About this Unit
**USS Brewton (FF-1086)** was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on July 8, 1972. Named after Lieutenant John Brewton, a Navy officer killed in action during World War II, the ship was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare and escort missions during the Cold War. Throughout her service, USS Brewton participated in numerous exercises and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting U.S. interests and allies. The frigate was decommissioned on July 2, 1992, and later transferred to the Republic of China Navy, where she served as ROCS Fong Yang (FFG-933).
Historical Facts
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USS Brewton (FF-1086) was a Knox-class frigate:
Launched in 1971, Brewton was part of a class of 46 ships designed for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War.
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Named after Lieutenant John Brewton:
The ship honors Lt. John Brewton, a U.S. Navy officer killed in action during World War II in the Solomon Islands.
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Commissioned in 1972:
USS Brewton was officially commissioned into service on July 8, 1972, at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, California.
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Served in the Pacific Fleet:
The frigate operated primarily with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, homeported out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and San Diego, California.
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Vietnam War service:
USS Brewton saw action during the final years of the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and escorting aircraft carriers.
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Notable rescue missions:
The ship participated in several search and rescue operations in the Pacific, including saving Vietnamese refugees (boat people) in the late 1970s.
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Modernized with the LAMPS system:
Brewton was upgraded to operate the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS), allowing her to deploy SH-2 Seasprite helicopters for anti-submarine missions.
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Decommissioned in 1992:
After over 20 years of service, the ship was decommissioned on July 2, 1992, as part of post-Cold War force reductions.
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Transferred to the Republic of China Navy:
In 1999, USS Brewton was transferred to Taiwan under the Security Assistance Program and renamed ROCS Fong Yang (FFG-933).
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Still in service as of the 2020s:
As ROCS Fong Yang, the former USS Brewton continues to serve in the Taiwanese Navy, a testament to the ship's durable design and legacy.
