About this Unit
USS DOYLE (FFG-39) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 21 May 1983. Named after Vice Admiral James Henry Doyle, the ship served in various roles including anti-submarine warfare, convoy escort, and maritime interdiction operations. Throughout her career, DOYLE deployed to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern waters, participating in operations such as counter-narcotics patrols and supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The frigate was decommissioned on 29 July 2011, after nearly three decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
•
Namesake: USS Doyle (FFG-39) was named after Vice Admiral James Henry Doyle, a distinguished U.S. Navy officer best known for his leadership during the Inchon landings in the Korean War.
•
Class and Type: Doyle was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, one of the most widely used classes in the U.S. Navy during the late 20th century.
•
Commissioning Date: The ship was commissioned on 21 May 1983 at Bath, Maine, after being laid down in October 1981 and launched in May 1982.
•
Maiden Deployment: USS Doyle conducted her maiden deployment in 1984 to the Mediterranean Sea as part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet.
•
Drug Interdiction Operations: Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Doyle played a key role in counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, helping to interdict illegal drug shipments.
•
Humanitarian Missions: Doyle participated in several humanitarian missions, including assistance to Haitian migrants during the early 1990s and disaster relief following hurricanes.
•
Operation Able Manner: In 1994, Doyle took part in Operation Able Manner, enforcing U.N. sanctions and providing support to Haitian refugees during the Haitian crisis.
•
Multinational Exercises: The frigate took part in numerous multinational exercises, including UNITAS (with South American navies) and BALTOPS (Baltic Operations with NATO allies).
•
Decommissioning: USS Doyle was decommissioned on 29 July 2011 after nearly 30 years of service, and was later scrapped rather than transferred to a foreign navy.
•
Legacy: Doyle earned several awards, including the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy “E” Ribbon, and is remembered for her versatility, reliability, and the professionalism of her crew.
