About this Unit
USS John A. Moore (FFG-19) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 14 November 1981. Named in honor of Commander John Anderson Moore, a decorated World War II submarine commander, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout her service, John A. Moore conducted multiple deployments, including operations in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War and participating in multinational exercises to promote maritime security. The frigate was decommissioned on 1 September 2000 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she serves as TCG Gediz (F 495).
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS John A. Moore (FFG-19) was named after Commander John Anderson Moore, a highly decorated submariner who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism during World War II as the commanding officer of USS Grayback (SS-208).
• Class and Type: The ship was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, a versatile class used by the US Navy for a wide range of missions including escort, anti-submarine warfare, and air defense.
• Construction and Commissioning: The keel was laid down on September 19, 1978, at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Los Angeles, California. She was commissioned on November 14, 1981.
• Cold War Service: During the height of the Cold War, USS John A. Moore participated in numerous exercises and deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting US presence in key regions.
• Persian Gulf Operations: The frigate took part in Operation Earnest Will in the late 1980s, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers during the Iran-Iraq War, highlighting the ship’s crucial role in protecting global shipping lanes.
• Anti-Narcotics Missions: In the 1990s, John A. Moore was deployed for counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific, aiding in the interception of illicit drug shipments to the United States.
• Humanitarian Assistance: The ship provided assistance to distressed vessels and participated in search and rescue operations, demonstrating the humanitarian role of US Navy warships beyond combat missions.
• Transfer to Turkey: After decommissioning from US service on September 1, 2000, the ship was transferred to the Turkish Navy and renamed TCG Gediz (F-495), where she continues to serve.
• Legacy and Awards: USS John A. Moore earned several awards during her service, including the Navy “E” Ribbon and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, underscoring her operational excellence.
• Technological Features: The ship was equipped with the OTO Melara 76 mm gun, Harpoon and Standard missile systems, and advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities, making her a formidable multi-role frigate of her era.
