Uss Sides (FFG-14)

• USS Sides (FFG-14) Namesake: The ship was named after Admiral John H. Sides, a pioneer in naval guided missile development and former Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. • Oliver Hazard Perry Class: USS Sides was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, designed for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. • Commissioned in 1981: USS Sides was commissioned on 30 May 1981 at Todd Pacific Shipyards in San Pedro, California. • Cold War Service: The ship served during the last decade of the Cold War, regularly deploying to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. • Involved in Gulf War Operations: USS Sides participated in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Southern Watch, enforcing sanctions and protecting shipping in the Persian Gulf. • 1993 Incident with North Korea: In March 1993, USS Sides was deployed to monitor North Korean ports after North Korea threatened to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. • Rescue Operations: In 1991, the ship rescued 22 Vietnamese refugees from a small boat in the South China Sea, exemplifying the Navy’s humanitarian missions. • Change of Homeport: Originally homeported in San Diego, USS Sides was later assigned to Yokosuka, Japan, expanding its role in the Pacific. • Decommissioned in 2003: After over two decades of service, USS Sides was decommissioned on 13 February 2003 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register. • Legacy and Honors: USS Sides earned multiple awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Southwest Asia Service Medal, recognizing its outstanding service.