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History of USS MARVIN SHIELDS (FF-1066)

USS Marvin Shields (FF-1066) was a Knox-class frigate commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971, named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Construction Mechanic Marvin Glenn Shields. Throughout her service, Marvin Shields operated primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, participating in anti-submarine warfare exercises, escort missions, and multinational operations. The frigate played a significant role during the Cold War, supporting U.S. interests and conducting patrols near Asia and the Middle East. Decommissioned in 1992, Marvin Shields was later transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she served as ARM Abasolo (F-21).

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ABOUT USS MARVIN SHIELDS (FF-1066)

  • First Ship Named After a Medal of Honor Recipient: USS Marvin Shields (FF-1066) is named after Construction Mechanic Marvin Glenn Shields, the first and only U.S. Navy Seabee to receive the Medal of Honor, awarded posthumously for heroic actions during the Vietnam War.
  • Knox-class Frigate: USS Marvin Shields was a Knox-class frigate, originally designated as a destroyer escort (DE-1066) before being reclassified as a frigate (FF-1066) in 1975.
  • Commissioning and Service: The ship was commissioned on April 10, 1971, and served the U.S. Navy for over 22 years before being decommissioned on July 2, 1992.
  • Vietnam War Service: Although commissioned after the main combat operations in Vietnam, USS Marvin Shields conducted operations in the Western Pacific and supported U.S. interests during the postwar period.
  • Rescue Operations: On July 12, 1972, USS Marvin Shields rescued 33 Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea, demonstrating the ship’s humanitarian capabilities.
  • Sonar and Anti-Submarine Warfare: Equipped with advanced sonar systems and anti-submarine weapons, the ship played a key role in Cold War anti-submarine warfare exercises and patrols.
  • Homeport in Seattle: The ship was homeported in Seattle, Washington, for much of its career, often participating in local fleet activities and representing the Navy in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Famous Crew Members: Several notable officers and sailors served aboard, including future high-ranking naval officers and decorated veterans.
  • Decommissioning and Transfer: After decommissioning, USS Marvin Shields was leased and later sold to the Mexican Navy in 1994, where she served as ARM Abasolo (F-21) and later as ARM Mariano Abasolo (F-212).
  • Legacy and Honors: The ship’s legacy continues through reunions of former crew members and commemorations of Marvin Shields’ heroism, making it a symbol of Seabee valor and naval tradition.

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