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Navsource Online: Frigate Photo Archive


Ship's patches courtesy of Mike Smolinski

USS Underwood (FFG 36)


Flag Hoist / Radio Call Sign:
N - G - W - U
Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons





Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Second Row: - Navy Unit Commendation - CG Unit Commendation - Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation w/ 2 stars
Third Row: CG Meritorious Unit Commendation - Navy Battle "E" Ribbon (6) - National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 star
Fourth Row: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal - Southwest Asia Service Medal w/ 2 stars - Armed Forces Service Medal
Fifth Row: Humanitarian Service Medal - Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ 7 stars - CG Special Operations Service Ribbon


"Just Friend and Brave Enemy"
Specifications:
Class: Oliver Hazard Perry (Long Hull, LAMPS III modified, As Built)
Type: SCB No. 261 / 1979 - 1984
Number in Class: 26 (8, 36-61)
Displacement: 3174 tons (std), 4082 tons (full)
Length: 408' (wl), 453' (oa)
Beam: 45.4' (extreme)
Draft: 24' 6" (draft limit)
Propulsion: 2 GE LM 2500 gas turbine engines; 41,000 shp; 1 shaft, cp propeller, 325 hp retractable propeller pods
Speed: 29 kts
Range: 4,500 nm @ 20 knots, 5400 nm @ 16 knots
Complement: 13 / 206 (includes 19 man air detachment)
Missiles: 1-Mk 13 Mod 4 launcher, 4 SSM McDonnell-Douglas Harpoon missiles, 36 GDC-Pomona Standard SM-1MR missiles
Guns: 1-Mk 75 3"/62 cal. OTO Melara gun, 1-Vulcan Phalanx CIS, 4-.50 cal. MG's
ASW Weapons: 6-324mm Mk 32 (2 triple) tubes / Mk 46 torpedoes
Radars: AN/SPS-55 (surface), AN/SPS-49(V)214 (air)
Sonars: AN/SQS-56, AN/SQR-19 TACTAS (Towed Array)
Elec. Warfare: SLQ-25 Nixie System, SLQ-32(V)2 Electronic Countermeasures System
Fire Control Systems: 1 Mk13 Weapon-Direction System, 1 Mk92 weapons FCS, 1 modified SPG-60 STIR radar (Separate Target Illumination Radar)
Helicopter: 2-SH-60 LAMPS III Helicopters, RAST (Recovery, Assistance, Securing and Traversing System) helicopter hauldown system
Underwood (FFG 36) Building and Operational Data:
  • 27 April 1979: Building contract awarded to the Bath Iron Works Corp.; the first LAMPS III capable FFG to be built from the keel up.
  • 30 July 1981: Keel laid by the Bath Iron Works Corp., Bath, Me.
  • 06 February 1982: Launched and christened, sponsored by Mrs. Elizabeth T. Underwood, the widow of Captain Underwood
  • 29 January 1983: Commissioned at Bath, Me., Cmdr Andrew Beck in command, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 8 at Mayport, Fla.
  • 07 April 2000: It was announced that Underwood was the "Small Mess Afloat, Atlantic" winner of the Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial Award for outstanding food service in the Navy
  • 08 March 2013: Decommissioned at Mayport, Fla. after 30 years and 1⅓ months of service

    "Underwood, The Ship"    -    "Underwood, Her People"

    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image
    Size Image Description Contributed
    By And/Or Copyright
    Underwood
    073601

    Underwood

    53k Gordon Waite Underwood was born in New York on 3 June 1910, moving with his family at an early age to Portland, Oregon. Appointed to the US Naval Academy in the class of 1932, he proved to be an outstanding student and superb athlete, earning letters and starring in football and track. He was awarded the coveted "Academy Sword" for athletic excellence. After graduation, he served in USS Oklahoma, followed by training at the US Submarine School in New London, Connecticut. After his graduation he served in the Submarine School S-21, USS Mississippi, and USS Vega. In 1941, he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a Masters Degree in Marine Engineering. Upon return to sea duty he was assigned to the Staff of Commander Submarine Squadron Ten as Squadron Engineer supporting submarines on war patrol. In January 1944, he was assigned as Commanding Officer of USS Spadefish (SS 411). During three war patrols he was credited with destruction of seventy-six thousand tons of enemy shipping including one aircraft carrier, the HIJMS Shinyo. For each of his war patrols he was awarded a Navy Cross and in recognition of the great successes of the first two patrols Spadefish was awarded the President Unit Citation. His record of success in his war patrols remains one of the most notable in the history of the U.S. Navy Submarine Service.

    Following his retirement from the Navy in 1962 after 30 years service with distinction, Captain Underwood became associated with Spelin Inc., Mountain View, California, in which he was Vice President. He was also Vice President of Filter-Aire of Hollister, California until his retirement. He died 15 January 1978 at the age of 67.

    USS Underwood(FFG 36) was the first ship to be named in his honor.    (Text and photo from the USS Underwood Official Web page)
    Fabio Peña
    Barcelona, Spain

    Manager, Navsource
    Aircraft Carrier Archives
    Underwood
    073602
    116k 30 July 1981: Bath, Me. - Naval personnel and employees of Bath Iron Works pose for a group photo during the keel laying of the guided missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36).

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-86-08704 by Bath Iron Works Corp., from the Defense Visual Information Center)
    Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    Underwood
    073603
    144k 13 October 1981: Bath, Me. - An elevated bow view of Underwood at the Bath Iron Works shipyard. The ship is 40 percent complete.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-86-08788 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073604
    179k 01 December 1981: Bath, Me. - An elevated bow view of Underwood at the Bath Iron Works shipyard. The ship is 60 percent complete.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-86-08787 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073605
    218k 06 February 1982: Bath, Me. - An elevated stern view of Underwood, right, on the ways at the Bath Iron Works shipyard prior to launch. Another Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate is under construction in the next space.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05583 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073606
    149k 06 February 1982: Bath, Me. - The launching party for Underwood poses for a group photo during the launching ceremony.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05587 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073607
    144k 06 February 1982: Bath, Me. - Sponsor Elizabeth T. Underwood poses for a photo with another distinguished guest during the launching ceremony for Underwood.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05586 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073608
    106k 06 February 1982: Bath, Me. - Sponsor Elizabeth T. Underwood christens the guided missile frigate USS Underwood during the launching ceremony.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05584 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073609
    141k 06 February 1982: Bath, Me. - A bow view of Underwood sliding down the ways during her launching.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05580 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073610
    134k 06 February 1982: Bath, Me. - Tugs assist Underwood after launching.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05581 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073611
    96k 05 May 1982: Atlantic Ocean - A starboard bow view of Underwood underway during sea trials.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-83-07304 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC)
    ***Doyle***
    073910
    148k 14 October 1982: Bath, Me. - The starboard bow view of guided missile frigates USS Klakring (FFG 42), USS Doyle (FFG 39) and Underwood under construction.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-86-10515 by Bath Iron Works from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073612
    122k 29 January 1983: Bath, Me. - An overall aerial view of the commissioning ceremony for USS Underwood (FFG 36).

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-83-07873 by PH2 Jeffrey A. Salter, from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073613
    117k 29 January 1983: Bath, Me. - A lieutenant escorts Sponsor Elizabeth T. Underwood aboard Underwood for the ship's commissioning.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05590 from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073614
    113k 29 January 1983: Bath, Me. - A Marine Corps honor guard present the colors during the commissioning ceremony of Underwood.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-83-07875 by PH2 Jeffrey A. Salter, from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073615
    125k 29 January 1983: Bath, Me. - Guests attending the commissioning ceremony for Underwood stand for the playing of the national anthem.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-83-07881 by PH2 Jeffrey A. Salter from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073645
    120k 05 May 1984: Mayport, Fla. - Underwood in port at the Mayport Naval Station. Carl Orbann
    USS Underwood's
    2nd Executive Officer
    Underwood
    073646
    130k 11 November 1984: Andros Island, Bahamas - Underwood shown during Test and Evaluation of the LAMPS II ASW system.
    Underwood
    073647
    142k
    Underwood
    073648
    102k 11 November 1984: Andros Island, Bahamas - Underwood performing a helicopter in-flight refueling.
    Underwood
    073649
    108k 01 January 1985: Mayport, Fla. - Underwood in port at the Mayport Naval Station.
    ***Stephen W. Groves***
    072936
    82k 04 January 1992 - Mayport, Fla. - The guided missile frigates Underwood, left, and USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29), lie tied up at the naval station.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-92-04785 by OS2 John Bouvia from the DVIC)
    Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    Underwood
    073616
    112k 11 July 1992: Norfolk, Va. - Underwood undergoes a complete overhaul in the floating dry dock Old Dominion at the Metro Machine Company.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-92-09504 by Don S. Montgomery from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073617
    199k 01 March 1993: Norfolk, Va. - A port bow view of Underwood underway in the Elizabeth River off Naval Station, Norfolk.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-93-02805 from the DVIC)
    Underwood
    073651
    473k 15 May 1994: Genoa, Italy - Underwood moored for a port vist to Genoa. Carlo Martinelli
    Underwood
    073619
    120k 09 July 2002: At sea with USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Battlegroup - The fast combat support ship USS Seattle (AOE 3) provides fuel and cargo to the guided missile frigate Underwood and to the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy during a replenishment at sea. The Kennedy Battlegroup is on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

    (U.S. Navy photo #020709-N-6492H-512 by PH1 Jim Hampshire from the Navy Newstand)
    Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    Underwood
    073620
    131 20 October 2004: Valletta Harbor, Malta - Underwood makes a port visit to Malta. Note that the ship is without its' forward missile launcher. Anthony Vella
    Senglea, Malta
    Underwood
    073622
    238k 28 April 2006: The Caribbean Sea - Underwood prepares to receive fuel from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), during a fueling at sea. The George Washington Carrier Strike group is currently participating in Partnership of the Americas, a maritime training and readiness deployment of the U.S. Naval Forces with Caribbean and Latin American countries in support of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) objectives for enhanced maritime security.

    (U.S. Navy photo #060428-N-5188B-008 by PH2 Peter D. Blair from the Navy Newstand)
    Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    Underwood
    073624
    238k 08 June 2006: Boston, Mass. - The guided-missile frigate Underwood prepares to moor for port visit to the city of Boston. Crew members will participate in a variety of events throughout the city culminating with a march in the Annual Bunker Hill Parade. Underwood's visit kicks off the 2nd annual Boston Navy Week. Twenty-four such weeks are planned this year in cities throughout the U.S., arranged by the Navy Office of Community Outreach. NAVCO is tasked with enhancing the Navy's brand image in areas with limited exposure to the Navy.

    (U.S. Navy photo #060608-N-8110K-020 by JO1 Dave Kaylor from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073626
    143k 13 June 2006: Cape Cod, Mass. - The guided-missile frigate Underwood passes beneath the Buzzards Bay Railroad Bridge after transiting west through the Cape Cod Canal. The canal is a man-made ship channel operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Underwood is the first U.S. navy ship to transit the canal in over six years. Underwood is returning home to Mayport, Fla. following a visit to Boston for the city's Navy Week festivities.

    (U.S. Navy photo #060613-N-9999B-001 by Kevin Burke from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073627
    126k 22 August 2006: The Atlantic Ocean - The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) conducts a fueling at sea (FAS) with the guided-missile frigate Underwood. Bataan is underway conducting an Expeditionary Strike Group Integration with the amphibious assault ship USS Shreveport (LPD 12), amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), embarked elements of Amphibious Squadron Two and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

    (U.S. Navy photo #060822-N-1467R-021 by MC3 Pedro A. Rodriguez from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073628
    111k 02 July 2007: Mayport, Fla. - Sailors man the rails during the homecoming of USS Underwood (FFG 36). While deployed, Underwood conducted more than 35 boarding missions in support of Commander Task Force 158 operations in the Persian Gulf.

    (U.S. Navy photo #070702-N-1522S-027 by MC2 Leah Stiles from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073630
    94k 18 January 2008: the Atlantic Ocean - (From lead, in foreground) USS Underwood (FFG 36), USS Ticonderoga (CG 47), USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), and USS Taylor (FFG 50) steam in a "Ships Parade" formation during Joint Task Force Exercise 2002.

    (U.S. Navy photo #020118-N-6153P-001 by PH1 Phil Pruitt from the Navy Newstand)
    Robert M. Cieri
    Underwood
    073631
    279k 09 July 2008: the Atlantic Ocean - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) steams in the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group composite unit training exercise. COMPTUEX provides a realistic training environment to ensure the strike group is capable and ready for its upcoming deployment. The Iwo Jima ESG is made up of guided missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); all homeported at Norfolk, Va.; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast-attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

    (U.S. Navy photo #080709-N-1082Z-033 by MC2 Jason R. Zalasky from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073632
    127k 13 July 2008: the Atlantic Ocean - The guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) conducts a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195) during the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group composite unit training exercise. COMPTUEX provides a realistic training environment to ensure the strike group is capable and ready for its upcoming scheduled deployment.

    (U.S. Navy photo #080713-N-4236E-164 by MCSN Chad R. Erdmann from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073633
    204k 13 July 2008: the Atlantic Ocean - USS Underwood (FFG 36) steams in the Atlantic Ocean during the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX).

    (U.S. Navy photo #080713-N-4236E-191 by MCSN Chad R. Erdmann from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073634
    204k 19 August 2008: Mayport, Fla. - Tugboats assist Underwood as the ship departs Naval Station Mayport. Underwood and other ships stationed at Mayport will sortie in preparation for Tropical Storm Fay, which is forecasted to hit the northeastern part of Florida Wednesday.

    (U.S. Navy photo #080819-N-3285B-099 by MC2 Regina L. Brown from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073637
    276k 15 January 2010: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - The guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) arrives at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to put on stores and refuel while en route to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Haiti. Underwood was diverted from its mission to assist with relief efforts following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on 12 Jan. 2010.

    (U.S. Navy photo #100115-N-8241M-056 by MCC Bill Mesta, from the Navy News Stand)
    Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    Underwood
    073636
    186k 15 January 2010: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - Underwood moors at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, assisted by Santaquin (YTB-824), to put on stores and refuel while en route to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Haiti. Underwood was diverted from its mission to assist with relief efforts following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on 12 January 2010.

    (U.S. Navy photo #100115-N-8241M-097 by MCC Bill Mesta, from the Navy News Stand)
    Underwood
    073638
    172k 22 January 2010: Killick, Haiti - The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) and the guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) operate off the coast of Killick, Haiti. Both ships are supporting Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on 12 January.

    (U.S. Navy photo #100122-N-5345W-158 by MC2 Kristopher Wilson from the Navy News Stand)
    Underwood
    073639
    204k 9 February 2010: Mayport, Fla. - The guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) returns to Naval Station Mayport after conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations supporting Operation Unified Response.

    (U.S. Navy photos #100209-N-1522S-001 / 100209-N-1522S-002 by MC1 Leah Stiles from the Navy News Stand)
    Underwood
    073640
    345k
    Underwood
    073644
    069k 15 December 2010: Mayport, Fla. - The guided-missile frigates USS Underwood (FFG 36) and USS Halyburton (FFG 40) are decorated with lights for a holiday lighting contest at Naval Station Mayport.

    (U.S. Navy photos #101215-N-1522S-199 by MC1 Leah Stiles from the Navy News Stand)
    Underwood
    073621
    379k 23 April 2012: Mayport, Fla. - Sailors assigned to the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) man the sea and anchor detail as Underwood gets underway for composite training unit exercise. Underwoodd will deploy after completion of the exercise to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120423-N-NL541-144 by MC2 Stuart Phillips from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073623
    216k 28 April 2012: the Atlantic Ocean - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate Underwood fires the MK-75 76mm/62-caliber gun during a live-fire exercise. Underwood is underway for a composite training unit exercise before deploying to Central and South America and the Caribbean for Southern Seas 2012.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120428-N-NL541-244 by MC2 Stuart Phillips from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073625
    482k 05 May 2012: the Panama Canal - The Gatun Locks fill with water to raise the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate Underwood during its transit of the Panama Canal. Underwood is deployed to Central, South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120505-N-ZE938-083 by MCSN Frank J. Pikul from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073629
    272k 07 May 2012: Vasco Nunez De Balboa, the Panama Canal - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) approaches the Bridge of the Americas while departing Vasco Nunez de Balboa for the Pacific Ocean. Underwood is deployed to Central and South America, and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120507-N-NL541-228 by MC2 Stuart Phillips from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073635
    379k 08 May 2012: the Pacific Ocean - The guided-missile frigate USS Underwood prepares for a passing exercise with USS Nicholas (FFG 47) in the Pacific Ocean.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120508-N-NL541-298 by MC2 Stuart Phillips from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073667
    301k 06 June 2012: the Pacific Ocean - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guide-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) sails by a memorial buoy for the Chilean naval ship Esmeralda. Underwood is deployed to Central and South America in support of Southern Seas 2012.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120606-N-ZE938-240 by MC3 Frank J. Pikul from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073642
    555k 16 June 2012: the Pacific Ocean - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guide-missile frigate USS Underwood is underway during a tactical maneuver exercise. Underwood is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120606-N-ZE938-168 by MC3 Frank J. Pikul from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073643
    674k 12 July 2012: Kingston, Jamaica - Sailors man the sea and anchor detail as the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate Underwood arrives in Kingston, Jamaica for a scheduled port visit. Underwood is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120712-N-ZE938-020 by MC3 Frank J. Pikul from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073650
    108k 18 July 2012: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) visits Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Underwood is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120718-N-WW127-875 by MC2 Justin Ailes from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073652
    108k 06 August 2012: Cartagena, Colombia - Sailors aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate Underwood stand by to drop the anchor as the ship arrives in Cartagena, Colombia for a scheduled port visit. Underwood is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120806-N-ZE938-010 by MC3 Frank J. Pikul from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073653
    577k 11 September 2012: the Caribbean Sea - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36), foreground, conducts tactical maneuvers with the Brazilian frigate BNS Greenhalgh (F-46). Underwood and Greenhalgh are group sailing to Key West, Fla. for UNITAS Atlantic 53-2012.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120911-N-NL541-702 by MC2 Stuart Phillips from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073654
    210k 14 September 2012: Key West, Fla. - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36), from Mayport, Fla., is the first ship to berth at Naval Air Station Key West's Mole Pier for UNITAS 2012. Nine more ships from the U.S., Central America and South America will berth at the Truman Waterfront for the UNITAS opening ceremonies on 17 to 19 September. UNITAS is a multi-national naval exercise conducted each year since 1959.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120914-N-HA241-002 by MASN Brandon C. Norman from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073655
    240k 16 September 2012: Key West, Fla. - The guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36), right, moors next to the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) at Naval Air Station Key West for UNITAS Atlantic Phase 2012. UNITAS is an annual multi-national exercise hosted by U.S. Fourth Fleet that is conducted in the Western Caribbean on 17-28 September.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120916-N-IC228-002 by Lcdr. Corey Barker from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood 1.)  396k   Underwood 2.)  307k   Underwood 3.)  364k   Underwood 4.)  185k   Underwood 5.)  311k

    21 September 2012: the Caribbean Sea - A five view series of USS Underwood launching and recovering a BQM-74E drone while participating in participating in UNITAS Atlantic 53-2012.

    1.) A team from NAVAIR Norfolk Detachment prepare a BQM-74E drone for launch from the flight deck. (Photo # 120921-N-NL541-170)
    2.) A BQM-74E drone prepares to launch from the flight deck of Underwood during a drone exercise. (Photo # 120921-N-NL541-012)
    3.) A BQM-74E drone launches from the flight deck of Underwood during a live-fire drone exercise. (Photo # 120921-N-NL541-139)
    4.) An airborne BQM-74E drone launched from the flight deck of Underwood during a live-fire exercise. (Photo # 120921-N-NL541-141)
    5.) Search and rescue swimmer Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Davidson, attaches a line to a BQM-74E drone for recovery. (U.S. Navy photos by MC2 Stuart Phillips from the Navy Newstand)

    1.) 073656  -   2.) 073657  -   3.) 073658  -   4.) 073659  -   5.) 073660
    Underwood 1.)  341k   Underwood 2.)  352k   Underwood 3.)  392k   Underwood 4.)  541k

    23 September 2012: the Caribbean Sea – In the first photo we see the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Bradley (FFG 49), right, conducting a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO-201) while the guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36), far left, is underway with Patuxent and the Colombian navy frigate ARC Antioquia (FM 53) during UNITAS Atlantic 2012. In the next two photos we see Underwood making her approach to fuel from Patuxent, and in the last photo we see Underwood making a high-speed breakaway.

    (U.S. Navy photos #120923-N-ZE938-286, 120923-N-IC228-001, 120923-N-ZE938-016 and 120923-N-ZE938-125 by MC3 Frank J. Pikul from the Navy Newstand)

    1.) 073661  -   2.) 073662  -   3.) 073663  -   4.) 073664
    Underwood
    073665
    343k 25 September 2012: the Caribbean Sea - Sailors aboard Underwood (FFG 36) standby to handle lines as the ship approaches the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) for a replenishment at sea during UNITAS Atlantic 53-2012. UNITAS is a combined South America and U.S. 4th Fleet-sponsored annual exercise that incorporates participants from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the United Kingdom and the United States.

    (U.S. Navy photo #120925-N-NL541-177 by MC2 Stuart Phillips from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073666
    401k 01 October 2012: the Caribbean Sea - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate Underwood is underway in a high speed turn while in the Caribbean Sea to support Operation Martillo, a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes along the Central American isthmus.

    (U.S. Navy photo #121001-N-IC228-004 by Lcdr. Corey Barker from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073668
    405k 30 October 2012: Mayport, Fla. - The guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) returns to Naval Station Mayport after completing a six-month Southern Seas deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility in Central and South America. Underwood participated in the annual Pacific and Atlantic phases of UNITAS, Silent Forces Exercise with the Peruvian navy and conducted counter transnational organized crime operations as part of Operation Martillo. This was the last deployment for Underwood before a scheduled decommissioning Spring 2013. The U.S. Navy has a 237-year heritage of defending freedom and projecting and protecting U.S. interests around the globe.

    (U.S. Navy photo #121030-N-BB308-188 by MC1 John Parker from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073669
    112k 08 March 2013: Mayport, Fla. - Retired Capt. Andrew C. Beck II, the first commanding officer of the guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36), delivers remarks during the decommissioning ceremony for Underwood at Naval Station Mayport. Underwood, named for Capt. Gordon Waite Underwood, was commissioned on 29 January 1983 as the 29th ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class of guided-missile frigates.

    (U.S. Navy photo #130308-N-TC587-037 by MC3 Damian Berg from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073670
    300k 08 March 2013: Mayport, Fla. - Commander Peter T. Mirisola, commanding officer USS Underwood, salutes as he walks through the sideboys during a decommissioning ceremony for his ship at Naval Station Mayport.

    (U.S. Navy photo #130308-N-TC587-087 by MC3 Damian Berg from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073671
    357k 08 March 2013: Mayport, Fla. - The crew of the guided-missile frigate Underwood stand in formation after disembarking the ship for the last time and await to be relieved from the ship's watch during the ship's decommissioning ceremony at Naval Station Mayport.

    (U.S. Navy photo #130308-N-TC587-074 by MC3 Damian Berg from the Navy Newstand)
    Underwood
    073672
    264k 08 March 2013: Mayport, Fla. - Commander Peter Mirisola, commanding officer of the former guided-missile frigate USS Underwood, receives the command pennant from Command Master Chief Michael Bates during the ship's decommissioning ceremony.

    (U.S. Navy photo #130308-N-TC587-077 by MC3 Damian Berg from the Navy Newstand)

    "Underwood, The Ship"    -    "Underwood, Her People"


    Underwood History
    The DANFS history entry for USS Underwood (FFG 36), located on the Naval History and Heritage Command web site is not presently available.
    This class of ship was built too late to be covered by the DANFS Project.

    Underwood's Commanding Officers
    Thanks to Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves
    Dates of Command Commanding Officers
    1.)  29 Jan. 1983 - 01 Oct. 1985Cmdr. Andrew C. Beck II
    2.)  01 Oct. 1985 - 07 Oct. 1987Cmdr. Mark A. Rogers (USNA '70) (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
    3.)  07 Oct. 1987 - 06 Sep. 1989Cmdr. William F. Halsey Berthiaume (Boston, Mass.)
    4.)  06 Sep. 1989 - 02 Sep. 1991Cmdr. Robert Howell Rankin (OCS '71) (Jacksonville, Fla.)
    5.)  02 Sep. 1991 - 22 Oct. 1992Cmdr. Michael Patrick Campbell
    6.)  22 Oct. 1992 - 06 Jun. 1994Cmdr. Archibald Conway Halsall (OCS '75) (New Orleans, La.)
    7.)  06 Jun. 1994 - 16 Mar. 1996Cmdr. Victor Gary Guillory (USNA '78) (New Orleans, La.) (ret. as Radm.)
    8.)  16 Mar. 1996 - 26 Nov. 1997Cmdr. Daniel Martin Smith (Spokane, Wash.)
    9.)  26 Nov. 1997 - 28 May 1999Cmdr. Francis Jeff Niner (USNA '79)
    10.) 28 May 1999 - 24 Oct. 1999Cmdr. Erich T. Cochran
    11.) 27 Oct. 1999 - 04 Apr. 2001Cmdr. Peter Francis Grause (NROTC '82) (Navy Junior)
    12.) 04 Apr. 2001 - 13 Dec. 2002Cmdr. Brian William Daugherty
    13.) 13 Dec. 2002 - 13 Nov. 2004Cmdr. Matthew Spencer Beaver
    14.) 13 Nov. 2004 - 11 Jul. 2006Cmdr. Roderick Joseph Fraser Jr.
    15.) 11 Jul. 2006 - 18 Jan. 2008Cmdr. Thomas L. Dearborn (Mount Vernon, Me.)
    16.) 18 Jan. 2008 - 30 Oct. 2009Cmdr. Wesley Aaron Smith (Kittery, Me.)
    17.) 30 Oct. 2009 - 30 Apr. 2011Cmdr. Craig T. Bowden
    18.) 30 Apr. 2011 - 08 Mar. 2013Cmdr. Peter T. Mirisola (Chatham, Mass.)

    Crew Contact And Reunion Information

    None
    Note About Contacts

    Contact information is compiled from various sources over a period of time and may, or may not, be correct. Every effort has been
    made to list the newest contact. However, our entry is only as good as the latest information that's been sent to us. We list only
    a contact for the ship if one has been sent to us. We do NOT have crew lists or rosters available. Please see the Frequently Asked
    Questions section on Navsource's Main Page for that information.


    Additional Resources

    Tin Can Sailors
    The U.S. Navy Memorial
    The Destroyer Escort Historical Museum
    The Destroyer History Foundation
    Back To The DE / FF / LCS Ship Index
    Back To The Main Photo Index

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    This page created by Daniel N. Dunham,
    expanded and maintained by Mike Smolinski
    All pages copyright Navsource Naval History
    by Paul R. Yarnall
    , All Rights Reserved.
    Page Last Updated: 25 July 2018