About this Unit
USS Pharris (DE/FF-1094) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1974. Named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant Commander Jackson C. Pharris, the ship served primarily in anti-submarine warfare and escort duties during the Cold War. Throughout her service, Pharris participated in several major NATO exercises and deployments to the Mediterranean and Caribbean, supporting U.S. and allied operations. She was reclassified from a destroyer escort (DE) to a frigate (FF) in 1975 and was decommissioned in 1992, later being transferred to the Mexican Navy.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Pharris (DE/FF-1094) was named after Lieutenant Commander Jackson Charles Pharris, a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor aboard USS California (BB-44).
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Class and Commission: Pharris was a Knox-class frigate, originally classified as a destroyer escort (DE-1094), and was commissioned on 19 May 1974.
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Reclassification: In 1975, she was reclassified from a destroyer escort (DE) to a frigate (FF), becoming FF-1094, following the new U.S. Navy ship designation system.
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Cold War Service: Pharris participated in numerous Cold War operations, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises and NATO deployments in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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Lebanon Crisis (1983): USS Pharris was part of the U.S. naval forces off the coast of Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War, supporting peacekeeping operations in the region.
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Collision Incident: In 1984, Pharris was involved in a minor collision with another U.S. naval vessel off the U.S. East Coast, resulting in no serious damage or injuries.
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Operation Earnest Will: She served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Earnest Will in the late 1980s, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers amidst the Iran-Iraq War.
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Technological Upgrades: Throughout her service, Pharris received several upgrades, including improved sonar and anti-submarine warfare systems to keep pace with evolving Soviet submarine threats.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Pharris was decommissioned on 15 September 1992 and transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she was renamed ARM Nicolás Bravo (E40).
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Legacy: The ship’s crest and memorabilia are preserved by veterans’ groups and museums, commemorating her Cold War service and the heroism of her namesake.
