About this Unit
USS Schofield (FFG-3), originally designated as DEG-3, was a Brooke-class guided missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 11 May 1968. Named after Rear Admiral Frank Herman Schofield, the ship was primarily tasked with anti-air and anti-submarine warfare operations during the Cold War. Schofield participated in numerous Pacific Fleet exercises and deployments, including multiple tours off the coast of Vietnam, where she provided naval gunfire support and escorted aircraft carriers. After two decades of active service, USS Schofield was decommissioned on 8 September 1988 and later sold for scrap.
Historical Facts
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Named After a Medal of Honor Recipient:
USS Schofield (FFG-3) was named in honor of Rear Admiral Frank Herman Schofield, a recipient of the Navy Cross and the Spanish Campaign Medal, and a distinguished officer in the U.S. Navy.
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Brooke-Class Guided Missile Frigate:
Schofield was a Brooke-class frigate, one of only six ships in this class, designed for anti-air and anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War era.
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Commissioned in 1968:
The ship was commissioned on 11 May 1968, during the height of the Vietnam War, and served for almost two decades before being decommissioned in 1988.
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Vietnam War Service:
USS Schofield served off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support and conducting search and rescue operations, earning one battle star for her service.
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Notable Weaponry:
The frigate was equipped with the Tartar Guided Missile System, which was advanced technology at the time, as well as anti-submarine rockets and torpedo tubes.
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First U.S. Surface Ship to Visit Kenya:
In 1976, Schofield became the first U.S. Navy surface ship to visit Mombasa, Kenya, signaling American interests in the region and strengthening international relations.
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Collision at Sea:
In October 1977, Schofield collided with the USS Fisher (MSC-390), a minesweeper, in Long Beach Harbor, resulting in minor damage and no injuries.
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Part of the Pacific Fleet:
Homeported in San Diego, Schofield was primarily assigned to the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous operations and exercises in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
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Decommissioned and Scrapped:
After her decommissioning on 8 September 1988, USS Schofield was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register and sold for scrapping in 1995.
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Legacy Preserved:
Artifacts from USS Schofield, such as her bell and plaques, have been preserved in naval museums and memorials, ensuring the ship’s legacy endures.
