USS Ford (FFG-54)

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Ford (FFG-54)

USS Ford (FFG-54) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 29 June 1985. Named after Gunner's Mate Patrick O. Ford, a Vietnam War hero, the ship was designed for escort missions, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare. Throughout her service, USS Ford participated in various operations, including drug interdiction patrols in the Caribbean and support missions in the Persian Gulf. After nearly three decades of active duty, the frigate was decommissioned on 31 October 2013.

Unit Members

Alvin Campbell

U.S. Navy

USS Ford (FFG-54)View Profile

Corwin Clemmons

U.S. Navy

USS Ford (FFG-54)View Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About USS Ford (FFG-54)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: USS Ford (FFG-54) was named in honor of Gunner's Mate Patrick O. Ford, who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism during the Vietnam War. • Class and Type: She was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, one of the most widely used frigate classes in the U.S. Navy. • Commissioning: USS Ford was commissioned on 29 June 1985 at Long Beach, California. • Combat Service: She participated in Operation Earnest Will, escorting re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers during the Iran-Iraq War in the late 1980s. • Humanitarian Missions: USS Ford took part in multiple humanitarian operations, including disaster relief and rescue missions, exemplifying the versatility of the Perry-class frigates. • Unique Hull Number: FFG-54 is a hull number that has only ever been assigned to the USS Ford, making her unique in naval records. • Decommissioning: The ship was decommissioned on 31 October 2013 after 28 years of service. • International Exercises: USS Ford participated in several multinational exercises, including RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific), strengthening alliances and interoperability. • Legacy: After decommissioning, USS Ford was used as a target ship and was ultimately sunk during a training exercise in 2019. • Crew Traditions: Like many Perry-class frigates, sailors aboard the USS Ford maintained a close-knit community, often honoring their ship’s namesake with ceremonies and remembrances.