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USS Francis Hammond (FF 1067)

USS FRANCIS HAMMOND was the 16^th KNOX - class frigate. Decommissioned on July 2, 1992, and stricken from the Navy list on January 11, 1995, the FRANCIS HAMMOND was later sold for scrapping. Scrapping was completed on March 31, 2003.

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Crew List:

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

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• Click here to see which USS FRANCIS HAMMOND memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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USS FRANCIS HAMMOND Cruise Books:

• WestPac Cruise Book 1973
• Cruise Book 1985-87

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About the Ship's Name:

Francis Colton Hammond was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on November 9, 1931. After graduating from George Washington High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 20, 1951, during the Korean War. He trained as a hospital corpsman at Great Lakes, Illinois, and later served at the Naval Hospital at Mare Island, California. Promoted to Hospitalman Third Class in March 1952, he married his high-school sweetheart, Phyllis Ann Jenkins, three months later.

Hammond was subsequently assigned as a corpsman to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in Korea. During a counterattack near Outpost Reno on the night of March 26-27, 1953, his unit came under intense artillery, mortar and infantry attack. Although seriously wounded, Hammond continued treating injured Marines for several hours, helped organize their evacuation and remained behind to assist the relieving medical personnel. He was then mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire and died on March 27, 1953, at the age of 21.

Hammond was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented to his infant son on December 29, 1953. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Accidents aboard USS FRANCIS HAMMOND:

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USS FRANCIS HAMMOND History:

USS FRANCIS HAMMOND was ordered on July 22, 1964, as the sixteenth ship of the KNOX-class, a large group of destroyer escorts developed primarily for open-ocean antisubmarine warfare. The class was intended to protect aircraft carriers, amphibious forces, replenishment groups, and merchant convoys against the expanding Soviet submarine fleet. Her keel was laid down at the Los Angeles Division of Todd Shipyards in San Pedro, California, on July 15, 1967. She was launched on May 11, 1968, sponsored by Mrs. Phyllis Hammond Smith, the widow of Hospital Corpsman Francis Colton Hammond, and commissioned at Long Beach, California, on July 25, 1970, with Commander John E. Elmore in command.

FRANCIS HAMMOND was assigned to Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 7 and Destroyer Squadron 29, with Long Beach as her home port. During her first month in commission, she remained in the Long Beach area for fitting out, stores loading, equipment installation, and initial crew training. She conducted early engineering trials on August 26 and September 3, 1970. On September 15, she visited the Naval Weapons Station at Seal Beach to load ammunition, and from September 16 through September 18 she was at San Diego for her first deperming treatment, during which the ship's magnetic signature was reduced to lessen her vulnerability to magnetic mines.

From September 25 through October 4, 1970, FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted independent exercises in the southern California operating area. These included structural test firings of her 5-inch gun and basic training in navigation, communications, engineering, damage control, and antisubmarine warfare. During early October, she carried out her first underway replenishment with the fleet oiler USS TOLOVANA (AO 64) and conducted gunnery exercises using the fleet tug USS KALMIA (ATA 184) in support of the firing program.

The destroyer escort departed southern California on October 24, 1970, for trials and training in northern waters. She reached Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay on October 25 and remained there through October 30. Her crew attended firefighting and damage-control instruction while the ship also provided her first extended liberty period away from her home port. She continued north and arrived at Seattle on November 1. FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted acoustic trials in Puget Sound and near Bremerton from November 2 through November 4, 1970. She moored at the Naval Supply Depot from November 5 through November 8 and then carried out weapons-accuracy work in Hood Canal and Dabob Bay. The operating areas provided sheltered deep water suitable for sonar calibration, torpedo firing, and acoustic evaluation.

From November 14 through November 16, 1970, FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Vancouver, British Columbia, her first foreign liberty port. She subsequently proceeded to the Canadian naval range at Nanoose, where she conducted additional antisubmarine weapons trials on November 17 and 18. The firing program included four tube-launched torpedoes and two torpedoes delivered by ASROC. She returned to Long Beach on November 21 and remained there through the end of the month.

Final contract trials were conducted on December 1 and 2, 1970. FRANCIS HAMMOND then entered a lengthy post-shakedown availability beginning on December 8. The work included the correction of construction deficiencies and substantial additions to the ship's combat systems. She became the first KNOX-class ship to receive both the Basic Point Defense Missile System, which used Sea Sparrow missiles, and the AN/SQS-35 independent variable-depth sonar. Sea Sparrow gave the ship limited short-range protection against aircraft and incoming missiles, while the variable-depth sonar could be lowered beneath temperature layers that sometimes interfered with the effectiveness of hull-mounted sonar.

FRANCIS HAMMOND entered dry dock on January 11, 1971. Her propeller was replaced because it had been damaged after striking a submerged log in the Strait of Juan de Fuca during the previous November. The shipyard also preserved portions of the hull and tanks and applied an experimental plastic coating to the sonar dome. Secretary of the Navy John H. Chafee made an informal visit to the ship on January 13. FRANCIS HAMMOND left dry dock on February 3, but installation, testing, and repair work continued for several more months. The post-shakedown availability formally ended on May 28, 1971.

Sea Sparrow qualification work began on June 7, 1971. After three days of trials, a fire-related engineering casualty forced the ship to return to port. She entered dry dock again on June 15 for repairs, delaying her planned shakedown schedule. Following restoration of the affected systems, FRANCIS HAMMOND resumed sea trials and training during July.

The ship was reassigned to Destroyer Squadron 9 and Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 3. She completed her extended shakedown period on August 13, 1971, after conducting her first convergence-zone sonar exercise. Such operations used long-range acoustic propagation to detect submarines at distances well beyond the immediate area surrounding the ship. Scheduling difficulties and a gun casualty prevented FRANCIS HAMMOND from completing all planned naval gunfire-support qualifications during the shakedown, requiring additional training later.

From August 23 through August 27, 1971, FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in a Chief of Naval Operations project evaluating point-defense capabilities. Further antisubmarine training followed with the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS PLUNGER (SSN 595) from September 20 through September 22. She then took part in the antisubmarine exercise Uptide 3A from September 29 through October 7. A port visit to San Francisco followed from October 16 through October 20.

During the final months of 1971, FRANCIS HAMMOND completed inspections, equipment trials, local exercises, and preparations for her first western Pacific deployment. She participated in Composite Training Unit Exercise 14-71 from November 29 through December 2. Preparations for overseas movement began immediately afterward, although the ship remained in southern California through the Christmas and New Year period.

FRANCIS HAMMOND departed Long Beach on January 7, 1972, in company with USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 32) and the destroyer USS HIGBEE (DD 806). The three ships joined the aircraft carrier USS HANCOCK (CVA 19) on January 8 and continued toward Hawaii. FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted naval gunfire-support qualification near Kahoolawe on January 13 and then carried out additional Sea Sparrow and sonar tests in Hawaiian waters, including work associated with the Pacific Missile Range near Barking Sands. The ships continued westward, and FRANCIS HAMMOND arrived at Subic Bay in the Philippines on February 2, 1972. After initial upkeep and brief independent steaming exercises from February 10 through February 12, she visited Manila on February 14 and 15 for ceremonies and official calls.

From February 16 through February 26, 1972, FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization exercise Sea Hawk, also designated PX-44. The multinational exercise involved forces from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and the Philippines. It tested combined communications, antisubmarine procedures, surface tactics, air defense, and the protection of maritime routes. The exercise took place during the final years of SEATO's active military role, as political divisions among its members and changes in regional alliances reduced the organization's effectiveness.

After upkeep at Manila on February 27 and 28, 1972, FRANCIS HAMMOND entered the Gulf of Tonkin and began plane-guard duty with the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43). From March 2 through March 13, she followed the carrier during flight operations and remained prepared to recover aircrew members whose aircraft might crash during launch, approach, or landing. Following a brief period at Subic Bay and a change of command, FRANCIS HAMMOND returned to CORAL SEA and resumed plane-guard duty from March 23 through April 1. The operational situation in Vietnam changed sharply on March 30, 1972, when North Vietnamese forces began the Easter Offensive. Large conventional formations crossed the demilitarized zone and attacked in several parts of South Vietnam. The United States responded by expanding carrier air operations and naval gunfire support.

FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted an antisubmarine exercise on April 2 and 3, 1972, with the guided-missile cruiser USS CHICAGO (CG 11), USS WHIPPLE (DE 1062), and the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS SCULPIN (SSN 590). She then resumed plane-guard service until April 7. On April 8, she was detached for naval gunfire-support duty off Quang Tri Province, where South Vietnamese forces were under heavy pressure from the North Vietnamese advance. From April 8 through April 20, 1972, FRANCIS HAMMOND fired more than 2,000 rounds from her 5-inch gun against troop concentrations, artillery positions, supply routes, and other targets designated by observers ashore. Mechanical difficulties periodically affected the gun, but repairs allowed the ship to continue her assigned missions. On April 17, she rescued five South Vietnamese personnel from a sinking sampan and transferred them to USS ROARK (DE 1053). FRANCIS HAMMOND left the gunline on April 20 and returned to plane-guard duty with CORAL SEA on April 21. The ship continued supporting carrier operations during the intensified air campaign against North Vietnam.

During the night of May 8-9, 1972, a Navy helicopter crashed while attempting to land on the guided-missile cruiser USS PROVIDENCE (CLG 6). The aircraft carried Rear Admiral Rembrandt C. Robinson, Captain Edmund B. Taylor Jr., Commander John M. Leaver Jr. of the guided-missile escort USS RAMSEY (DEG 2), Commander Martin L. McCullough, and members of the flight crew. FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in the search-and-rescue effort. Robinson was recovered but had died. Taylor and Leaver were not found and were also lost. McCullough and the helicopter crew survived. FRANCIS HAMMOND did not recover any of the occupants but found Taylor's briefcase, which contained sensitive operational documents.

FRANCIS HAMMOND arrived at Subic Bay on May 10, 1972, for what had been intended as a short upkeep period. Casualties involving her forced-draft blowers and delays in obtaining technical assistance extended the stay until June 7. She returned to sea on June 8 and operated on the northern search-and-rescue station, known as Talos Station. She escorted USS STERETT (DLG 31) from June 10 through June 11 and CHICAGO from June 12 through June 18.

On June 13, 1972, FRANCIS HAMMOND temporarily shadowed two Chinese merchant ships as they approached and entered Vinh harbor, which had been mined by American aircraft during the campaign to restrict North Vietnamese maritime supply routes. She subsequently returned to naval gunfire-support duty near the Cua Viet River. From approximately June 19 through July 10, 1972, FRANCIS HAMMOND supported South Vietnamese operations associated with Lam Son 72 and fired against targets near positions designated Allison, Betsy, and Claudia. On June 21, North Vietnamese shore batteries engaged the ship. Bullets and fragments struck the hull, causing limited damage but no interruption of the assigned firing mission. During this second gunline period, FRANCIS HAMMOND fired nearly 2,500 additional rounds.

FRANCIS HAMMOND left the combat zone on July 10, 1972, intending to visit Hong Kong. Typhoon Susan forced her to divert to Subic Bay, where she remained from July 13 through July 17. She then began the return voyage across the Pacific, reached Pearl Harbor on July 29, and arrived at Long Beach on August 5. A major turnover of personnel followed the deployment, with approximately half of the crew replaced. On September 5, 1972, FRANCIS HAMMOND entered a restricted availability at the Al Larson Boat Shop in San Pedro. During the approximately three-month period, her propulsion plant was converted from Navy Standard Fuel Oil to Navy Distillate, simplifying fuel handling and fleet logistics. Her AN/SPS-40 air-search radar was modified, and repairs were made to the main turbine.

FRANCIS HAMMOND completed sea trials on November 30, 1972. From December 4 through December 8, she served as plane guard for CORAL SEA. Local training and maintenance occupied the remainder of the year. The ship participated in a Composite Training Unit Exercise from January 22 through January 26, 1973. The Paris Peace Accords were signed on January 27, providing for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of remaining American forces, and the return of prisoners of war. As a result of the changed operational situation, FRANCIS HAMMOND's next deployment, originally planned for February, was postponed until May.

FRANCIS HAMMOND visited San Francisco on February 24 and 25, 1973, and continued plane-guard, antisubmarine, engineering, and type-training operations during March and April. On March 8, she joined USS HULL (DD 945), USS McKEAN (DD 784), and USS AGERHOLM (DD 826) in a search-and-rescue operation that recovered the pilot of a downed fighter aircraft. Preparations for overseas movement began on April 6.

FRANCIS HAMMOND departed Long Beach on May 9, 1973, in company with JOHN PAUL JONES, USS EDSON (DD 946), and USS COOK (DE 1083). During the deployment, the ship participated in a pilot education program in which instructors from Chapman College taught college-level courses aboard ship. The initiative contributed to the development of the Navy's later Program for Afloat College Education. Convergence-zone sonar exercises with COOK were conducted on May 13 and 14, 1973. Heavy seas interfered with portions of the planned Hawaiian training program. After a fuel stop at Midway Island, both of FRANCIS HAMMOND's fuel-oil service pumps failed. She was restricted to approximately 10 knots and proceeded with COOK to Guam, where emergency repairs were carried out. The ships continued to the Philippines, and FRANCIS HAMMOND arrived at Subic Bay on June 1.

FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from June 5 through June 11, 1973, and received support from the destroyer tender USS PRAIRIE (AD 15). She then visited Keelung from June 13 through June 16. After returning to Kaohsiung, she participated in an antisubmarine exercise with EDSON, the guided-missile destroyer USS PARSONS (DDG 33), and six destroyers of the Republic of China Navy. She returned to Subic Bay on June 25 and remained there until July 19, 1973, for upkeep and repairs. The ship subsequently departed for Singapore and visited that port from July 23 through July 29. After a brief return to Subic Bay on August 2, she entered the Gulf of Tonkin.

From August 3 through August 19, 1973, FRANCIS HAMMOND served as an antiair-warfare picket. From August 20 through August 30, she carried out plane-guard duty with the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CVA 64). Although direct American combat operations in Vietnam had ended, the Seventh Fleet maintained a substantial presence in Southeast Asian waters during the uncertain period following the peace agreement. FRANCIS HAMMOND returned to Subic Bay on August 31, 1973, and arrived at Hong Kong on September 2. A tropical storm forced her to leave the harbor on September 5 and 6. She resumed the visit on September 7 and remained until September 10. A call at Kaohsiung followed from September 12 through September 19. After another short period of carrier support in the Gulf of Tonkin and a brief stop at Subic Bay, FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in the Philippine-American exercise Pagasa II from September 27 through October 2, 1973. She again performed plane-guard duties for CORAL SEA during portions of the exercise.

The ship visited Sasebo, Japan, from October 8 through October 16, 1973, and returned to Subic Bay on October 21. She then began an extended homeward journey through the South Pacific. FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Port Kembla, Australia, from November 2 through November 5 and Auckland, New Zealand, from November 6 through November 8. She departed in company with COOK. Fuel calculations during the passage indicated that the two frigates required an additional stop. FRANCIS HAMMOND entered Pago Pago, American Samoa, on November 14 and then continued eastward at a fuel-conserving speed of approximately 16 knots. She arrived at Long Beach on November 28, completing her second western Pacific deployment.

During early 1974, FRANCIS HAMMOND underwent inspections, maintenance, and preparations for a major overhaul. She was at San Diego from January 9 through January 15 for technical training and inspections and completed a tender availability with PRAIRIE. Sea trials followed on February 5 and 6. The ship served as plane guard for CONSTELLATION from March 15 through March 19, April 5 through April 9, May 1 through May 3, and May 14 through May 17, 1974. She visited San Francisco from April 13 through April 15. After May 22, the ship increasingly concentrated on preparations for overhaul.

FRANCIS HAMMOND entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard on July 1, 1974. The overhaul lasted until March 15, 1975. The work included extensive repairs to the hull, engineering plant, sensors, weapons, electrical systems, and habitability spaces. Her stern was modified for the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System, enabling the ship to embark and support an SH-2 Seasprite helicopter. A new rubber sonar window was installed, and equipment that had received heavy use during two western Pacific deployments was overhauled or replaced. The ship remained in Dry Dock No. 2 for much of the availability and was refloated on November 18, 1974. She passed her light-off examination on December 18 and 19, allowing the engineering plant to be operated again. Six separate sea-trial periods were conducted between January 23 and March 13, 1975. The overhaul formally ended on March 15.

During the following five months, FRANCIS HAMMOND underwent inspections, certifications, and refresher training in waters off Long Beach and San Diego. She did not pass her initial operational propulsion-plant examination from June 26 through June 28, 1975. Repairs and additional training followed, with reinspection on July 15 and July 18.

On June 30, 1975, during a Navy-wide reclassification of surface combatants, FRANCIS HAMMOND was redesignated from destroyer escort DE 1067 to frigate FF 1067.

FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in Readiness Exercise 1-76 from August 18 through August 26, 1975. She then visited Mazatlan, Mexico, from August 27 through September 1. Further exercises were conducted from September 2 through September 4, followed by inspections, maintenance, and preparations for a permanent change of home port. On October 16, 1975, FRANCIS HAMMOND departed Long Beach with USS MARVIN SHIELDS (FF 1066) for Yokosuka, Japan. The movement made the two frigates part of the Navy's forward-deployed western Pacific force. A tropical storm affected their planned route, and they stopped at Guam for fuel on November 4. FRANCIS HAMMOND arrived at Yokosuka on November 8. An upkeep period lasted from November 9 through November 20, 1975. Local exercises followed from November 21 through November 23. FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Etajima, Japan, from December 4 through December 6 and conducted antisubmarine training with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. After a fuel stop at Sasebo on December 6, she continued to Pusan, South Korea, where she remained from December 9 through December 13. The frigate subsequently escorted the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) with the guided-missile cruiser USS WORDEN (CG 18) during operations near Okinawa. She returned to Yokosuka for the holiday period and a tender availability with the repair ship USS JASON (AR 8).

FRANCIS HAMMOND resumed escort duty with MIDWAY on January 13, 1976. She began another availability with JASON on January 23, which continued until February 8. The ship then visited Chinhae, South Korea, from February 9 through February 12 before participating in the United States-Republic of Korea exercise Tae Kwon Do X from February 15 through February 24. After returning to Yokosuka for upkeep from February 27 through March 12, 1976, FRANCIS HAMMOND went back to sea on March 13 as an escort for MIDWAY. The group operated around northern Japan, Okinawa, and the South China Sea. FRANCIS HAMMOND arrived at Subic Bay on March 19 and remained there through March 31 for ammunition handling, readiness work, and missile training.

A brief availability with JASON followed from April 1 through April 4, 1976. FRANCIS HAMMOND again escorted MIDWAY from April 5 through April 18 and participated in consolidated antisubmarine training. She returned to Yokosuka and underwent a lengthy tender availability with USS DIXIE (AD 14) from April 21 through June 12. During this in-port period, FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted a dependents' cruise to Shimoda from May 16 through May 18, 1976, in connection with the city's annual Black Ship Festival, which commemorated the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry's squadron in Japan during the 1850s. The frigate subsequently operated near Korea. She visited Pusan and Chinhae, embarked Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 35, Detachment 8, and participated in Tae Kwon Do XI from June 21 through June 25, 1976.

During July 1976, FRANCIS HAMMOND sortied to observe a Soviet naval unit, but a typhoon forced both the American and Soviet ships to seek safer waters. She later joined Task Group 77.4 for exercises and plane-guard operations near Okinawa beginning on July 21. An upkeep period followed from August 4 through August 20.

A confrontation in the Korean demilitarized zone altered the ship's schedule. On August 18, 1976, North Korean personnel killed two United States Army officers during an attempt to trim a tree obstructing observation between United Nations Command checkpoints. The United States reinforced forces around Korea and conducted Operation Paul Bunyan on August 21 to remove the tree under heavy military protection. FRANCIS HAMMOND departed port on August 21 and joined the naval forces positioned to support the American response. She screened and escorted MIDWAY from August 23 through August 25. The operation ended without a wider armed confrontation. She later participated in an antisubmarine exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on September 4. Storm conditions forced FRANCIS HAMMOND into Sasebo on September 9, 1976. After weather conditions improved, she resumed operations and visited Keelung from September 15 through September 20. She arrived at Subic Bay on September 23 and remained there through October 3 before participating in the antisubmarine exercise Sharkhunt XVIII with naval forces from Taiwan. The remainder of 1976 included training, maintenance, and regional port visits. FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Hong Kong from November 24 through November 28 and otherwise operated principally from Yokosuka, Subic Bay, and Chinhae.

From January 16 through January 20, 1977, FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in Readiness Exercise 1-77 with MIDWAY and the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). She also completed naval gunfire-support training at the Tabones range in the Philippines. Early in 1977, FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted a bilateral antisubmarine exercise with the Japanese destroyer escorts AYASE (DE 216) and TESHIO (DE 222). She visited Toba, Japan, from February 14 through February 18. After returning to Yokosuka on February 20, she underwent maintenance and then completed an operational propulsion-plant examination from March 10 through March 13.

From April 20 through May 11, 1977, FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted extended surveillance of a Soviet naval task group operating outside its normal regional waters. The operation covered more than 7,000 miles and required sustained tracking, photographic intelligence collection, communications monitoring, and repeated replenishment. The frigate visited Keelung from May 23 through May 26, 1977, and Kaohsiung from May 28 through May 29. She then participated in the antisubmarine exercise Sharkhunt from May 30 through June 1. FRANCIS HAMMOND returned to Yokosuka from June 7 through June 12. She escorted MIDWAY on June 13 and 14, 1977, and participated in MultiplEx 5-77 near the Philippines from June 21 through June 25. A missile exercise followed on June 26. From June 27 through June 30, she escorted the guided-missile cruiser USS OKLAHOMA CITY (CG 5). On July 1 and 2, she conducted training with the Japanese destroyer ASAGUMO (DD 115). FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Hakodate, Japan, on July 4 and 5, 1977. A period of inspections, maintenance, and sea trials continued until August 12. She later visited Keelung from August 27 through August 29 while preparing for a major Indian Ocean deployment.

The frigate departed on September 28, 1977, as part of MIDWAY's Task Group 77.4. She visited Fremantle, Australia, from October 17 through October 22. During the subsequent passage toward the Persian Gulf region, the task group replenished near Diego Garcia with the combat stores ship USS WHITE PLAINS (AFS 4). FRANCIS HAMMOND reached Bandar Abbas, Iran, on November 9, 1977. At that time, Iran, ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was a major American security partner and an important participant in regional naval exercises. The ship took part in the Central Treaty Organization exercise Midlink 1-77 from November 12 through November 18. The exercise involved forces from the United States, United Kingdom, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey and tested communications, antisubmarine warfare, air defense, surface tactics, and coordination among allied naval forces. During the return passage, FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in Exercise Compass 1-77 with British and Australian naval units from November 22 through December 2. She then conducted Exercise Merlion V with the Republic of Singapore Navy on December 6 and 7 and made a three-day visit to Singapore.

The ship continued to the Philippines, completed naval gunfire-support training at the Tabones range, and hosted Secretary of the Navy W. Graham Claytor Jr. on December 14, 1977. Weapons training at Subic Bay followed from December 15 through December 17. FRANCIS HAMMOND returned to Yokosuka on December 22.

During the first four months of 1978, FRANCIS HAMMOND operated principally from Yokosuka, Chinhae, and nearby western Pacific training areas. She supported Korean antisubmarine exercises with the MIDWAY group from January 31 through February 20 and again from March 7 through March 20. A further exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force followed from April 12 through April 21. On April 22 and 23, 1978, FRANCIS HAMMOND surveyed the naval gunfire range at Okino Daito Shima and assisted in improving its usefulness for fleet training. She visited Hong Kong from April 26 through April 30. After conducting naval gunfire-support qualification at the Tabones range on May 4 and 5, she joined MultiplEx 1-78 with the MIDWAY group from May 6 through May 22. From May 26 through June 9, 1978, FRANCIS HAMMOND again monitored Soviet naval units operating outside their customary areas. She returned to Yokosuka on June 19 and remained there until July 5. Calls at Chinhae from July 6 through July 12, Pusan from July 14 through July 18, and Kure from July 21 through July 23 followed. Japanese midshipmen embarked during part of the operating period. FRANCIS HAMMOND returned to Yokosuka on July 27.

The frigate reached Subic Bay on August 6, 1978, while proceeding toward Thailand. On August 9, she encountered two small boats carrying Vietnamese refugees off southern Vietnam. FRANCIS HAMMOND rescued 77 people and brought them aboard. She arrived at Pattaya on August 10. Arrangements involving the United Nations refugee organization and the Thai government resulted in acceptance of the refugees on August 14. FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in Exercise Sea Siam XIII with the Royal Thai Navy from August 15 through August 19, 1978. She returned to Pattaya from August 21 through August 23 and later visited Keelung from August 29 through August 31. The ship arrived back at Yokosuka on September 4.

A major baseline overhaul began in September 1978 and continued until July 13, 1979. FRANCIS HAMMOND was the first frigate to undergo such an overhaul in the western Pacific rather than return to a shipyard in the United States. The work included installation of the Tactical Towed Array Sonar System, which allowed a long passive sonar array to be streamed astern of the ship. The bow was modified with additional structural features, including a hurricane bow and spray rails, to improve performance in heavy seas. Extensive repairs and refurbishment were also made to the propulsion plant, weapons, sensors, electrical equipment, and living spaces.

Following the overhaul, FRANCIS HAMMOND underwent an availability and inspection period with PRAIRIE from July 21 through August 17, 1979. Weapons-system acceptance trials, sonar qualification, engineering work, and refresher training occupied the following weeks.

The frigate departed Yokosuka on September 20, 1979, and conducted prolonged training in the South China Sea from September 26 through October 16. She then proceeded toward Bangkok. During the passage, FRANCIS HAMMOND rescued 44 Vietnamese refugees from two small boats. She brought them to Thailand, and the Thai authorities accepted them on October 26. On October 28, 1979, FRANCIS HAMMOND embarked United States Ambassador Morton Abramowitz and other guests for a short cruise between Bangkok and Pattaya. She called at Sattahip for fuel on October 29 and continued to the Philippines. FRANCIS HAMMOND was at Subic Bay from November 3 through November 7, 1979, and completed an operational propulsion-plant examination from November 8 through November 10. Further exercises and inspections followed. She visited Guam from December 13 through December 15 for sonar calibration and returned to Yokosuka before the end of the year.

Early 1980 brought continued training, inspections, and carrier-group operations. The regional security environment was increasingly influenced by the Iranian Revolution, the seizure of the United States Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979. On April 24-25, 1980, the United States attempted to rescue the American hostages in Iran during Operation Eagle Claw. Aircraft from CORAL SEA were assigned contingency-support responsibilities, although the rescue force withdrew after mechanical failures and a fatal collision at the Desert One staging site in Iran. FRANCIS HAMMOND subsequently escorted CORAL SEA during the carrier's passage through the South China Sea. During the return toward the Philippines, FRANCIS HAMMOND encountered another boat carrying Vietnamese refugees. She rescued 25 people and brought them to Subic Bay, where they were disembarked on May 10, 1980. The ship then visited Hong Kong from May 14 through May 18 and returned to Yokosuka for approximately two months of upkeep and training.

FRANCIS HAMMOND left Yokosuka on July 14, 1980, escorting MIDWAY toward the Philippines. She was at Subic Bay from July 23 through July 25 and visited Pattaya from July 30 through August 2. On August 3, she began another Indian Ocean deployment. The frigate joined a battle group centered on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) on August 14, 1980. FRANCIS HAMMOND remained with the formation until September 6, providing antisubmarine screening, surface surveillance, carrier escort, and replenishment support in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. The deployment formed part of the increased American naval presence prompted by the hostage crisis, the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, and uncertainty about regional stability. The Iran-Iraq War began on September 22, 1980, adding a major interstate conflict near the Persian Gulf and threatening oil production and maritime traffic.

FRANCIS HAMMOND received maintenance from the repair ship USS AJAX (AR 6) at Diego Garcia from September 11 through September 21, 1980, and again from September 27 through October 2. Type training was conducted between the two availability periods. The frigate then rejoined MIDWAY and operated with the carrier from October 9 through October 20. While returning toward East Asia, FRANCIS HAMMOND rescued 85 Vietnamese refugees from an unseaworthy vessel. She carried them to Hong Kong, where they were disembarked on November 12, 1980. The ship arrived at Subic Bay on November 18, completed naval gunfire-support training at the Tabones range on November 19, and escorted MIDWAY back to Yokosuka from November 21 through November 25. Upkeep and holiday leave occupied the remainder of the year.

FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted engineering-casualty-control drills from January 6 through January 10, 1981. She departed for Subic Bay on February 2 and arrived on February 7. Inspections, maintenance, and an operational propulsion-plant examination occupied much of February. The examination was conducted on February 23 and 24. The ship returned to Yokosuka on March 18.

An inspection and survey was held from March 23 through March 26, 1981. A selected restricted availability followed from March 30 through May 5. Work included repairs to the low-pressure turbine and sonar dome. FRANCIS HAMMOND completed sea trials on May 6 and resumed engineering and combat-system training in Sagami Wan and waters north of Japan. The frigate carried dependents from Yokosuka to Shimoda on May 15, 1981, and participated in the Black Ship Festival from May 16 through May 18. She returned to Yokosuka and remained there from May 20 through June 10. Exercises with the Republic of Korea Navy followed near Chinhae from June 18 through June 22.

During the summer of 1981, FRANCIS HAMMOND continued local and battle-group training, inspections, and upkeep. She was at Subic Bay from September 10 through September 14 and visited Pattaya from September 21 through September 25. Crew members participated in volunteer work at a local orphanage during the Thai port call. The ship then operated with MIDWAY and completed naval gunfire-support training at the Tabones range from September 26 through October 5, 1981. She returned to Yokosuka on October 6. During a Navy Friendship Day on October 10, approximately 6,000 visitors toured the ship.

FRANCIS HAMMOND remained at Yokosuka through October 18 and departed on October 20, 1981, proceeding to Sasebo. During this period, she exchanged helicopter detachments with the destroyer USS CUSHING (DD 985). She conducted exercises near Okinawa and in the East China Sea from October 29 through November 10 and visited Pusan from November 12 through November 16. The ship returned to Yokosuka on November 23, 1981, and entered a restricted availability supported by the repair ship USS HECTOR (AR 7). Boiler work and other repairs continued through January 10, 1982.

FRANCIS HAMMOND returned to sea on January 11, 1982, for Tactical Towed Array Sonar training with the MIDWAY battle group near Okinawa. The operating period continued through January 18. She later proceeded through Japan's Inland Sea and visited Sasebo from February 3 through February 8. An antisubmarine exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force was conducted from February 11 through February 15, 1982. After refueling at Buckner Bay on February 15, FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in a surface-warfare exercise from February 16 through February 18 while proceeding toward Hong Kong. She visited Hong Kong from February 22 through February 26 and returned to Yokosuka on March 3.

After an upkeep period ending on March 20, 1982, FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in the large United States-Republic of Korea exercise Team Spirit 82 from March 21 through April 5. The annual exercise tested reinforcement, amphibious, air, naval, and ground-force operations on and around the Korean Peninsula. The ship returned to Yokosuka for maintenance from April 6 through April 26.

FRANCIS HAMMOND departed again on April 27, 1982, and operated in the South China Sea and waters north of Japan through May 21. From May 4 through May 8, she participated in Readiness Exercise 82, which involved three American carrier groups and provided large-scale training in air defense, antisubmarine warfare, surface action, and logistics. FRANCIS HAMMOND arrived at Subic Bay on May 22, 1982. During mooring operations that day, the destroyer USS FLETCHER (DD 992) made contact with USS TOWERS (DDG 9) and FRANCIS HAMMOND. All three ships sustained only minor damage. FRANCIS HAMMOND remained at Subic Bay through June 17 for repairs, maintenance, inspections, and upkeep. She departed the Philippines and returned to Yokosuka on June 24, 1982. The frigate remained there through July 26, completing maintenance and preparing for further engineering examinations. She subsequently proceeded to Chinhae, where she stayed from July 30 through August 4.

FRANCIS HAMMOND underwent an operational propulsion-plant examination from August 5 through August 8, 1982. A selected restricted availability followed, during which work included improvements to her electronic-warfare equipment and repairs to engineering and combat systems. Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman Jr. visited the ship on August 11. The frigate remained in maintenance and training status through September and the opening days of October. She departed Yokosuka on October 9, 1982, beginning an extended southern deployment. The route took her through Subic Bay and Singapore before she continued toward Australia.

FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Geraldton, Western Australia, from November 5 through November 9 and Fremantle from November 11 through November 14. From November 15 through November 24, she participated in combined exercises with USS KNOX (FF 1052), the Australian ships HMAS STALWART (D 215), HMAS PERTH (D 38), HMAS SWAN (DE 50), and HMAS YARRA (DE 45), and the New Zealand frigate HMNZS OTAGO (F 111). The multinational training included antisubmarine operations, surface maneuvering, communications, replenishment, and air-defense exercises. FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Sydney from December 3 through December 6, 1982, and Brisbane from December 9 through December 13. She departed Australia on December 14, stopped at Guam for fuel on December 20, and returned to Yokosuka on December 21.

FRANCIS HAMMOND resumed operations in January 1983. From January 12 through January 27, she conducted readiness and antisubmarine work near Okinawa. She visited Sasebo from January 28 through January 31 and served as a support ship for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS TUNNY (SSN 682). She returned to Yokosuka on February 4.

The frigate participated in Team Spirit 83 from February 25 through March 22, 1983. Approximately 40 American and South Korean ships took part in the wider exercise. FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Pusan from March 23 through March 27 and then joined Fleet Exercise 83-1 from March 28 through April 24. The large exercise involved MIDWAY, ENTERPRISE, CORAL SEA, and numerous escorts and support ships. FRANCIS HAMMOND used her towed-array sonar while operating ahead of the carrier formations toward the Aleutian region. She visited Sasebo from April 25 through April 30, 1983, and participated in Readiness Exercise 83-1 with an Australian task unit from May 1 through May 9. A visit to Shimoda for the Black Ship Festival followed from May 15 through May 19.

FRANCIS HAMMOND later operated with carrier forces in the South China Sea and qualified for naval gunfire support at the Tabones range on June 18 and 19, 1983. She was at Subic Bay from June 20 through June 30 for inspections and maintenance. Battle Week 83-1 occupied the period from July 1 through July 18. The ship visited Hong Kong from July 19 through July 23 and continued operations from July 24 through August 5 before returning to Yokosuka on August 6.

FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Pattaya from September 3 through September 8, 1983. The destruction of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 by a Soviet fighter near Sakhalin Island on September 1, killing all 269 people aboard, sharply increased Cold War tensions in Northeast Asia while FRANCIS HAMMOND continued her western Pacific operating schedule. The frigate departed Pattaya on September 9 with the commander of Destroyer Squadron 15 embarked and proceeded toward the Indian Ocean. She visited Diego Garcia on September 17 and 18 and Singapore from September 30 through October 3. A short stop at Subic Bay followed from October 9 through October 11. The ship subsequently completed additional inspections and training at Subic Bay and Chinhae. An inspection and survey was held from December 11 through December 17.

On December 28, 1983, FRANCIS HAMMOND departed for operations in the North Arabian Sea. She reached the vicinity of Masirah, Oman, on January 10, 1984, and operated with the MIDWAY battle group. The deployment again reflected concern about the Iran-Iraq War, attacks on shipping, and continued tension between the United States and Iran. FRANCIS HAMMOND received support from the destroyer tender USS YOSEMITE (AD 19) from February 10 through February 15, 1984. Further tender periods with PRAIRIE occurred from March 24 through March 29 and from April 6 through April 8. The frigate remained engaged in carrier screening, antisubmarine surveillance, surface tracking, and logistics support in the Arabian Sea.

The MIDWAY group completed its turnover with a force centered on USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) on April 16, 1984. FRANCIS HAMMOND then began the return passage. She visited Phuket, Thailand, from April 23 through April 27 and Singapore from April 29 through May 4. Naval gunfire-support training at the Tabones range and upkeep at Subic Bay occupied the period from May 12 through May 16. She returned to Yokosuka on May 23.

FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Sasebo from June 8 through June 10, 1984, and conducted a short Tiger Cruise from June 11 through June 13 while serving as plane guard for MIDWAY. She participated in exercise Kennel Freelance from July 5 through July 29 and visited Sasebo during early August. A further antisubmarine exercise with Japanese forces was conducted from August 7 through August 10. The ship returned to Yokosuka on August 13, 1984, and remained there through August 26. A material inspection was completed from August 22 through August 24. FRANCIS HAMMOND then conducted antisubmarine, torpedo, and gunnery training in the northern Pacific from August 27 through August 30. She visited Pusan from September 2 through September 6, 1984, and returned to Yokosuka from September 9 through September 12. Annual Exercise 59G was conducted from September 16 through September 20. On September 24, FRANCIS HAMMOND entered another major overhaul at Yokosuka.

The overhaul continued until June 20, 1985. Work was performed on the hull, boilers, turbine, sonar systems, radar, weapons, electrical equipment, helicopter facilities, and habitability spaces. Following the overhaul, FRANCIS HAMMOND received a Shinto blessing at the Hachiman-gu Shrine in Kamakura on June 21.

FRANCIS HAMMOND departed for Pearl Harbor, where she underwent inspections, acceptance trials, and combat-system testing from July 7 through August 5, 1985. The program included material inspections, weapons-system acceptance trials, sonar evaluation, communications testing, and naval gunfire-support qualification. The ship stopped at Midway Island for fuel on August 9, 1985. Between August 13 and August 17, she conducted replenishment and personnel-transfer exercises with USNS NAVASOTA (T-AO 106). A mine-warfare exercise was held on August 14. Additional inspections and training continued from August 18 through September 6. FRANCIS HAMMOND returned to Yokosuka on September 6.

A further training phase in the Philippine Sea was conducted from September 9 through September 13, 1985. FRANCIS HAMMOND also completed a passing exercise and highline transfer with AYASE. Much of the following operational and refresher-training period was based around Subic Bay from September 30 through November 5. Typhoon avoidance interrupted training from October 18 through October 21, 1985. FRANCIS HAMMOND completed an operational propulsion-plant examination from October 22 through October 24. On November 5, while participating in a simulated firefighting exercise during refresher training, she collided with the port side of the command ship USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19). The collision caused limited damage, and FRANCIS HAMMOND's commanding officer was injured. The frigate entered port from November 6 through November 8 for repairs before resuming operations.

During a later visit to Davao, Philippines, FRANCIS HAMMOND delivered 45 boxes of books and educational material through Project Handclasp. Crew members also participated in local sporting and community activities. She visited Hong Kong from December 11 through December 15 and returned to Yokosuka on December 21.

FRANCIS HAMMOND departed Yokosuka on January 7, 1986, for another deployment to the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. She visited Chinhae from January 9 through January 15 and Subic Bay from January 18 through January 23. A short stop at Singapore followed on January 26. The frigate reached the Gulf of Oman by February 3, 1986, and operated with the fleet oiler USS MONONGAHELA (AO 178) and the guided-missile frigate USS GALLERY (FFG 26). The Iran-Iraq War had expanded into attacks on tankers and merchant shipping, and American naval forces maintained patrols to observe traffic and support United States-flagged vessels. FRANCIS HAMMOND escorted the merchant ship PRESIDENT VAN BUREN on February 4 and 5 and again on March 3, 1986. Other escorted merchant ships included MAINE on February 17, PRESIDENT McKINLEY on February 18, WASHINGTON on March 1 and March 3, ILLINOIS on March 7, and PRESIDENT JOHNSON on March 11.

The frigate visited Bahrain on February 20 and 21, 1986. During the patrol, she replenished from USNS ANTARCTIC (T-AOT 176), USNS HASSAYAMPA (T-AO 145), and the British fleet tanker RFA TIDESPRING (A 75). The operations required continuous monitoring of naval and merchant traffic near the Strait of Hormuz and in the Gulf of Oman. FRANCIS HAMMOND ended her regional patrol on March 15, 1986, after the arrival of the ENTERPRISE battle group. She visited Colombo, Sri Lanka, on March 19 and 20, Patong Bay, Thailand, from March 24 through March 29, and Singapore on March 30 and 31. She was at Subic Bay from April 4 through April 12 for upkeep and naval gunfire-support training and returned to Yokosuka on April 17.

A tender availability with USS CAPE COD (AD 43) followed. FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Shimoda for the Black Ship Festival from May 15 through May 19 and returned to Yokosuka on May 22. On June 2, 1986, the frigate departed for surveillance operations in the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk. On June 4, a Soviet Beriev Be-12 maritime patrol aircraft made several close passes while FRANCIS HAMMOND observed Soviet naval exercises. The American ship also witnessed missile and rocket firings by a Soviet formation that included the cruiser ADMIRAL SPIRIDONOV.

FRANCIS HAMMOND passed through fog near the Kuril Islands on June 8, 1986. Soviet forces issued warnings alleging that the frigate had entered restricted or territorial waters. The precise relationship of the ship's track to the Soviet claims was disputed. During renewed surveillance of a Soviet group centered on the aviation cruiser MINSK on June 12, Soviet units again transmitted warnings. A Soviet MiG-23 flew over the frigate, and FRANCIS HAMMOND observed MINSK conducting antisubmarine rocket firing. The Soviet government later raised the incidents through procedures established under the United States-Soviet agreement intended to prevent incidents at sea. During the patrol, FRANCIS HAMMOND also sighted and photographed a newly introduced Soviet AKULA-class nuclear-powered attack submarine. The surveillance enabled the United States Navy to document the submarine's appearance and observed operating activity.

After returning for maintenance, FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted another northern surveillance patrol from approximately August 11 through August 18, 1986. Soviet ships and aircraft again monitored her movements, including a STENKA-class patrol vessel on August 15 and a Be-12 aircraft on August 16.

Following a short stop at Yokosuka, FRANCIS HAMMOND reached Subic Bay on August 22 and remained until August 24. From August 24 through August 28, she participated in South China Sea exercises. The frigate returned to Subic Bay from August 28 through September 3, 1986. She visited Jeju Island, South Korea, from September 7 through September 11 and returned to Yokosuka on September 13. Upkeep continued until October 23.

Antisubmarine training was conducted from October 23 through October 25, 1986, followed by a joint American-Japanese antisubmarine exercise beginning on October 26. FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Ominato, Japan, from October 31 through November 3, Pusan from November 5 through November 13, Subic Bay on November 19, and Manila from November 20 through November 25. A visit to Hong Kong followed from November 28 through December 2. She arrived at Yokosuka on December 10, completed several more days of antisubmarine training, and began holiday upkeep on December 20.

FRANCIS HAMMOND returned to sea on January 9, 1987, for operations with a carrier group in the South China Sea and Philippine Sea. A boiler casualty on January 18 required two days of repairs at Subic Bay. She returned to the Philippine base from January 25 through February 8 for further repairs and inspections and arrived at Yokosuka on February 13. After an upkeep period ending on March 13, 1987, FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted approximately two and a half weeks of cold-weather operations in the northwestern Pacific. She subsequently visited Pusan from April 7 through April 19 and returned to Yokosuka on April 21.

During the in-port period extending to May 27, 1987, FRANCIS HAMMOND received a WQC-6 underwater communications system, improving her ability to exchange acoustic messages with submarines. She proceeded to Chinhae on June 1 and trained with the Republic of Korea Navy through June 7. The program included antisubmarine warfare, air gunnery, opposed replenishment, and an exchange of midshipmen. FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Pusan from June 8 through June 12, 1987, and Kagoshima, Japan, from June 15 through June 19. She returned to Yokosuka on June 21. A selected restricted availability lasted from June 29 through August 20, followed by inspections and preparations for another Indian Ocean deployment.

The ship participated in Annual Exercise 62G with MIDWAY from September 17 through September 28, 1987. Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 33, Detachment 4, embarked for the forthcoming deployment. FRANCIS HAMMOND departed Yokosuka on November 9. She called at Subic Bay and completed naval gunfire-support work at the Tabones range from November 14 through November 19, 1987. A brief stop at Colombo followed on November 27. FRANCIS HAMMOND rendezvoused with the carrier battle group on December 2 and began extended operations in the North Arabian Sea. During December 1987, FRANCIS HAMMOND replenished from USNS KILAUEA (T-AE 26) on December 9, 16, and 23; USNS MISPILLION (T-AO 105) on December 10, 16, and 24; and USS CIMARRON (AO 177) on December 23. She conducted a towing exercise with USS DEYO (DD 989) on December 9.

On December 21, 1987, FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in a surface gunnery exercise with the battleship USS IOWA (BB 61), USS TICONDEROGA (CG 47), STERETT, and USS HORNE (CG 30), and KNOX. Rear Admiral John McNamara visited the frigate on December 22 and 23. The battle group continued operations into 1988. FRANCIS HAMMOND performed air-defense and escort duties for CAPE COD while the tender supported other ships in waters near Oman. The deployment occurred during Operation Earnest Will, the American effort to protect reflagged Kuwaiti tankers against attacks and mines during the Iran-Iraq War. FRANCIS HAMMOND was not assigned as one of the principal tanker escorts but supported the broader naval presence and logistics system associated with the operation.

FRANCIS HAMMOND and TOWERS visited Karachi, Pakistan, from January 14 through January 18, 1988. Antiterrorism training followed on January 22 and 23. She visited Colombo from February 11 through February 15 and Phuket from February 20 through February 26. During the Phuket visit, members of the crew assisted with repairs at a local school. The frigate arrived at Subic Bay on March 3, 1988. She embarked a helicopter detachment and tactical air-control personnel before departing on March 14. FRANCIS HAMMOND joined an amphibious task force near Okinawa on March 17 and reached Pusan on March 20. She conducted gate-guard and surveillance operations in the Sea of Japan from March 23 through April 4.

FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Sasebo on April 6 and transferred aviation personnel and equipment to USS KIRK (FF 1087). She returned to Yokosuka on April 9. Further exercises near Korea included a visit to Chinhae from May 18 through May 25. An inspection and survey was conducted from June 6 through June 9. The ship visited Hong Kong from July 2 through July 7, 1988. Preparations then began for the end of her long period of forward deployment in Japan. FRANCIS HAMMOND departed Yokosuka on August 3 in company with KIRK. She reached Pearl Harbor on August 12 and remained there through August 18. The frigates arrived at Long Beach on August 25. It was FRANCIS HAMMOND's first return to the continental United States in almost thirteen years. An intermediate maintenance availability occupied the period from September 6 through September 23, 1988. Local training followed on September 26. FRANCIS HAMMOND visited San Francisco on October 2 and 3 and returned to Long Beach on October 6.

The ship entered a selected restricted availability at the Al Larson facility on October 17, 1988. Work continued until January 6, 1989, and included repairs to No. 1A boiler and replacement of the AN/SPS-10 surface-search radar and LN-66 navigation radar. FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in readiness exercises from January 9 through January 11 and from January 14 through January 23, 1989. She operated between Long Beach and San Diego from February 10 through February 21 for drills and inspections and completed a torpedo exercise on February 24.

On April 17, 1989, the frigate departed for Canadian waters. She participated in combined American-Canadian operations from April 17 through April 21 and conducted sonar and antisubmarine work at the Nanoose range. After several days in port, she visited Esquimalt from April 25 through April 27 and Eureka, California, from April 29 through May 4. FRANCIS HAMMOND returned to Long Beach on May 6.

The ship did not pass her initial operational propulsion-plant readiness examination from May 23 through May 26, 1989. Additional engineering training followed. From May 30 through June 2, she conducted torpedo exercises with the nuclear-powered attack submarines USS HADDOCK (SSN 621) and USS PORTSMOUTH (SSN 707). Refresher training at San Diego continued from June 3 through June 16.

FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in a Composite Training Unit Exercise from June 19 through June 28, 1989. She replenished from USS WICHITA (AOR 1) on June 20. The frigate visited Capitola, California, from June 30 through July 5, where approximately 6,000 visitors toured the ship. A dependents' cruise followed on July 6. After an upkeep period from July 7 through July 25, 1989, FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in a readiness exercise continuing until August 10. She passed a new propulsion-plant readiness examination on August 16 and 17 and prepared for the large multinational Pacific Exercise 89. During the transit toward the exercise area, the frigate's explosive-ordnance-disposal personnel trained with a warhead from an AM-39 Exocet missile. Her embarked helicopter also made an emergency flight to Amchitka in the Aleutian Islands to obtain urgently needed parts.

FRANCIS HAMMOND joined the main exercise force on October 2, 1989. Pacific Exercise 89 brought together American, Canadian, Japanese, and South Korean ships and aircraft and was among the largest naval exercises held in the Pacific since the Second World War. It tested carrier defense, antisubmarine warfare, surface action, amphibious operations, logistics, and cooperation among allied navies. On October 6, 1989, FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in a mass-casualty exercise involving approximately 30 simulated casualties and a Japanese rescue seaplane. From October 16 through October 20, she took part in Exercise Valiant Blitz, which included an amphibious landing north of Pohang, South Korea. American and South Korean underwater-demolition and special-warfare personnel participated, while FRANCIS HAMMOND provided simulated naval gunfire support.

The frigate visited Pusan from October 21 through October 24, 1989, and returned to Long Beach on November 9. She visited San Francisco on December 4 and offloaded ammunition at Concord Naval Weapons Station on December 7 and 8. FRANCIS HAMMOND entered dry dock on December 12. The drydocking and maintenance period continued until April 2, 1990. After leaving the yard, the frigate underwent equipment tests and inspections, including a communications assessment on April 20 and an industrial-hygiene inspection on April 23 and 24.

FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted a firing exercise from May 7 through May 11, 1990. At San Diego on May 11, she embarked a United States Coast Guard law-enforcement detachment and began an eastern Pacific counter-narcotics patrol that continued through May 25. Navy ships provided endurance, sensors, boats, and helicopters, while Coast Guard personnel possessed the legal authority to board and search suspect vessels. After a brief return to Long Beach, FRANCIS HAMMOND completed a combat-systems training review from May 29 through June 1, 1990. She participated in Exercise Behavior Criterion 90 from June 3 through June 11 and visited Astoria, Oregon, on June 6. A call at Portland for the Rose Festival followed from June 7 through June 11.

The frigate conducted a Chief of Naval Operations special project at the Canadian Nanoose range and visited Esquimalt on June 16 and 17, 1990. She returned to Long Beach on June 21. Inspections and local training occupied much of July. Intermediate refresher training was conducted from July 23 through August 10, 1990, and included live torpedo and ASROC firings. Further inspections and exercises followed during August and September. FRANCIS HAMMOND participated in Composite Training Unit Exercise 90-3 from September 27 through October 5, including a firing exercise on October 2. The ship took part in Readiness Exercise 91-3A from October 9 through October 17, 1990, and Readiness Exercise 91-3B from November 9 through November 13. A battle-group evaluation followed from November 14 through November 16.

FRANCIS HAMMOND departed Long Beach on December 8, 1990, as part of a battle group centered on the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV 61). Iraq had invaded Kuwait on August 2, and the United States and its coalition partners were assembling forces in the Middle East under Operation Desert Shield. The frigate reached Subic Bay on December 28. The battle group continued through Southeast Asia. FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Singapore on January 7 and 8, 1991, and Chittagong, Bangladesh, from January 13 through January 15. The Chittagong call served diplomatic purposes shortly before the expiration of the United Nations deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait.

Coalition combat operations began on January 17, 1991. FRANCIS HAMMOND subsequently spent approximately three months in the North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf region. Her duties included air and surface surveillance for RANGER's carrier operations, escorting oilers and ammunition ships moving toward the Gulf, and monitoring merchant traffic in support of the United Nations embargo against Iraq. The frigate's embarked helicopter also tracked portions of the major oil slick created after Iraqi forces released petroleum into the Persian Gulf. The environmental incident threatened coastal areas, wildlife, desalination plants, and maritime operations.

On March 29, 1991, the Sri Lankan merchant ship MERCS HORANA caught fire in the central Persian Gulf. FRANCIS HAMMOND and the British frigate HMS BRILLIANT (F 90) were among the first naval ships to reach the area. All 30 members of the merchant ship's crew were rescued. The ammunition ship USS SHASTA (AE 33) sent firefighting equipment to FRANCIS HAMMOND by helicopter and subsequently dispatched additional teams. The combat stores ship USS NIAGARA FALLS (AFS 3) and the Spanish frigate VICTORIA (F 82) also joined the multinational response. Firefighting and salvage work continued into March 30. The participating ships coordinated rescue, medical assistance, cooling, and firefighting while keeping ammunition and fuel hazards under observation.

FRANCIS HAMMOND visited Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates from April 1 through April 7, 1991. She then returned to operations in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. The RANGER battle group completed its turnover with a formation centered on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) on April 18. The frigate visited Pattaya from April 30 through May 3, 1991, Hong Kong from May 8 through May 12, and Subic Bay from May 15 through May 18. She reached Pearl Harbor on May 31 and returned to Long Beach on June 8, completing her Gulf War deployment.

The remainder of 1991 was devoted mainly to maintenance, inspections, local training, and readiness evaluations. FRANCIS HAMMOND conducted naval gunfire-support spotting work near San Clemente Island on August 28. A change of command took place on September 6. She completed an operational propulsion-plant examination from October 21 through October 25 and participated in Exercise Kernel Usher 92-1 from November 18 through November 21. An inspection and survey was conducted from December 2 through December 6, 1991. Holiday leave and preparation for the ship's final operational cruise followed.

FRANCIS HAMMOND departed Long Beach on January 3, 1992, with a Coast Guard law-enforcement detachment embarked. She reached Rodman Naval Station in Panama on January 16 and transited the Panama Canal eastward on January 17. The passage placed the ship in Atlantic and Caribbean waters for the first time during her commissioned career. The frigate conducted counter-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean and made port visits to Curacao and Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Her aircraft located the suspect vessel MARIA B, which was found to be carrying approximately nine tons of marijuana. FRANCIS HAMMOND's personnel detained the suspects and secured the cargo and vessel.

The suspects, seized cargo, and MARIA B were subsequently transferred to the guided-missile frigate USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47), which carried them to Guantanamo Bay for transfer to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. During further operations, FRANCIS HAMMOND intercepted communications that assisted another task force in locating a vessel carrying cocaine. Despite lacking a full Naval Tactical Data System installation, FRANCIS HAMMOND also served as the force's over-the-horizon track coordinator, compiling and distributing information on surface contacts. She passed westward through the Panama Canal on February 17, 1992, and returned to Long Beach on February 27.

FRANCIS HAMMOND began her final underway period on March 17, 1992. She visited Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay on March 19 and again on March 21 and 22, with an ammunition offload at Concord on March 20. A final Tiger Cruise was conducted on March 23 and 24. The ship began her deactivation availability on March 30, 1992. Ammunition and hazardous material were removed, equipment inventories were completed, records were transferred, and machinery and combat systems were preserved or secured.

USS FRANCIS HAMMOND was decommissioned at Long Beach on July 2, 1992, after almost twenty-two years of commissioned service. She was retained in inactive status and was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on January 11, 1995. Plans for foreign transfer did not result in her return to service. The former frigate was eventually dismantled, and scrapping was recorded as complete on March 31, 2003.

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