USS Joseph Hewes (FF-1078)

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Joseph Hewes (FF-1078)

USS Joseph Hewes (FF-1078) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy on April 24, 1971. Named after Joseph Hewes, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare, escort duties, and surface operations during the Cold War. Throughout its service, USS Joseph Hewes participated in various NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and Caribbean operations, enhancing U.S. naval presence and cooperation with allied forces. The frigate was decommissioned on June 30, 1994, and subsequently transferred to Taiwan, where it served as ROCS Lan Yang (FFG-935).

Unit Members

Lisa Cantrell

U.S. Navy

USS Joseph Hewes (FF-1078)View Profile

Michael Tardy

U.S. Navy

USS Joseph Hewes (FF-1078)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 Joseph Hewes (FF-1078)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: The USS Joseph Hewes (FF-1078) was named in honor of Joseph Hewes, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and Secretary of Naval Affairs for the Continental Congress. • Class and Type: She was a Knox-class frigate, a class of ships designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 24 April 1971 at Avondale Shipyards near New Orleans, Louisiana. • Homeport: Her first homeport was Charleston, South Carolina, a key Atlantic fleet base during the Cold War. • Vietnam War Service: USS Joseph Hewes participated in operations during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and anti-submarine patrols. • Rescue Operations: In 1972, Joseph Hewes rescued the crew of a downed American helicopter in hostile waters off the coast of Vietnam. • Cold War Deployments: The frigate frequently deployed to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic, participating in NATO exercises and shadowing Soviet submarines. • Technological Upgrades: Over her service, the ship received upgrades, including the addition of the Sea Sparrow missile system and improved sonar capabilities. • Decommissioning and Foreign Service: Decommissioned from the US Navy on 30 June 1994, she was transferred to Taiwan and served as ROCS Lan Yang (FFG-935). • Legacy: The USS Joseph Hewes is remembered for her versatility, reliable service, and the continuation of her legacy in the Taiwanese Navy, symbolizing US-Taiwan defense cooperation.