DE1043

• USS William R. Rush (DE-1043) was a Knox-class destroyer escort (later reclassified as a frigate) of the United States Navy, named after Rear Admiral William R. Rush. • The ship was launched in 1969 and commissioned into service in 1970, serving primarily during the Cold War era. • The vessel was constructed by the Avondale Shipyards in Louisiana, a shipyard known for building several Knox-class ships. • Originally designated as DE-1043, the hull classification changed to FF-1043 in 1975, reflecting the Navy’s shift from destroyer escorts (DE) to frigates (FF). • William R. Rush was equipped with advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems, including the ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) launcher, making her a vital asset for Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments. • The ship participated in numerous NATO exercises, often operating alongside allied navies to strengthen international maritime cooperation. • During her service, the crew of William R. Rush performed several rescue operations, including assisting distressed vessels in the Atlantic. • She was named in honor of Rear Admiral William R. Rush, an officer who served with distinction in the Spanish-American War and World War I. • The ship was decommissioned in 1991 after over two decades of service and was eventually sold for scrap in 2001. • One of the lasting legacies of the USS William R. Rush is her active alumni association, which preserves the history and camaraderie of her former crew members through reunions and online archives.