About this Unit
USS McCandless (FF-1084) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1972 and named in honor of Rear Admiral Byron McCandless and his son, Rear Admiral Bruce McCandless. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War, she conducted numerous operations and exercises in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting fleet missions and NATO allies. The ship played a vital role in patrolling and protecting sea lanes, as well as participating in search and rescue missions. Decommissioned in 1994, USS McCandless was later transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Trakya (F-254).
Historical Facts
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Namesake Heritage: USS McCandless (FF-1084) was named in honor of Rear Admiral Byron McCandless and his son, Rear Admiral Bruce McCandless, both of whom were decorated U.S. Navy officers. Bruce McCandless received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
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Class and Construction: The ship was a Knox-class frigate, originally designated as a destroyer escort (DE-1084) before being reclassified as a frigate in 1975 (FF-1084). She was built by Avondale Shipyards in Louisiana and commissioned on 1 July 1972.
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Vietnam War Service: USS McCandless participated in operations during the final stages of the Vietnam War, providing gunfire support and serving as an escort for aircraft carriers.
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Cold War Operations: Throughout her career, McCandless conducted numerous anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrols and exercises in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, reflecting the tense nature of the Cold War era.
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Film Appearance: The ship was featured in the 1990 film "The Hunt for Red October," where she portrayed the fictional USS Reuben James.
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Rescue Missions: USS McCandless was involved in several rescue operations, including the assistance of distressed civilian vessels and the recovery of downed pilots in the Atlantic.
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Technological Upgrades: During her service, McCandless received several technological upgrades, including enhanced sonar and radar systems, as well as the addition of the LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) helicopter for expanded ASW capabilities.
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Operation Earnest Will: In the late 1980s, the ship escorted re-flagged Kuwaiti oil tankers during Operation Earnest Will in the Persian Gulf, protecting them from Iranian attacks.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: USS McCandless was decommissioned on 14 December 1994 and leased to Turkey, where she served as TCG Trakya (F-254) until 2003.
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Legacy: The McCandless’s legacy lives on through her namesakes' distinguished service and her own diverse operational history spanning over two decades of the U.S. Navy's presence worldwide.
