USS Kauffman (FFG-59)

• Namesake: USS Kauffman (FFG-59) was named in honor of Vice Admiral James L. Kauffman and his son Rear Admiral Draper L. Kauffman, both distinguished U.S. Navy officers. • Class and Commissioning: She was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, commissioned on February 28, 1987, at Bath, Maine. • First Female Commanding Officer: In 2013, Commander Regina Marengo became Kauffman’s first female commanding officer, marking a historic milestone for the ship. • Counter-Narcotics Operations: Kauffman participated extensively in anti-drug operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, capturing or disrupting numerous drug trafficking attempts. • Operation Earnest Will: Early in her career, Kauffman was deployed to the Persian Gulf, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers during the Iran-Iraq War. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship was involved in several humanitarian missions, including rescue and disaster relief operations in the Caribbean and off South America. • “Decommissioning Sail-by”: On September 18, 2015, Kauffman made a ceremonial final sail-by of Naval Station Mayport, a tradition for ships leaving active service. • Last Active Atlantic Perry: At the time of her decommissioning on September 18, 2015, Kauffman was the last active Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate in the Atlantic Fleet. • Adopted by the City: The city of Norfolk, Virginia, adopted USS Kauffman as part of the Navy League’s “Adopt-a-Ship” program, strengthening ties between the ship and the community. • Combat Action Ribbon: Kauffman earned the Combat Action Ribbon for her role in protecting shipping and supporting operations during Middle East deployments.