About this Unit
USS Lang (FF-1060) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy on March 28, 1970. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, Lang served extensively in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous exercises and operations throughout the Cold War era. The ship supported various missions, including patrols, escort duties, and joint training with allied navies. After over two decades of service, USS Lang was decommissioned on December 12, 1991, and later sold for scrapping.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Lang (FF-1060) was named after John Lang, the first man to enlist in the United States Navy during the War of 1812 and a recipient of the Medal of Honor.
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Class and Type: Lang was a Knox-class frigate, originally designated as a destroyer escort (DE-1060) before being reclassified as a frigate (FF) in 1975.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 28 March 1970 at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.
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Vietnam War Service: USS Lang participated in Vietnam War operations shortly after commissioning, performing escort and patrol duties as part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet.
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ASW Capabilities: Lang was specially equipped for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), featuring the AN/SQS-26 sonar system, ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket), and a hangar for the DASH drone helicopter, later replaced by the SH-2 Seasprite LAMPS I helicopter.
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Refit and Upgrades: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Lang received significant upgrades to her electronic warfare and sonar systems, enhancing her effectiveness against modern submarine threats.
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Humanitarian Missions: During her service, Lang was involved in several rescue and humanitarian missions, including the rescue of Vietnamese refugees ("boat people") in the South China Sea.
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Cold War Operations: Lang regularly deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean during the Cold War, participating in multi-national exercises and surveillance operations.
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Decommissioning and Fate: The ship was decommissioned on 12 November 1991 and struck from the Navy Register in January 1995. She was later sold for scrapping in 2001.
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Crest and Motto: The ship’s crest featured a trident and blue and gold colors, symbolizing naval prowess and tradition. Her motto was "Proud and Bold," reflecting the spirit of her crew and namesake.
