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History of USS HAWES (FFG-53)

USS HAWES (FFG-53) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate commissioned into the United States Navy on 9 February 1985. Named after Rear Admiral Richard E. Hawes, a distinguished World War II hero, the ship served in numerous operations, including deployments to the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and the Atlantic. Throughout her service, HAWES conducted maritime security operations, anti-submarine warfare, and participated in multinational exercises, enhancing interoperability with allied navies. After nearly three decades of service, USS HAWES was decommissioned on 10 December 2010.

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ABOUT USS HAWES (FFG-53)

  • Namesake: USS Hawes (FFG-53) was named after Rear Admiral Richard Ellington Hawes, a decorated World War II hero known for his valor and leadership in submarine rescue and salvage operations.
  • Class and Type: She was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, a class renowned for multi-role capabilities in anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
  • Commissioning Date: USS Hawes was commissioned on 9 February 1985 at Bath, Maine, and was delivered by Bath Iron Works, a famous American shipyard.
  • Maiden Deployment: Her first major deployment was to the Mediterranean Sea in 1986, participating in numerous NATO exercises and operations.
  • Persian Gulf Operations: Hawes served in Operation Earnest Will (1987-1988), escorting reflagged Kuwaiti tankers through the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War.
  • Humanitarian Missions: The ship participated in disaster relief and evacuation operations, including support during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 along the US Gulf Coast.
  • Enduring Freedom: She supported Operation Enduring Freedom by providing maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea post-9/11.
  • Decommissioning: After over 25 years of service, USS Hawes was decommissioned on 10 December 2010 at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
  • Ship’s Motto: Hawes’s motto was “Ever Vigilant,” reflecting her crew’s commitment to readiness and operational excellence.
  • Awards and Recognitions: During her service, Hawes earned numerous awards including the Navy Unit Commendation and multiple Battle Efficiency “E” awards for outstanding performance.

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