Uss capodanno DE 1093

• Namesake: USS Capodanno (DE-1093) was named in honor of Lieutenant Vincent R. Capodanno, a Roman Catholic Navy chaplain who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Vietnam War. • Class: She was a Knox-class destroyer escort (later reclassified as a frigate, FF-1093) designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War. • Commissioning: USS Capodanno was commissioned on 17 November 1973 at the Boston Naval Shipyard. • Vietnam War Connection: Although Capodanno herself did not serve in Vietnam, her namesake’s actions during Operation Swift in 1967 inspired the ship’s motto: “Service Above Self.” • Religious Significance: USS Capodanno was the first U.S. Navy warship named for a chaplain, highlighting the unique valor and sacrifice of military clergy. • Pope’s Blessing: In 1977, Pope Paul VI blessed the ship’s bell in the Vatican, a rare honor reflecting Capodanno’s spiritual legacy. • NATO Operations: Capodanno participated in several NATO exercises, including STANAVFORLANT (Standing Naval Force Atlantic), strengthening Cold War alliances. • Lebanon Peacekeeping: In 1983, she supported U.S. peacekeeping operations off the coast of Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War. • Transfer to Turkey: After decommissioning on 30 July 1993, she was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Muavenet (F-250). • Legacy: The ship’s crest features a cross, anchor, and the Medal of Honor to commemorate both her namesake and her service, making her one of the most symbolically rich ships of her class.