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History of USS Canon (PG-90)

USS Canon (PG-90) was an Asheville-class gunboat commissioned by the United States Navy in 1968. Designed for patrol and interdiction missions, she was deployed to Vietnam, where she provided naval gunfire support and coastal surveillance during the Vietnam War. The ship's shallow draft and high speed made her well-suited for operations in rivers and coastal waters. After her service in Vietnam, USS Canon continued patrolling and training missions until she was decommissioned in 1977 and later transferred to the Nationalist Navy of Uruguay.

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ABOUT USS Canon (PG-90)

  • Namesake: USS Canon (PG-90) was named in honor of John Canon, a U.S. Navy officer killed during World War II at the Battle of Savo Island in 1942.
  • Class and Type: USS Canon was an Asheville-class gunboat, designed for fast, versatile coastal patrol and interdiction missions during the Cold War.
  • Laid Down and Launched: Canon was laid down on 6 January 1967 at Tacoma Boatbuilding Company, Tacoma, Washington, and launched on 8 July 1967.
  • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned into service on 24 June 1968.
  • Vietnam War Service: USS Canon saw significant action during the Vietnam War, where she conducted riverine patrols, interdiction, and fire support missions.
  • Engagements and Damage: On 11 August 1970, USS Canon was hit by enemy fire during operations on the Cua Lon River, suffering casualties and damage but continuing her mission.
  • Decorations: The ship and her crew earned several awards, including the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and campaign medals for Vietnam service.
  • Transfer to South Vietnam: After U.S. involvement in Vietnam wound down, Canon was transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Navy on 21 December 1970, becoming RVNS Ngọc Hồi (HQ-12).
  • Fate After the Fall of Saigon: Following the collapse of South Vietnam in 1975, RVNS Ngọc Hồi fled to the Philippines, where she was eventually incorporated into the Philippine Navy as BRP Sultan Kudarat (PS-22).
  • Final Status: BRP Sultan Kudarat served for decades in the Philippine Navy before being decommissioned, marking a long and eventful career spanning three navies and multiple conflicts.

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