USS Estocin (FFG- 15)

• Namesake Hero: USS Estocin (FFG-15) was named after Captain Michael John Estocin, a naval aviator awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. • Olson Class Origins: USS Estocin was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate, a class known for its versatility in anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare. • Commissioning Date: The ship was commissioned on January 10, 1981, at Bath, Maine, after being constructed by Bath Iron Works. • First in the Atlantic Fleet: Estocin was the first U.S. Navy warship to be fitted with the Mk 92 Fire Control System, which greatly enhanced its combat capabilities. • Extensive NATO Service: The ship was a regular participant in NATO exercises, including Operation Ocean Safari and other international naval collaborations, demonstrating U.S. commitment to allied defense. • Missile Testing Platform: In the late 1980s, Estocin served as the Navy's primary test platform for the Mk 92 Fire Control System improvements, conducting over 300 missile firing tests. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship participated in several rescue operations and humanitarian missions, including assistance to Haitian refugees in the 1990s. • Decommissioning and Transfer: USS Estocin was decommissioned on December 3, 2003, and immediately transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she was renamed TCG Göksu (F 497). • Combat Action: During her service, Estocin deployed to the Persian Gulf and supported Operation Earnest Will, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti tankers during the Iran-Iraq War. • Legacy and Honors: The ship earned multiple awards, including the Battle Efficiency "E" and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, reflecting her operational excellence and the dedication of her crews.