USS Ingraham (FFG-61)

• 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.