About this Unit
USS Patterson (DE-1061), a Knox-class frigate, was commissioned into the United States Navy in March 1970. Named after Commodore Daniel Todd Patterson, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare and escort duties during the Cold War era. Throughout her service, Patterson participated in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, NATO exercises, and supported U.S. interests during periods of heightened tension. After nearly two decades of active duty, she was decommissioned in September 1991 and later transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Karadeniz (F-255).
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Patterson (DE-1061) was named in honor of Commodore Daniel Todd Patterson, a distinguished officer who served in the War of 1812 and commanded American forces at the Battle of New Orleans.
• Class and Type: Patterson was a Knox-class frigate (originally classified as a destroyer escort, DE-1061, later reclassified as a frigate, FF-1061, in 1975).
• Commissioning: USS Patterson was commissioned on March 14, 1970, at the Todd Shipyards in Seattle, Washington.
• Vietnam War Service: Although commissioned toward the end of the Vietnam War, Patterson conducted multiple Western Pacific (WestPac) deployments, providing escort and anti-submarine support for U.S. carriers and amphibious operations.
• Cuban Missile Crisis Connection: The ship’s namesake, Daniel Todd Patterson, played a key role in naval blockade strategies, which the U.S. Navy emulated during the Cuban Missile Crisis decades later.
• Operation Frequent Wind: Patterson participated in the evacuation of Saigon (Operation Frequent Wind) in April 1975, helping evacuate American personnel and at-risk Vietnamese from South Vietnam.
• Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, Patterson regularly patrolled the Pacific and Indian Oceans, monitoring Soviet naval activity and participating in major exercises with allied navies.
• Unique Armament: Patterson was equipped with the ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) system and a helicopter deck for the LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System), making her a potent anti-submarine warfare platform.
• DE to FF Reclassification: In 1975, her designation changed from DE-1061 (Destroyer Escort) to FF-1061 (Frigate) as part of a Navy-wide reclassification to better reflect their capabilities and missions.
• Decommissioning and Fate: USS Patterson was decommissioned on September 30, 1991, and later sold for scrapping in 1995, marking the end of over two decades of dedicated service to the U.S. Navy.
