54)}}
* {{Official website|http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ffg54|USS ''Ford'' official website}}
* {{navsource|07/0754|USS Ford (FFG-54)}}
* [http://www.navysite.de/ffg/FFG54.HTM navysite.de: USS ''Ford'']
* [http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/us_navy_pages/frigates/pages/ford_ffg_54_page_1.htm MaritimeQuest USS Ford FFG-54 pages]
* [http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/11/01/uss-ford-decommissioned-after-28-years-of-service.html]

{{Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate}}
{{Los Angeles SB&DDC and Todd, Los Angeles ships}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ford (FFG-54)}}
[[Category:Ships built in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:1984 ships]]
[[Category:Gulf War ships of the United States]]
[[Category:Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Ships sunk as targets]]