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USS Reuben James (FFG-57)
Encyclopedia
USS Reuben James (FFG-57), an Oliver Hazard Perry-class
guided missile
frigate
, is the third ship of the U.S. Navy
named for Reuben James
, a boatswain's mate
who distinguished himself fighting the Barbary pirates. Her crew totals 201 enlisted, 18 chief petty officers
and 26 officers
.
of San Pedro, California. Her keel was laid on 19 November 1983, she was launched
on 8 February 1985, she was delivered to the Navy on 3 March 1986 and commissioned
a few days later on 22 March. She was faster than 30 kn (36.5 mph; 58.8 km/h) and powered by two gas turbine engines. Armed with anti-air and anti-ship missiles, an automated three-inch (76 mm) gun, an anti-missile defense system, and two SH-60 Seahawk
anti-submarine helicopters, Reuben James was tasked with hunting submarines as well as battle group
escort and maritime interception. Reuben James joined the Red Stallions of Destroyer Squadron
Thirty-One in June 1987.
Assigned to Mideast Force on her maiden deployment, Reuben James participated in twenty-two Operation Earnest Will
convoy missions, serving as the convoy commander's flagship on ten of those missions.
, U.S.S.R.
In August 1991, Reuben James moved from Long Beach, California
to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On 1 October 1998, she joined the "Ke Koa O Ke Kai", Destroyer Squadron
Thirty-One.
On a WestPac deployment in 1995-1996, the ship's rudder fell off. The ship docked in Bahrain for repairs.
, Thailand
, Indonesia
, Brunei
, Malaysia and Singapore
. The first phase of CARAT began in the Philippines
on June 14 and the final phase, conducted in Singapore
, ended September 22. CARAT 2000 demonstrated U.S. commitment to security and stability in Southeast Asia while increasing the operational readiness and capabilities of U.S. forces. The exercise also promoted interoperability and cooperation with U.S. regional friends and allies by offering a broad spectrum of mutually beneficial training opportunities.
In Malaysia, CARAT 2000 encompassed two weeks of extensive training to promote interoperability between U.S. naval forces and the Royal Malaysian Navy
and Army. The Strait of Malacca
was the setting for several exercises. These included anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare and gunnery exercises. One of the exercises was a final battle problem, or night encounter exercise. The two navies’ task groups steamed together in formation for more than 25 hours. The Malaysian-U.S. naval task group was divided into two opposing forces. The Blue Forces consisted of Reuben James, , , and the Malaysian ships, KD Sri Indera Sakti and KD Lekir. The Blue Forces were supported by U.S. helicopters from Helicopter Squadron Light 37, Detachment Four, from Hawaii
. The Orange Forces consisted of the frigate , the Malaysian ships, KD Perkasa, KD Laksamana Tun Abdul Jamil, and a U.S. Navy P-3C Orion aircraft. , homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and , homeported in San Diego, also joined the task group in individual phases.
For nine months from August 2, 2002 to April 27, 2003, Reuben James deployed to the Persian Gulf
and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three, the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group. After serving approximately six months in theater, Reuben James started to make its way back to Pearl Harbor
. On New Year's Day 2003, while inport Brisbane, Australia
the ship was ordered to turn around to go back to the Persian Gulf
and the deployment was extended indefinitely. Finally, after an extended deployment of almost nine months, the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group was relieved by . This deployment was extremely long, breaking a number of records, including the longest deployment ever for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
In July 2003, Reuben James hosted the Japanese destroyer JDS Shimakaze (DDG 172) for exercises in Pearl Harbor
. On 23 October 2003 the crew of the Reuben James dressed ship and manned the rails to render honors to President George W. Bush
as he toured Pearl Harbor
and visited the USS Arizona Memorial
.
From February to April 2004, she deployed to the Eastern Pacific with a Coast Guard
Law Enforcement Detachment
in support of counter-drug operations.
Between July and December 2004, Reuben James went through an extensive modernization and maintenance program, ensuring that she will always be ready to respond when the mission bell tolls. In October 2004, Reuben James participated in PASSEX exercises with the French frigate FS Prairial (F 371).
As part of Expeditionary Strike Group 3 (ESG 3), Reuben James deployed on 15 February 2006 on a WESTPAC mission to the Persian Gulf
in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The strike group also consisted of Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 3, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
(Special Operations Capable), , the guided-missile cruiser
, the guided-missile destroyer , the amphibious transport dock
, the dock landing ship
, Tactical Air Control Squadron(TACRON) 11, and the "Black Jacks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21.
En route to the Persian Gulf
, Reuben James stopped in New Caledonia
. The strike group relieved on station in early April 2006 and began its mission of conducting maritime security operations. During operations, Reuben James performed services such as providing medical assistance to Sri Lanka
n fishermen and rescuing Kenyan sailors. Expeditionary Strike Group 3 was relieved on 9 July 2006 and Reuben James returned to Pearl Harbor
in August, 2006.
Reuben James participated in a Passing Exercises (PASSEX) with the Philippine Navy frigate BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15)
off the coast of Hawaii on 30 July 2011.
(although her appearance in the film was anachronistic given that she was commissioned about a year after the events in the film), and played a significant role in the book Red Storm Rising
, both by Tom Clancy
. Although Reuben James' was 'portrayed' by another Oliver Hazard Perry frigade - USS [[USS Wadsworth (FFG-9)]] (FFG-9) (now ORP Generał Tadeusz Kościuszko)
Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate
The Oliver Hazard Perry class is a class of frigates named after the American Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of the naval Battle of Lake Erie...
guided missile
Guided Missile
Guided Missile is a London based independent record label set up by Paul Kearney in 1994.Guided Missile has always focused on 'the underground', preferring to put out a steady flow of releases and developing the numerous GM events around London and beyond....
frigate
Frigate
A frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"...
, is the third ship of the U.S. Navy
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 Reuben James
Reuben James
Reuben James was a Boatswain's Mate of the United States Navy, famous for his heroism in the Barbary Wars.-Career:...
, a boatswain's mate
Boatswain's Mate (US Navy)
The United States Navy occupational rating of boatswain's mate is a designation given by the Bureau of Naval Personnel to enlisted members who are rated or "striking" for the rating as a deck seaman. The colloquial form of address for a boatswain's mate is 'Boats'...
who distinguished himself fighting the Barbary pirates. Her crew totals 201 enlisted, 18 chief petty officers
Chief Petty Officer
A chief petty officer is a senior non-commissioned officer in many navies and coast guards.-Canada:"Chief Petty Officer" refers to two ranks in the Canadian Navy...
and 26 officers
Officer (armed forces)
An officer is a member of an armed force or uniformed service who holds a position of authority. Commissioned officers derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position...
.
1980s
The contract to build Reuben James was awarded on 22 March 1982 to Todd ShipyardTodd 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...
of San Pedro, California. Her keel was laid on 19 November 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 8 February 1985, she was delivered to the Navy on 3 March 1986 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...
a few days later on 22 March. She was faster than 30 kn (36.5 mph; 58.8 km/h) and powered by two gas turbine engines. Armed with anti-air and anti-ship missiles, an automated three-inch (76 mm) gun, an anti-missile defense system, and two SH-60 Seahawk
SH-60 Seahawk
The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant airframe modification is a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships.The...
anti-submarine helicopters, Reuben James was tasked with hunting submarines as well as battle group
Carrier battle group
A carrier battle group consists of an aircraft carrier and its escorts, together composing the group. The first naval task forces built around carriers appeared just prior to and during World War II. The Imperial Japanese Navy was the first to assemble a large number of carriers into a single...
escort and maritime interception. Reuben James joined the Red Stallions of Destroyer Squadron
Destroyer squadron
A destroyer squadron is a naval squadron or flotilla usually consisting of destroyers rather than other types of vessel. In some navies other vessels, such as frigates, may be included. In English the word "squadron" tends to be used for larger and "flotilla" for smaller vessels, both may be used...
Thirty-One in June 1987.
Assigned to Mideast Force on her maiden deployment, Reuben James participated in twenty-two Operation Earnest Will
Operation Earnest Will
Operation Earnest Will was the U.S. military protection of Kuwaiti owned tankers from Iranian attacks in 1987 and 1988, three years into the Tanker War phase of the Iran–Iraq War. It was the largest naval convoy operation since World War II.The U.S. Navy warships that escorted the tankers, part of...
convoy missions, serving as the convoy commander's flagship on ten of those missions.
1990s
On 10 September 1990 Reuben James was reported to be in VladivostokVladivostok
The city is located in the southern extremity of Muravyov-Amursky Peninsula, which is about 30 km long and approximately 12 km wide.The highest point is Mount Kholodilnik, the height of which is 257 m...
, U.S.S.R.
In August 1991, Reuben James moved from Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...
to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On 1 October 1998, she joined the "Ke Koa O Ke Kai", Destroyer Squadron
Destroyer squadron
A destroyer squadron is a naval squadron or flotilla usually consisting of destroyers rather than other types of vessel. In some navies other vessels, such as frigates, may be included. In English the word "squadron" tends to be used for larger and "flotilla" for smaller vessels, both may be used...
Thirty-One.
On a WestPac deployment in 1995-1996, the ship's rudder fell off. The ship docked in Bahrain for repairs.
2000s
Reuben James participated in the CARAT 2000 exercises, including phases in the PhilippinesPhilippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
, Brunei
Brunei
Brunei , officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace , is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia...
, Malaysia and Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
. The first phase of CARAT began in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
on June 14 and the final phase, conducted in Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, ended September 22. CARAT 2000 demonstrated U.S. commitment to security and stability in Southeast Asia while increasing the operational readiness and capabilities of U.S. forces. The exercise also promoted interoperability and cooperation with U.S. regional friends and allies by offering a broad spectrum of mutually beneficial training opportunities.
In Malaysia, CARAT 2000 encompassed two weeks of extensive training to promote interoperability between U.S. naval forces and the Royal Malaysian Navy
Royal Malaysian Navy
The Royal Malaysian Navy is the naval arm of Malaysian Armed Forces. All commissioned ships of the RMN have the prefix KD , which means Royal Ship.-Straits Settlement Naval Volunteer Reserve:...
and Army. The Strait of Malacca
Strait of Malacca
The Strait of Malacca is a narrow, stretch of water between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It is named after the Malacca Sultanate that ruled over the archipelago between 1414 to 1511.-Extent:...
was the setting for several exercises. These included anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare and gunnery exercises. One of the exercises was a final battle problem, or night encounter exercise. The two navies’ task groups steamed together in formation for more than 25 hours. The Malaysian-U.S. naval task group was divided into two opposing forces. The Blue Forces consisted of Reuben James, , , and the Malaysian ships, KD Sri Indera Sakti and KD Lekir. The Blue Forces were supported by U.S. helicopters from Helicopter Squadron Light 37, Detachment Four, from Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
. The Orange Forces consisted of the frigate , the Malaysian ships, KD Perkasa, KD Laksamana Tun Abdul Jamil, and a U.S. Navy P-3C Orion aircraft. , homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and , homeported in San Diego, also joined the task group in individual phases.
For nine months from August 2, 2002 to April 27, 2003, Reuben James deployed to the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three, the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group. After serving approximately six months in theater, Reuben James started to make its way back to Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
. On New Year's Day 2003, while inport Brisbane, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
the ship was ordered to turn around to go back to the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
and the deployment was extended indefinitely. Finally, after an extended deployment of almost nine months, the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group was relieved by . This deployment was extremely long, breaking a number of records, including the longest deployment ever for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
In July 2003, Reuben James hosted the Japanese destroyer JDS Shimakaze (DDG 172) for exercises in Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
. On 23 October 2003 the crew of the Reuben James dressed ship and manned the rails to render honors to President George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
as he toured Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
and visited the USS Arizona Memorial
USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors killed on the USS Arizona during the Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 by Japanese imperial forces and commemorates the events of that day...
.
From February to April 2004, she deployed to the Eastern Pacific with a Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
Law Enforcement Detachment
Law Enforcement Detachments
Law Enforcement Detachments or LEDETs are specialized, deployable maritime law enforcement teams of the United States Coast Guard. First established in 1982, their primary mission is to deploy aboard U.S. and allied naval vessels to conduct and support law enforcement, interdiction, or security...
in support of counter-drug operations.
Between July and December 2004, Reuben James went through an extensive modernization and maintenance program, ensuring that she will always be ready to respond when the mission bell tolls. In October 2004, Reuben James participated in PASSEX exercises with the French frigate FS Prairial (F 371).
As part of Expeditionary Strike Group 3 (ESG 3), Reuben James deployed on 15 February 2006 on a WESTPAC mission to the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The strike group also consisted of Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 3, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced...
(Special Operations Capable), , the guided-missile cruiser
Cruiser
A cruiser is a type of warship. The term has been in use for several hundreds of years, and has had different meanings throughout this period...
, the guided-missile destroyer , the amphibious transport dock
Amphibious transport dock
An amphibious transport dock, also called a landing platform/dock , is an amphibious warfare ship, a warship that embarks, transports, and lands elements of a landing force for expeditionary warfare missions. Several navies currently operate this kind of ship...
, the dock landing ship
Dock landing ship
A Dock landing ship or Landing ship is a form of amphibious warship designed to support amphibious operations. These amphibious assault ships transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles with their crews and embarked personnel...
, Tactical Air Control Squadron(TACRON) 11, and the "Black Jacks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21.
En route to the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
, Reuben James stopped in New Caledonia
New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and about from Metropolitan France. The archipelago, part of the Melanesia subregion, includes the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, the Belep archipelago, the Isle of...
. The strike group relieved on station in early April 2006 and began its mission of conducting maritime security operations. During operations, Reuben James performed services such as providing medical assistance to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
n fishermen and rescuing Kenyan sailors. Expeditionary Strike Group 3 was relieved on 9 July 2006 and Reuben James returned to Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
in August, 2006.
Reuben James participated in a Passing Exercises (PASSEX) with the Philippine Navy frigate BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15)
BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15)
The BRP Gregorio del Pilar is a patrol frigate of the Philippine Navy. Originally, it was built as a US Coast Guard Hamilton class cutter, known as USCGC Hamilton and was transferred to the Philippine Navy on May 13, 2011. In late July 2011, she passed by Hawaii for a brief port visit and during...
off the coast of Hawaii on 30 July 2011.
Cultural references
Reuben James appeared in the 1990 movie, The Hunt for Red OctoberThe Hunt for Red October
The Hunt for Red October is a 1984 novel by Tom Clancy. The story follows the intertwined adventures of Soviet submarine captain Marko Aleksandrovich Ramius and CIA analyst Jack Ryan.The novel was originally published by the U.S...
(although her appearance in the film was anachronistic given that she was commissioned about a year after the events in the film), and played a significant role in the book Red Storm Rising
Red Storm Rising
Red Storm Rising is a 1986 techno-thriller novel by Tom Clancy and Larry Bond about a Third World War in Europe between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces, set around the mid-1980s...
, both by Tom Clancy
Tom Clancy
Thomas Leo "Tom" Clancy, Jr. is an American author, best known for his technically detailed espionage, military science, and techno thriller storylines set during and in the aftermath of the Cold War, along with video games on which he did not work, but which bear his name for licensing and...
. Although Reuben James' was 'portrayed' by another Oliver Hazard Perry frigade - USS [[USS Wadsworth (FFG-9)]] (FFG-9) (now ORP Generał Tadeusz Kościuszko)
See also
- List of frigates of the United States Navy
- Abraham Lincoln Battle GroupAbraham Lincoln Battle GroupCarrier Strike Group Nine, abbreviated CSG-9 or CARSTRKGRU 9, is one of six U.S. Navy carrier strike groups currently assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. U.S...
- Current United States Navy shipsCurrent United States Navy shipsThis is a list of current ships of the United States Navy. There are more than 400 ships believed to be in active service with the United States Navy, on reserve, or under construction, based on public reports compiled in this list. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet...