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USS Ford (FFG-54)

1985 COLD WAR MODERN NAVY

History of USS Ford (FFG-54)

The frigate has evolved significantly over its centuries of active service as a warship engaged in naval warfare on water. Due to the need for low-cost warships based on speed and maneuverability, they are now general-purpose steel warships, equipped with specific weapons to deal with various threats.

The United States Navy (USN) itself declares its frigates to be surface warships designed to protect allied ships in the fleet while having inherent provisions to detect, target and engage enemy submarines. Despite being equipped with a range of weapons, unlike other service types, these ships are generally not considered "multi-mission" platforms, limiting their tactical usefulness but making them cost-effective long-term investments.

The

Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate ("FFG" for the US Navy) was introduced in the second half of the Cold War, especially in 1977, and developed into the 71-class in its heyday. The squad was personally commanded by the aircraft carrier USS Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7) and was named Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819). Perry served in the burgeoning U.S. Navy during the critical early post-independence period.

Today, due to budget cuts and advances in naval warfare technology, the class has been greatly reduced in number, largely replaced by stealthier missile-guided frigates with multi-mission capabilities. USS Ford (FFG-54) represents one of the Oliver Hazard Perry classes, itself namesake of gunslinger Mate Patrick O'Ford (1942-1968) who served the USN and gave his life in the Vietnam War (1955).- 1975). The USS Ford was laid on July 11, 1983 by Todd Pacific Shipyard in San Pedro, California, launched on June 23, 1984, and officially commissioned on June 29, 1985.

She is currently (2013) homeported at Naval Base Everett, Washington, and fights under the simple motto "Tough". Her patch features two crossed vintage naval cannons with a multi-colored shield.

Notably, the Oliver Hazard Perry class of shipbuilding was split up by Bath Iron Works, Todd Shipyards (Seattle) and Todd Shipyards (San Pedro).

The Ford had a full-laden displacement of 4,160 tons, a bow-to-stern length of 453 feet, a beam size of 45 feet, and a draft of 22 feet. Her design follows that of the entire Oliver Hazard Perry class of surface ships, with a traditional tapered, raised bow section, one-piece superstructure and open stern. The stern is reserved for flight deck space for medium lift helicopter maintenance, landing and take-off. A coat hanger attaches to the rear of the body, providing nearly full maintenance and repair capabilities. Featuring a row of large windows, the bridge is located on the uppermost part of the former superstructure, offering stunning views of the bow and stern.

The main mast features an exposed tripod design, while various sensors and communication systems are placed on the support structure above and behind the bridge. The ship consisted of up to 205 crew members, including 15 officers and up to 190 soldiers.

In addition, it has its own Helicopter Air Force No. 21, a team of 6 officers and up to 15 technicians. The aft flight deck is cleared for servicing of up to 2 Sikorsky SH-60 series naval helicopters (equipped with LAMPS III).

Power for the USS Ford has traditionally been provided by 2 General Electric LM2500-30 series gas turbines, providing 41,000 shaft horsepower to a single variable pitch propeller mounted under the stern. This gives the vessel a maximum sea speed of 29 knots in ideal conditions. The range is up to 5,000 nautical miles.

Her helicopter arm allows for extended reconnaissance range and submarine hunting capabilities.

As a general purpose multi-purpose surface vessel, the Ford is equipped with a range of weapons consisting of 1 x 76mm/62 caliber OTO Melara Mk. 75 deck gun (Italian design). This is complemented by a turret of a 25mm Mk 38 series automatic cannon mounted at the rear of the superstructure.

Submarine and surface threats use 2 x 324mm Mk. Thirty-two triple torpedo launchers were cleared to launch Mark 46 series torpedoes. A single 20mm Vulcan Phalanx CIWS (Close Weapon System) is designed to counter incoming air threats with a digital-based infrastructure and can also engage cruise missiles.

4 x 12.7 mm (0.50 cal) heavy machine guns provide extreme close range defense.

USS Ford (FFG-54) served in the US Navy at the time of writing (2013), completing various port calls, exercises and patrols during his tenure. She was recognized by the 2006 "Battle E" for her outstanding service.