About this Unit
USS Bowen (DE/FF-1079) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Named after Vice Admiral Harold G. Bowen Sr., the ship served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, performing anti-submarine warfare, escort, and patrol duties during the Cold War era. In 1975, Bowen was reclassified from a destroyer escort (DE) to a frigate (FF), reflecting her evolving mission profile. After over two decades of service, USS Bowen was decommissioned in 1994 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she continued to serve as Akdeniz (F-257).
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Bowen (DE/FF-1079) was named after Vice Admiral Harold G. Bowen Sr., a distinguished U.S. Navy officer who contributed significantly to naval research and development during World War II.
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Class & Role: She was a Knox-class frigate (initially classified as a destroyer escort, DE-1079, later reclassified as FF-1079) designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War era.
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Commissioning: USS Bowen was commissioned on 17 February 1971 at Avondale Shipyards in Louisiana, joining the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
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First Female Crew: In 1994, USS Bowen became the first U.S. combatant ship to deploy with a fully integrated male-female crew, marking a significant milestone in U.S. Navy history.
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Lebanon Peacekeeping: Bowen participated in peacekeeping operations off Lebanon's coast in 1982-1983, providing naval gunfire support and serving as an escort during the Multinational Force operations in Beirut.
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Operation Urgent Fury: In October 1983, USS Bowen took part in the U.S. invasion of Grenada, providing support for the landing of U.S. Marines and carrying out patrol duties.
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Change of Classification: The ship was reclassified from a Destroyer Escort (DE) to a Frigate (FF) on 30 June 1975 as part of a Navy-wide reclassification.
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Homeport: During much of her service, the Bowen was homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, from where she participated in numerous training and deployment cruises in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
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Transfer to Turkey: After being decommissioned from U.S. service in 1994, Bowen was transferred to the Turkish Navy and renamed TCG Akdeniz (F-257), serving until 2001.
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Legacy: USS Bowen’s integration of female sailors and her service in multiple conflicts made her a notable vessel in the evolution of the modern U.S. Navy.
