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USS Ford (FFG-54)
Encyclopedia
USS Ford (FFG-54), an , is a ship of the United States Navy
named for Gunner's Mate Patrick O. Ford
(1942–1968). Ford was awarded the Navy Cross
posthumously for his heroism as a patrol river boatman in the Vietnam War
. A description of Gunner's Mate Ford's actions can be found here.
Ford was laid down by Todd Pacific Shipyards
Corp., in San Pedro, California on 11 July 1983. She was launched
on 23 June 1984, and commissioned
29 June 1985, captained by Commander J. F. Eckler.
On 16 February 2007, Ford was awarded the 2006 Battle "E" award.
Ford completed a Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) deployment starting May 4, 2007 and returning home on September 20, 2007. Ford made port visits to Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Saipan, and Guam.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
named for Gunner's Mate Patrick O. Ford
Patrick O. Ford
Patrick Osborne Ford was a United States Navy sailor serving on a PBR patrol boat who was killed in Vietnam after he saved the lives of two of his shipmates. The US Navy posthumously awarded him the Navy Cross and later named a frigate, USS Ford , after him.Ford was born in San Francisco,...
(1942–1968). Ford was awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
posthumously for his heroism as a patrol river boatman in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. A description of Gunner's Mate Ford's actions can be found here.
Ford was laid down by Todd Pacific Shipyards
Todd Pacific Shipyards
Vigor Shipyards was founded in 1916 as the William H. Todd Corporation through the merger of Robins Dry Dock & Repair Company of Erie Basin, Brooklyn, New York, the Tietjen & Long Dry Dock Company of Hoboken, New Jersey, and the Seattle Construction and Dry Dock Company...
Corp., in San Pedro, California on 11 July 1983. She was launched
Ship naming and launching
The ceremonies involved in naming and launching naval ships are based in traditions thousands of years old.-Methods of launch:There are three principal methods of conveying a new ship from building site to water, only two of which are called "launching." The oldest, most familiar, and most widely...
on 23 June 1984, and commissioned
Ship commissioning
Ship commissioning is the act or ceremony of placing a ship in active service, and may be regarded as a particular application of the general concepts and practices of project commissioning. The term is most commonly applied to the placing of a warship in active duty with its country's military...
29 June 1985, captained by Commander J. F. Eckler.
On 16 February 2007, Ford was awarded the 2006 Battle "E" award.
Ford completed a Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) deployment starting May 4, 2007 and returning home on September 20, 2007. Ford made port visits to Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Saipan, and Guam.