About this Unit
USS Gary (FFG-51) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate commissioned into the United States Navy on 17 November 1984. Named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant (junior grade) Donald A. Gary, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. During its service, USS Gary participated in numerous operations, including maritime security, counter-narcotics missions, and multinational exercises with allied navies. The ship was decommissioned on 23 July 2015 after over 30 years of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
•
Named After a Medal of Honor Recipient:
USS Gary (FFG-51) was named in honor of Lieutenant (junior grade) Donald Arthur Gary, who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in World War II.
•
Oliver Hazard Perry Class:
The ship was part of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class of guided-missile frigates, one of the most numerous classes of U.S. Navy warships built in the late 20th century.
•
Commissioning Date:
USS Gary was commissioned on 17 November 1984 in Long Beach, California.
•
Anti-Submarine Warfare Specialist:
The ship was equipped with advanced sonar and anti-submarine weapons, making it highly effective in hunting submarines during the Cold War.
•
Operation Enduring Freedom:
USS Gary participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, supporting coalition operations in the Middle East after the September 11 attacks.
•
Counter-Narcotics Missions:
The frigate conducted several successful counter-narcotics missions in the Eastern Pacific, intercepting and seizing large shipments of illegal drugs.
•
Humanitarian Assistance:
USS Gary was involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, including providing aid to areas impacted by natural disasters.
•
Longest Deployments:
In 2014-2015, USS Gary completed a deployment of over 200 days, one of the longest by a U.S. Navy frigate in recent years, before being decommissioned.
•
Decommissioned in 2015:
The ship was officially decommissioned on 23 July 2015 at Naval Base San Diego, marking the end of her 31 years of service.
•
International Engagements:
USS Gary participated in numerous joint exercises with allied navies, including RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise) and CARAT (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training), enhancing global maritime cooperation.
