About this Unit
USS Ingraham (FFG-61) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on August 5, 1989. Named after Captain Duncan Ingraham, the ship was primarily assigned to Pacific Fleet operations, conducting missions including maritime security, escort duty, and counter-narcotics patrols. Ingraham participated in numerous multinational exercises and deployments, serving in the Persian Gulf and supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. After 25 years of service, USS Ingraham was decommissioned on November 12, 2014, as the last active ship of her class in the U.S. Navy.
Historical Facts
• Last of Her Class: USS Ingraham (FFG-61) was the final ship built of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigates, marking the end of an era for this prolific class in the U.S. Navy.
• Namesake Legacy: She was named in honor of Captain Duncan Nathaniel Ingraham, a U.S. Navy officer famous for his defense of an Austrian revolutionary in 1853, symbolizing American commitment to individual rights and international law.
• Commissioning Date: USS Ingraham was commissioned on 5 August 1989 at the Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle, Washington.
• Homeport: The ship was homeported at Naval Station Everett in Washington, which provided strategic access to the Pacific and was known for its close-knit community ties.
• Counter-Drug Operations: Ingraham was heavily involved in drug interdiction missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, helping to intercept and seize large quantities of illegal narcotics.
• Rescue Missions: In 1999, USS Ingraham rescued crew members from the sinking Ecuadorian fishing vessel, demonstrating the Navy’s peacetime humanitarian mission.
• Operation Enduring Freedom: The ship participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, supporting maritime security and counter-terrorism efforts following the events of 9/11.
• Decommissioning: USS Ingraham was decommissioned on 12 November 2014, after 25 years of service, concluding the active duty of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class in the U.S. Navy.
• Unique Hull Number: With hull number FFG-61, Ingraham holds the distinction of being the highest-numbered Perry-class frigate, making her unique among her sister ships.
• Museum Prospects: Although there were discussions about preserving Ingraham as a museum ship, she was ultimately slated for disposal, with her legacy living on in naval history and through those who served aboard her.
