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USS Briscoe (DD 977)

USS BRISCOE was the fifteenth of the 31 SPRUANCE-class destroyers and the first ship in the Navy named after Admiral Robert Pearce Briscoe. Last homeported in Norfolk, Va., the BRISCOE was stricken from the Navy list on April 6, 2004, and was sunk as a target off the coast of Cherry Point on August 25, 2005.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS BRISCOE. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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USS BRISCOE Cruise Books:

• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1981-82
• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1987-88
• Mediterranean / Red Sea Cruise Book 1992-93
• Mediterranean / Black Sea Cruise Book 1996
• Mediterranean Cruise Book 2000

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About the Ship's Name:

A native of Centerville, Mississippi, Admiral Robert Pearce Briscoe was graduated from the Naval Academy in June 1918. During World War I, he served in the battleship ALABAMA of the Atlantic Fleet and in the destroyer ROE, operating from Brest, France. At the end of hostilities, he made the first postwar Midshipmen cruise in the USS KEARSARGE and in 1919 returned to destroyer duty as Engineer Officer of the USS HUMPHREYS, stationed in Near East waters at Constantinople. During the Turko-Greek fighting in 1920-1921, he commanded a Naval landing force at Derindge, Turkey.

After further destroyer duty in the USS FLUSSER and USS HENDERSON, and recruiting duty at Little Rock, Arkansas, he served as Senior Assistant Engineer of the battleship WEST VIRGINIA (1926-1929), then returned to the Naval Academy as an instructor in Mechanical Engineering. In 1931-1933 he was on China Station, assigned first as Executive Officer of the USS EDSALL, on Yangtze Patrol during the Japanese occupation of Woosung and Manchuria, and later as Communication Officer of the USS HOUSTON, flagship of the Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet. He again returned to the Naval Academy in June 1934, and for three years served as Head of the Department of Chemistry.

Sea duty as Navigator of the battleship MISSISSIPPI preceded a tour during the prewar period as Assistant Director of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and Navy Department Liaison Officer with the National Defense Research Committee. He has been identified as one of the pioneers of modern electronics development in the Navy. In May 1942 he assumed command of the USS PROMETHEUS, a recommissioned World War I repair ship. Under his command she joined the THIRD Fleet at Noumea, Caledonia, where he was detached to command Destroyer Squadron 5 and operated as escort commander for Task Forces 67, 68 and 70. In the intervening periods when the battleships and cruisers were not at sea, Admiral Briscoe operated Commander Task Group 675 (Cactus Striking Force) in Guadalcanal waters. He was transferred to command of the USS DENVER in July 1943, and returned that cruiser to the United States after she suffered severe battle damage off Rabaul in November 1943.

In February 1944, he joined the Staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet, in Washington, as Head of New Developments, and with his promotion to flag rank in April 1945, assumed command of Amphibious Group 14. V-J Day found him in Manila, working on plans for the invasion of the Japanese homeland. In September 1945, he took command of the Operational Development Force, Atlantic Fleet with headquarters at Norfolk, Virginia. After two years there, and a tour of duty as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Readiness), he became Commander Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet, on November 1, 1950.

Ordered in January 1952 to command the SEVENTH Fleet in Korean waters, he retained this command until designated Commander Naval Forces, Far East, in June of that year. Two years later, he reported as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, for Fleet Operations and Readiness, and on July 2, 1956, became Commander in Chief, Allied Forces, Southern Europe. "For exceptional meritorious service ... (in that capacity) from July 2, 1956 to December 31, 1958. .. " he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. On January 1, 1959 he was transferred to the Retired List of the U.S. Navy. He died on October 14, 1968 in Liberty, Mississippi.

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History of USS BRISCOE:

USS BRISCOE, the fifteenth SPRUANCE-class destroyer, was laid down on July 21, 1975, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was launched on December 28, 1976, and christened on January 8, 1977, by Mrs. Katherine Lewis Briscoe, widow of Admiral Robert P. Briscoe, for whom the ship was named. BRISCOE was commissioned on June 3, 1978, with Commander Frank H. Thomas Jr. as her first commanding officer. Assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, she was homeported at Norfolk, Virginia, throughout her operational career.

On June 5, 1978, BRISCOE departed Pascagoula for Norfolk, arriving at her new homeport on June 8. Shortly afterward, she embarked Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps midshipmen for a summer training cruise that continued until July 11. Following their disembarkation, the destroyer underwent alignment of her main battery and conducted a series of trials, exercises and weapons tests as part of her initial shakedown program. On November 7, she entered Ingalls Shipbuilding at Pascagoula for her post-shakedown availability, which continued until December 8. BRISCOE departed the shipyard on December 9 and returned to Norfolk on December 13.

On January 9, 1979, BRISCOE entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a six-month Restricted Availability involving repairs and modifications to her machinery, equipment and combat systems. She completed the availability on July 10 and resumed operations from Norfolk. During August, she embarked U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen for their summer training cruise. From early October through late November, BRISCOE conducted refresher training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, including shiphandling, engineering, damage-control and combat-system exercises. She returned to Norfolk for the remainder of the year.

After conducting local operations and training exercises during the opening months of 1980, BRISCOE departed Norfolk on April 16 for her first overseas deployment. She arrived at Rota, Spain, on April 26 and entered the Mediterranean Sea on April 29 to join the U.S. Sixth Fleet. During the following months, she participated in fleet exercises, antisubmarine warfare training and routine operations with other American and NATO warships. On July 10, BRISCOE transited the Suez Canal and joined the Middle East Force, operating in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf during a period of considerable regional tension following the Iranian Revolution and the seizure of the American Embassy in Tehran. Her Middle East operations included maritime surveillance, presence missions and exercises designed to maintain the readiness of U.S. naval forces in the region. At the end of August, BRISCOE returned through the Suez Canal and resumed Sixth Fleet operations in the Mediterranean. She departed Rota on October 6 and arrived back at Norfolk on October 17, completing her first deployment.

During 1980, BRISCOE received the Atlantic Fleet Battle Efficiency Award and the Battenberg Cup, the latter recognizing her as the outstanding ship of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. These awards followed her first overseas deployment and the successful completion of her initial operational training program.

Throughout much of 1981, BRISCOE conducted training operations along the U.S. East Coast, ranging from New England to the Caribbean. During this period, she also participated in the developmental testing of the Semi-Active Laser Guided Projectile (SALGP), an experimental precision-guided naval gunfire projectile. On June 2, 1981, the destroyer completed a technical evaluation series at the Vieques naval gunfire support range off Puerto Rico. Twenty laser-guided projectiles were fired from her 5-inch guns against a variety of shore targets under differing weather and visibility conditions. The tests employed laser target designation by Marine Corps ground equipment and OV-10 aircraft, demonstrating the potential of precision-guided naval gunfire against armored vehicles, artillery positions and other land targets.

On November 30, 1981, BRISCOE departed Norfolk for her second overseas deployment, again operating with the Sixth Fleet and Middle East Force. She reached Rota on December 10 and entered the Mediterranean the following day. During the first week of January 1982, she transited the Suez Canal and proceeded to the Persian Gulf, where she assumed radar-picket duties on January 12. Her assigned surveillance station covered an area approximately 15 miles wide and 60 miles long. BRISCOE alternated these patrols with short visits to the anchorage at Sitra, Bahrain, for replenishment and maintenance. The deployment also included general quarters drills, weapons exercises and training with other units assigned to the Middle East Force.

On March 12, 1982, BRISCOE was relieved on station by USS JOHN HANCOCK (DD 981). She departed the Persian Gulf and passed northward through the Suez Canal on March 22, rejoining the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. After arriving at Rota on March 27, she began her Atlantic crossing on March 29 in company with six other ships of Cruiser-Destroyer Group 12. BRISCOE returned to Norfolk on April 8. Following post-deployment leave and upkeep, she resumed operations on May 10, conducting exercises off Florida and in the Caribbean. On October 1, the destroyer departed Norfolk for Pascagoula, arriving at Ingalls Shipbuilding on October 6 to begin a regular overhaul.

Following her overhaul, BRISCOE resumed Atlantic Fleet operations in 1983. In October, she became involved in the U.S. military intervention in Grenada, Operation Urgent Fury, which began on October 25 following political violence on the island. The operation involved American naval, Marine Corps, Army and Air Force units conducting amphibious and airborne operations, securing key facilities and evacuating foreign nationals. BRISCOE participated in naval operations supporting the intervention and received Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal credit for the period November 3-13, 1983.

In 1984, BRISCOE deployed to the Mediterranean as a member of the USS SARATOGA (CV 60) Battle Group. The carrier's deployment extended from April 2 to October 20, 1984, and included the guided missile cruiser USS DALE (CG 19), the destroyer USS PETERSON (DD 969), and the guided missile frigate USS SAMUEL ELIOT MORISON (FFG 13). BRISCOE operated as part of the carrier's surface screen, conducting antisubmarine warfare, surface surveillance, air-defense exercises and underway replenishments while supporting Sixth Fleet operations in the Mediterranean.

During this deployment, BRISCOE also participated in operations off Lebanon in support of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force. American naval forces remained offshore following the withdrawal of U.S. Marines from Beirut in February 1984, maintaining a presence during the continuing Lebanese Civil War. BRISCOE received Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal credit for operations connected with Lebanon from April 18 to May 2 and again from July 6 to August 1, 1984. The deployment involved regular coordination with other Sixth Fleet units as the United States continued to monitor the security situation in the eastern Mediterranean. The SARATOGA Battle Group completed its deployment on October 20, 1984.

During 1985, BRISCOE continued Atlantic Fleet training and operational preparations. In the first half of 1986, she served as the United States Navy's destroyer representative in NATO's Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT), the multinational naval formation maintained for operations and exercises in the North Atlantic and adjacent European waters. Her assignment included combined training with NATO warships, emphasizing communications, antisubmarine warfare, surface operations and tactical interoperability. This NATO assignment formed a separate operational commitment from the 1985-1986 Mediterranean deployment of USS SARATOGA.

During 1987 and early 1988, BRISCOE conducted another Mediterranean deployment with the Sixth Fleet. The cruise included extended periods at sea, exercises with allied naval forces and visits to Mediterranean ports for replenishment, maintenance and crew liberty. The destroyer continued her normal responsibilities as a multipurpose surface combatant, including antisubmarine screening, surface surveillance and training with other units of the fleet. Following her return to Norfolk in 1988, she resumed Atlantic Fleet operations, inspections and preparations for subsequent overseas assignments.

In 1989, BRISCOE participated in UNITAS XXX, the annual series of multinational naval exercises conducted by the United States and South American navies. The deployment involved operations in the Caribbean, the Pacific Ocean and the South Atlantic, with successive exercise phases organized in cooperation with participating countries. The American force included USS RICHARD E. BYRD (DDG 23), USS JESSE L. BROWN (FF 1089), USS MANITOWOC (LST 1180), and the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS TINOSA (SSN 606). BRISCOE conducted combined exercises with South American naval forces, including antisubmarine warfare, surface tactics, communications and maneuvering drills.

During UNITAS XXX, BRISCOE visited Puerto Belgrano, Argentina, where American and Argentine naval personnel participated in joint training and professional exchanges. The deployment also included operations with Brazilian and other South American warships. On November 13, 1989, BRISCOE was photographed at Naval Station Rodman, Panama, moored with USS RICHARD E. BYRD, USS JESSE L. BROWN, USS MANITOWOC, and the Colombian frigates ARC INDEPENDIENTE and ARC ANTIOQUIA.

In 1990, BRISCOE returned to Northern European waters to participate in Baltic Operations 1990 (BALTOPS '90), NATO's annual multinational naval exercise in the Baltic Sea. The American force included USS HARRY E. YARNELL (CG 17), USS KAUFFMAN (FFG 59), USS MONONGAHELA (AO 178), and USS PHARRIS (FF 1094). The exercise involved NATO warships and aircraft from several countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands and West Germany. Training included shallow-water antisubmarine warfare, mine countermeasures, coastal defense, surface warfare and combined tactical maneuvering.

During June 1990, BRISCOE visited Kiel, West Germany, in conjunction with Kiel Week, the annual maritime festival held on the Baltic coast. The port visit formed part of the Northern European activities associated with BALTOPS '90. The official command history of USS HARRY E. YARNELL specifically records the participation of BRISCOE in the Kiel visit and notes favorable recognition from the U.S. Defense Attache Office in Bonn for the organization and coordination of the American naval presence. The deployment took place during a period of rapid political change in Europe, only months before German reunification on October 3, 1990.

Following the 1990-1991 Gulf War, BRISCOE became involved in the maritime interception operations conducted to enforce United Nations sanctions against Iraq. During her 1992-1993 Mediterranean and Red Sea deployment, the destroyer operated with the Maritime Interception Force in the northern Red Sea. Her primary responsibilities included identifying, challenging, stopping and boarding merchant vessels suspected of violating the embargo imposed after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990.

These operations required repeated merchant-vessel inspections, small-boat operations, communications with commercial shipping and coordination with other coalition naval forces. During the deployment, BRISCOE conducted 275 merchant-vessel boardings, establishing a U.S. Navy record for the number of boardings carried out by a single ship during a North Red Sea deployment. Her involvement in the sanctions-enforcement operations also earned Southwest Asia Service Medal credit for the period August 7 to October 26, 1992. The deployment continued into early 1993, with the destroyer alternating interception duties with replenishment, maintenance and other Sixth Fleet operations.

In the spring of 1994, BRISCOE returned to the Middle East for a second deployment involving maritime interception operations in the northern Red Sea. As part of the multinational effort to enforce the continuing sanctions against Iraq, she conducted surveillance and boarding operations along the principal shipping routes connecting the Mediterranean, Red Sea and Indian Ocean. During this deployment, the destroyer became involved in one of the most significant humanitarian operations of her career.

On May 19, 1994, the Egyptian passenger ferry AL-QAMAR AL-SAUDI AL-MISRI caught fire in the Gulf of Suez near Gebel Zeit while carrying hundreds of passengers and crew. BRISCOE, commanded by Commander Andrew J. Pitts, received distress calls while operating approximately 25 nautical miles from the ferry and proceeded toward the scene at high speed. The ship launched her helicopter to assess the situation and locate survivors while her crew prepared rescue boats and medical facilities. As BRISCOE approached the burning ferry, lookouts equipped with night-vision equipment assisted the ship in maneuvering among lifeboats and life rafts scattered across the water.

BRISCOE assumed the duties of On-Scene Commander and coordinated the rescue operation involving American naval units, Egyptian Navy vessels and nearby commercial and oil-industry craft. Her small boats operated close to the burning ferry, recovering passengers from the water and transferring them to safety despite continuing fires and explosions aboard the vessel. The destroyer also provided medical assistance and served as a coordination and treatment platform for personnel involved in the rescue. The operation continued through the night and into May 20. Contemporary reports indicated that approximately 30 people died and 50 were injured in the disaster, while hundreds of passengers and crew survived.

On November 22, 1994, fifteen members of BRISCOE's crew were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for their actions during the rescue. The ship also received the Humanitarian Service Medal for the period May 18-20, 1994. Her service during the wider deployment was recognized by a Meritorious Unit Commendation covering March 31 to September 22, 1994.

After further Atlantic Fleet training and maintenance during 1995, BRISCOE deployed again in 1996 for approximately six months of operations in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. The destroyer embarked Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 44, Detachment 5, for aviation and antisubmarine warfare support. During the deployment, she participated in Exercise Atlas Hinge with the Tunisian Navy and the antisubmarine warfare exercises Shark Hunt and Jaws, which involved operations against American submarines in the central and eastern Mediterranean. These exercises tested shipboard sensors, helicopter coordination, acoustic detection procedures and tactical communications.

From August 31 to September 9, 1996, BRISCOE participated in Exercise CLASSICA '96 in the Black Sea, conducted in cooperation with NATO members and Partnership for Peace countries. The exercise brought together naval forces from the United States, Italy, Greece, Romania and Ukraine and included maritime security, humanitarian assistance, communications and peace-support training. BRISCOE visited Constanta, Romania, during the exercise, which included an initial harbor phase from August 31 to September 2, followed by at-sea operations beginning September 3. At the time, BRISCOE was commanded by Commander Michael L. Seifert and embarked Captain Paul D. Danks, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 20, and his staff.

During the Constanta visit, American personnel participated in professional exchanges with members of the Romanian Navy. The scheduled program also included sports activities and a community relations project involving a local orphanage caring for children with HIV. CLASSICA '96 formed part of the expanding program of naval cooperation between NATO countries and Black Sea nations following the end of the Cold War. BRISCOE subsequently continued Sixth Fleet operations before returning to the United States.

During 1997 and 1998, BRISCOE continued operational assignments and training in support of U.S. naval commitments overseas. Her service during the period October 1, 1997, to April 30, 1998, was recognized with a Navy Unit Commendation. In 1998, the destroyer operated in waters connected with ongoing American military commitments in the Middle East, including operations in the Red Sea.

On August 20, 1998, BRISCOE participated in Operation Infinite Reach, the American cruise-missile strikes launched in response to the terrorist bombings of the U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on August 7. Operating in the Red Sea alongside USS HAYLER (DD 997), BRISCOE launched Tomahawk land-attack missiles against the Al-Shifa industrial facility near Khartoum, Sudan. The two destroyers fired a combined total of six Tomahawk missiles at the Sudanese target. The operation was conducted simultaneously with missile strikes against suspected al-Qaeda training facilities in Afghanistan launched by other U.S. Navy warships. The American government alleged that the Al-Shifa facility was associated with chemical-weapons production, a claim disputed by Sudan and subsequently questioned by outside observers.

In May 1999, BRISCOE participated in Fleet Week in New York City, joining other naval vessels for public visits and activities associated with the annual event. Two months later, she was assigned a highly unusual ceremonial duty following the deaths of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and her sister Lauren Bessette in an aircraft accident near Martha's Vineyard on July 16. On July 22, 1999, a private burial-at-sea ceremony was conducted aboard BRISCOE off the Massachusetts coast. The cremated remains of all three victims were committed to the Atlantic Ocean in the presence of family members. The ceremony took place under restricted media access and received international attention.

On June 21, 2000, BRISCOE departed Norfolk for a scheduled six-month deployment with the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) Battle Group. The deployment followed several months of preparations, including increasingly complex training exercises designed to integrate the carrier, its embarked air wing and escorting surface combatants. BRISCOE operated in the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf, supporting maritime surveillance, carrier protection and operations associated with the enforcement of United Nations restrictions against Iraq. On July 8, the destroyer was photographed during a port visit to Barcelona, Spain.

During the 2000 deployment, BRISCOE participated in Exercise Veritas VI in the western Mediterranean. While operating in the exercise area, her crew rescued twelve Moroccan nationals from a disabled small vessel that had reportedly been adrift for three days. The vessel's engine was inoperative, and its occupants had exhausted their food and drinking water. BRISCOE provided assistance to the survivors before resuming her assigned operations. The destroyer returned to Norfolk in December 2000.

During 2001, BRISCOE conducted training and operational preparations along the U.S. East Coast. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, the destroyer was assigned to Operation Noble Eagle, the military effort to protect the United States against further attacks. Her duties included maritime surveillance and support for the defense of American coastal airspace. These assignments interrupted the normal deployment preparation schedule as Atlantic Fleet warships were required to maintain increased readiness and support homeland-defense operations.

In February 2002, BRISCOE departed the United States for Northern European operations and participation in Exercise Strong Resolve 2002. On February 11, she conducted divisional tactical exercises with USS HAWES (FFG 53), USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75), USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC 20), and USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79), with USNS PATUXENT (T-AO 201) providing replenishment support. Later that month, BRISCOE visited Kiel, Germany, before proceeding to participate in the multinational exercise.

Exercise Strong Resolve 2002 began on March 1 and involved more than 26,000 personnel from NATO and Partnership for Peace countries. Conducted in Norway, Poland and the Baltic region, the exercise simulated two separate crises requiring both collective defense and crisis-response operations. BRISCOE participated in the maritime portion of the exercise, working with allied naval forces on coordinated operations, communications, surveillance and tactical maneuvering. After completion of the exercise and associated Northern European operations, the destroyer returned to Atlantic Fleet duties.

During the remainder of 2002, BRISCOE prepared for another overseas deployment as part of the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) Battle Group. Preparations included operational inspections and integrated exercises intended to certify the battle group's ability to conduct sustained combat operations. On December 5, 2002, BRISCOE departed the U.S. East Coast with the battle group for operations in the Mediterranean and Arabian Sea as tensions surrounding Iraq continued to increase.

During the opening months of 2003, BRISCOE operated with American naval forces deployed in support of preparations for possible military action against Iraq. When Operation Iraqi Freedom began on March 20, 2003, the destroyer participated in the opening phase of the coalition campaign, launching Tomahawk land-attack missiles against targets in Iraq. Over the course of the operation, BRISCOE fired a total of 25 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Her participation in the initial strikes formed part of the wider naval campaign in which American and British warships launched precision-guided weapons against Iraqi military and command facilities.

BRISCOE returned to Norfolk in May 2003 following her final overseas deployment with the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN Battle Group. With the Navy proceeding to retire older SPRUANCE-class destroyers, preparations began for her decommissioning. On October 2, 2003, BRISCOE was decommissioned during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Captain Thomas Abernethy, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22, served as the guest speaker, while Commander Scott M. Sundt was the ship's final commanding officer.

After decommissioning, BRISCOE was retained in inactive status until she was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on April 6, 2004. On August 25, 2005, the former destroyer was sunk as a target during a fleet training exercise in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina, ending her service more than 27 years after commissioning.

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

As unique and colorful as its namesake, the ship's coat of arms is a proud reflection of the distinguished naval career of Admiral Robert P. Briscoe.

Standing boldly at the base of the shield is the Lion of St. Mark, which refers to the Admiral's leadership as Commander in Chief of Allied Southern Forces Europe. The fess and wavy bar, immediately above the Lion of St. Mark, suggest flowing water passing warships and small land areas. This is reminiscent of the Northern Solomon Islands where Admiral Briscoe commanded the USS DENVER in World War II. It was during this thirty six hour battle with enemy naval forces that the Admiral's skill and courage as a ship's Captain were most apparent. He fought his ship brilliantly, assisting in the sinking of five enemy warships, damaging four others and routing the enemy's surface forces. DENVER's guns had barely fired their last salvo when she was attacked by sixty-seven dive bombers. Under the Admiral's firm command, the ship reacted cooly and efficiently, downing seventeen enemy planes and thwarting the raid. In addition, his skill as a Destroyer Task Force and Cruiser Commander during the war prevented enemy reinforcements and supplies from reaching their destination.

The shield is completed by four stars, symbolic of Admiral Briscoe's leadership achievement and rank.

Atop the shield is a crest symbolic of further achievement in a long and successful career. The trident, symbol of Triton, ruler of the seas, refers to the U.S. Naval Academy where the Admiral served as a student, instructor and Department Head. The flash represents Prometheus' gift of science to mankind and alludes to Admiral Briscoe as one of the pioneers of modern electronics development in the Navy. The cross refers to the Navy Cross Admiral Briscoe received for his actions in the North Solomon Campaign. The crest is completed by the Taeguk which denotes the Admiral's Far East Naval Command.

The entire coat of arms is aptly summed up by the ship's motto EFFICIENCY AND VALOR, given to the ship by former Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Robert Carney, as a tribute to his close friend.

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USS BRISCOE Image Gallery:

The photos below were taken by Fabio Peņa and show USS BRISCOE visiting Barcelona, Spain, on July 8, 2000.

The photo below was taken by Carl Groll and shows the BRISCOE departing the port of Kiel, Germany, to participate in exercise Strong Resolve. The photo was taken in February 2002.

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