USS Donald B. Beary (FF-1085)

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Donald B. Beary (FF-1085)

USS Donald B. Beary (FF-1085) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Named after Rear Admiral Donald B. Beary, the ship served primarily as an anti-submarine warfare platform during the Cold War, operating in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous NATO exercises, patrol missions, and multinational operations, contributing to maritime security and alliance cooperation. The ship was decommissioned in 1994 and later transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Karadeniz (F-255).

Unit Members

CHRISTOPHER GANNON

U.S. Navy

USS Donald B. Beary (FF-1085)View Profile

William R Cherry Jr

U.S. Navy

USS Donald B. Beary (FF-1085)View Profile

Photos

U.S. Air Force • 1961

About USS Donald B. Beary (FF-1085)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: USS Donald B. Beary (FF-1085) was named after Rear Admiral Donald Bradford Beary, a distinguished U.S. Navy officer who served with valor in both World Wars and played a vital role in logistics and fleet support operations. • Class and Role: She was a Knox-class frigate, originally designated as a destroyer escort (DE-1085), designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 22 July 1972 at the Boston Naval Shipyard, joining the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. • Vietnam War Service: Donald B. Beary deployed to the Western Pacific in 1973, supporting operations during the final stages of the Vietnam War, including search and rescue missions. • Global Deployments: Throughout her career, the ship participated in numerous NATO exercises, North Atlantic patrols, and deployments to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Persian Gulf. • Sonar and ASW Capabilities: The frigate was equipped with advanced sonar and anti-submarine weaponry, including the ASROC system and a Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) helicopter hangar and landing pad. • Rescue and Humanitarian Missions: The ship was involved in several rescue operations at sea, including saving stranded sailors and providing humanitarian aid during natural disasters. • Reclassification: In 1975, she was reclassified from DE (destroyer escort) to FF (frigate) as part of a Navy-wide change in ship designations. • Decommissioning: After over 22 years of service, USS Donald B. Beary was decommissioned on 5 August 1994 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register. • Final Fate: The ship was transferred to the Turkish Navy in 1994 and served as TCG Karadeniz (F-255) until her decommissioning in 2006.