About this Unit
USS Trippe (DE-1075) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Named after Lieutenant John Trippe, a hero of the First Barbary War, the ship primarily served in the Atlantic Fleet. Throughout her career, Trippe participated in numerous Cold War-era operations, including NATO exercises and deployments to the Mediterranean and Caribbean. She was redesignated as FF-1075 (frigate) in 1975 and remained in service until her decommissioning in 1992, after which she was transferred to the Hellenic Navy as Thraki (F457).
Historical Facts
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Namesake Legacy: USS Trippe (DE-1075) was named in honor of Lieutenant John Trippe, a decorated naval officer who served with distinction during the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War.
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Knox-Class Frigate: Although originally designated as a destroyer escort (DE), Trippe was part of the Knox-class, the largest single class of escort ships built for the US Navy during the Cold War.
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Commissioned in 1970: USS Trippe was commissioned on 19 September 1970, entering service during the height of the Cold War and serving as a vital part of the US Atlantic Fleet.
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Re-designation: In 1975, the US Navy reclassified all Knox-class destroyer escorts as frigates; Trippe's hull designation changed from DE-1075 to FF-1075.
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First to Receive Sea Sparrow: USS Trippe was the first ship in her class to be equipped with the NATO Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile system, enhancing her air defense capabilities.
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Vietnam War Service: Trippe participated in operations during the Vietnam War, providing escort and support for aircraft carriers on Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin.
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Rescue Operations: In 1972, Trippe rescued 12 crew members from the Panamanian tanker Charger after it sank in the Atlantic, demonstrating her crew's readiness for humanitarian missions.
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Global Deployments: During her career, Trippe made deployments to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and North Atlantic, participating in NATO exercises and strengthening US alliances.
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Decommissioned and Transferred: USS Trippe was decommissioned on 30 July 1992 and was later transferred to Greece, where she served as Thraki (F-457) until her decommissioning in 2002.
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End of Service: After decades of service under two flags, Trippe was finally scrapped in 2003, closing the chapter on a ship that had served both the US and Greek navies with distinction.
