About this Unit
USS Whipple (FF-1062) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned into the United States Navy in 1970. Named after Commodore Abraham Whipple, the ship played a vital role during the Cold War, conducting anti-submarine warfare operations and escort missions, particularly in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Whipple participated in significant exercises and supported operations during the Vietnam War, including search and rescue missions. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1992 and later transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she served under the name ARM Mina (F-214).
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Whipple (FF-1062) was named after Commodore Abraham Whipple, a distinguished naval officer who served in the American Revolutionary War and was known for capturing the first British warship in the conflict.
• Class & Type: She was a Knox-class frigate, primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and was originally designated as a destroyer escort (DE-1062) before being reclassified as a frigate in 1975.
• Commissioning: The USS Whipple was commissioned on 22 August 1970 at the Todd Shipyards in Seattle, Washington.
• Vietnam War Service: Whipple participated in Vietnam War operations, conducting naval gunfire support and escort missions, earning two battle stars for her Vietnam service.
• Notable Rescue: In July 1972, Whipple rescued survivors from the merchant ship SS Gulf Banker, which had caught fire and exploded off the coast of Vietnam.
• Indian Ocean Operations: In 1979 and 1980, Whipple operated in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf during the Iran Hostage Crisis, providing presence and support as part of the U.S. response.
• Joint Exercises: The ship frequently participated in multinational naval exercises, including RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise), strengthening alliances with navies from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
• Decommissioning: Whipple was decommissioned on 14 February 1992 after more than two decades of service, marking the end of her active duty with the U.S. Navy.
• Final Fate: After decommissioning, USS Whipple was sunk as a target during naval exercises in 2002, providing valuable training for current fleet units.
• Legacy: USS Whipple (FF-1062) was the third U.S. Navy ship named Whipple, continuing a tradition of honoring an early American naval hero and serving as a vital Cold War asset in the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
