USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23)

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23)

USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, named in honor of legendary Marine Corps Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller. Commissioned on 17 April 1982, the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous exercises, escort duties, and maritime security operations throughout the 1980s and 1990s. FFG-23 also conducted deployments in support of U.S. interests in the Persian Gulf and other global hotspots, demonstrating versatility and reliability. After nearly two decades of service, USS Lewis B. Puller was decommissioned on 18 September 1998 and later transferred to Egypt.

Unit Members

Eugene Robinson

U.S. Navy

USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23)View Profile

Thomas Sweeny

U.S. Navy

USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23)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 Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23) was named after Lieutenant General Lewis "Chesty" Puller, the most decorated Marine in U.S. history, renowned for his leadership and heroism. • Class and Type: She was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, designed for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. • Commissioning: USS Lewis B. Puller was commissioned on 17 April 1982 at Long Beach, California. • Gulf War Service: The ship served in the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) in 1991, providing escort and patrol duties in the Persian Gulf. • Humanitarian Missions: She participated in several humanitarian and rescue missions, including operations in the Persian Gulf and the evacuation of civilians from conflict zones. • Multinational Exercises: USS Lewis B. Puller took part in joint exercises with allied navies such as RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific), enhancing international cooperation. • Namesake’s Legacy: The ship's motto, “Chesty’s Chosen,” honored the legendary spirit and leadership of General Puller, whose image was also prominently displayed on the ship. • Decommissioning: She was decommissioned on 18 September 1998, after over 16 years of service. • Transfer to Egypt: After decommissioning, FFG-23 was transferred to the Egyptian Navy, where she was renamed Taba (F916). • Enduring Legacy: The legacy of USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23) continues with the expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3), which entered service in 2017, highlighting the enduring respect for the Puller name in U.S. naval history.