About this Unit
USS Koelsch (FF-1049) was a Garcia-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1967. Named after Lieutenant (jg) John Kelvin Koelsch, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, the ship primarily performed anti-submarine warfare (ASW) duties during the Cold War. Throughout her service, Koelsch participated in numerous NATO exercises, Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, and supported search and rescue operations. Decommissioned in 1989, she was later transferred to the Pakistani Navy, where she served as PNS Siqqat until 1993.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Heroism: USS Koelsch (FF-1049) was named after Lieutenant (jg) John Kelvin Koelsch, the first helicopter pilot to receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Korean War when he attempted to rescue a downed Marine aviator behind enemy lines.
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Knox-Class Frigate: The ship was a Knox-class frigate, a class designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) during the Cold War and was one of 46 ships of her class.
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Commissioning Date: USS Koelsch was commissioned on 10 April 1971 at the Todd Shipyards in Seattle, Washington.
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Vietnam War Service: Although commissioned after most U.S. involvement had ended, Koelsch participated in Vietnam-related patrols and missions in the early 1970s.
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Rescue Operation: In 1974, Koelsch was involved in the rescue of Vietnamese refugees (boat people) fleeing after the fall of Saigon, providing humanitarian aid.
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Cuban Missile Crisis Legacy: The Knox-class was developed in response to lessons learned during the Cuban Missile Crisis, emphasizing anti-submarine capabilities to counter the Soviet submarine threat.
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Unique Propulsion: Koelsch employed a single-shaft, steam propulsion system which was unusual at the time for U.S. frigates, providing a balance of speed and endurance.
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International Service: After being decommissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1989, Koelsch was transferred to the Pakistan Navy under the name PNS Siqqat (F-267) and served until the late 1990s.
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Decommissioning: USS Koelsch was decommissioned on 31 May 1989, marking nearly two decades of active service.
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Final Fate: After her service in Pakistan, PNS Siqqat was ultimately scrapped, ending the vessel’s operational history but leaving a legacy of humanitarian and naval service.
