About this Unit
USS Simpson (FFG-56) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, commissioned on 21 September 1985. Named after Rear Admiral Rodger W. Simpson, the ship played a significant role in operations such as Operation Earnest Will during the Iran-Iraq War, protecting oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Notably, USS Simpson is remembered as the last U.S. Navy ship to have sunk an enemy vessel in combat, when she destroyed an Iranian gunboat during Operation Praying Mantis in 1988. After nearly three decades of service, USS Simpson was decommissioned on 29 September 2015.
Historical Facts
• Named After a Distinguished Admiral: USS Simpson (FFG-56) was named in honor of Rear Admiral Rodger W. Simpson, a decorated World War II officer known for his role in rescuing Allied prisoners of war in the Pacific.
• Oliver Hazard Perry-Class: Simpson was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, a class designed for anti-submarine warfare, escorting convoys, and surface warfare.
• Commissioned in 1985: The ship was built by Bath Iron Works in Maine and was commissioned on 21 September 1985, entering service during the final years of the Cold War.
• Combat in the Persian Gulf: USS Simpson is most famous for her actions in the 1988 Operation Praying Mantis, where she engaged and destroyed the Iranian gunboat Joshan, becoming one of the few modern US Navy ships to sink an enemy vessel in combat.
• Only Ship to Sink an Enemy Vessel Since WWII: At the time of her decommissioning, USS Simpson was the last United States Navy ship to have sunk an enemy vessel in combat, making her a unique part of Navy history.
• Rescue Missions: Throughout her service, Simpson participated in numerous humanitarian and rescue missions, including saving the crew of the burning tanker MV Sea Isle City in 1987.
• Extensive Deployments: The frigate deployed multiple times to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, North Atlantic, and Persian Gulf, supporting NATO, counter-narcotics, and anti-piracy operations.
• Technological Upgrades: Simpson received several upgrades over her career, including advanced sonar and missile systems, enhancing her capabilities in anti-submarine and anti-air warfare.
• Decommissioned in 2015: After 30 years of service, USS Simpson was decommissioned on 29 September 2015, as the Perry-class frigates were phased out of active US Navy service.
• Legacy Preserved: Artifacts from USS Simpson, including her ship's bell, have been preserved and displayed in naval museums to honor her distinguished history and the sailors who served on her.
