About this Unit
USS Connole (FF-1056) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on August 30, 1969. Named in honor of Lieutenant Commander David R. Connole, she was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War era. The ship deployed extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in NATO exercises, patrols, and escort missions. After over two decades of service, USS Connole was decommissioned on August 30, 1992, and later transferred to Greece, where she served as the ELLI (F450).
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Connole (FF-1056) was named after Lieutenant Commander David R. Connole, a decorated World War II submarine commander who was lost with his crew aboard USS Trigger (SS-237) in 1945.
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Knox-class Frigate: Connole was a part of the Knox-class frigates, originally designated as destroyer escorts (DE), but later reclassified as frigates (FF) in 1975.
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Commissioning: USS Connole was commissioned on 30 August 1969, at Avondale Shipyards in Westwego, Louisiana.
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Vietnam War Service: Although too late for direct combat in Vietnam, Connole served in Western Pacific waters in the immediate post-war period, supporting U.S. interests in the region.
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Sonar and ASW Role: The ship was equipped with advanced sonar and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) equipment, including the SQS-26 sonar and an ASROC launcher, making her a key player in Cold War submarine hunting.
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Homeports: During her service, Connole was homeported at several locations, including Newport, Rhode Island, and later Mayport, Florida.
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Hurricane David: In 1979, USS Connole played a role in disaster relief and rescue efforts in the Caribbean following the devastation caused by Hurricane David.
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Multinational Exercises: Connole participated in numerous NATO and multinational exercises in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, strengthening alliances and improving interoperability.
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Decommissioned and Transfer: The ship was decommissioned on 30 August 1992 and was later transferred to Greece, where she served as HS ELLI (F450) in the Hellenic Navy.
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Legacy: Connole's legacy lives on through her service record and the continued use of her hull by the Greek Navy, exemplifying the longevity and adaptability of the Knox-class design.
