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Navsource Online: Frigate Photo Archive


Ship's patch courtesy
of Mike Smolinski

USS Curts (FFG 38)


Flag Hoist / Radio Call Sign:
N - H - O - C
Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons






Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Combat Action Ribbon
Second Row: Joint Meritorious Unit Award - Navy Unit Commendation - Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Third Row: CG Meritorious Unit Commendation - Navy Battle "E" Ribbon (4+) - Navy Expeditionary Medal
Fourth Row: National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 star - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal - Southwest Asia Service Medal w/ 1 star
Fifth Row: Global War on Terror Service Medal - Humanitarian Service Medal - Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ 7 stars
Sixth Row: CG Special Operations Service Ribbon - Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi) - Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwaiti)

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
Curts (FFG 38) Building and Operational Data:
  • 27 April 1979: Building contract awarded to Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp.
  • 1 July 1981: Keel laid by the Todd Shipyard Corp., Los Angeles Div., San Pedro, Cal.
  • 6 March 1982: Launched and christened
  • 8 October 1983: Commissioned at Naval Station Long Beach, Cmdr J.R. Tinsley in command; assigned to Long Beach as a unit of Destroyer Squadron 9
  • October 1985: Reassigned to Destroyer Squadron 31
  • 18 June 1988: Forward deployed, homeport changed to Yokosuka, Japan as a unit of Destroyer Squadron 15 (relieved Knox, FF 1052)
  • 21 March 1992: Grounded while entering port in Lumut, Malaysia
  • 11 July 1997: Homeport changed to San Diego, Cal. as a unit of Destroyer Squadron 23 (relieved by DDG 56, John S. McCain)
  • October 1998: Assigned to the Naval Reserve Force (NRF), Pacific, as a unit of Destroyer Squadron 1
  • present status: Active, Pacific Fleet, homeported at San Diego, Cal. as a unit of DesRon 23
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    Curts 147k Admiral Maurice E. Curts, United States Navy, (1898-1976) was a former Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and heroic cruiser commander of World War II. He was awarded the Navy Cross and Silver Star Medal for extraordinary heroism while commanding the cruiser USS Columbia during the Leyte landings, the Battle of Suringao Strait, the Lingayen gulf landings, he continued to lead his cruiser in action despite the severe damage inflicted by two suicide planes which had left nearly 100 of his men dead or wounded. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he earned the Bronze Star Medal as Communications Officer, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Following the close of World War II, he was Force Commander, Operational Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Readiness); and Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, serving with great distinction until 13 January 1956. On this date, he was designated by the President as the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, serving until the arrival of his relief on 1 February 1958. A month later, he became Commander Western Sea Frontier, remaining until his retirement on 1 April 1960. Early naval service included duty as Officer in Charge, Radio and Sound, Naval Research Laboratory (June 1936 - May 1938) where he earned a commendation from the Secretary of the Navy for outstanding service in the development of radar.

    USS Curts (FFG 38) was the first ship named in his honor.

    (U.S. Navy photo)
    Robert M. Cieri
    Curts 112k 28 June 1983: The Pacific Ocean - An aerial starboard bow view of Curts underway. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-83-11806 by John Graham from the Defense Visual Information Center) Navsource
    Curts 118k 1 August 1983: The Pacific Ocean - An aerial starboard bow view of Curts underway. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-83-11428 by Bath Iron Works from the DVIC)
    Curts 170k 1 August 1983: The Pacific Ocean - An aerial starboard quarter view of Curts underway. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-83-11996 by Todd-Pacific Shipyards Corp. from the DVIC)
    Curts 155k 1 August 1983: The Pacific Ocean - An aerial starboard quarter view of Curts underway. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-83-11998 by Todd-Pacific Shipyards Corp. from the DVIC)
    Curts 154k 1 August 1983: The Pacific Ocean - An aerial starboard beam view of Curts underway. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-83-11999 by Todd-Pacific Shipyards Corp. from the DVIC)
    Curts 127k 1 August 1983: The Pacific Ocean - An aerial starboard bow view of Curts underway. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-83-11997 by Todd-Pacific Shipyards Corp. from the DVIC)
    Curts 114k 9 September 1984: San Pedro, Cal. - A starboard (forward section) view of Curts during an inclining test at Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-85-02796 from the DVIC)
    Curts 188k 9 September 1984: San Pedro, Cal. - A starboard (amidships) view of Curts during an inclining test at Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-85-02797 from the DVIC)
    Curts 152k 9 September 1984: San Pedro, Cal. - A starboard (amidships) view of Curts during an inclining test at Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. Note the Mark 15 Phalanx Close-In-Weapon-System (CIWS) mounted above the hangar bay. Also visible are the guided missile frigates USS Gary (FFG 51) and USS Ford (FFG 54). (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-85-02798 from the DVIC)
    Curts 165k 9 September 1984: San Pedro, Cal. - A starboard (aft section) view of Curts during an inclining test at Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-85-02799 from the DVIC)
    Curts 170k 1 October 1987: The Persian Gulf - A starboard quarter view of Curts underway on patrol as part of a multinational force stationed in the region to safeguard shipping during the war between Iraq and Iran. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-93-00909 by PH1 Terry Cosgrove, from the DVIC)
    Curts 130k 1 October 1987: The Persian Gulf - A port quarter view of Curts underway on patrol as part of a multinational force stationed in the region to safeguard shipping during the war between Iraq and Iran. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-93-00910 by PH1 Terry Cosgrove from the DVIC)
    Curts 137k 1 November 1987: The Persian Gulf - Curts executes a high-speed maneuver while serving as an escort for the battleship USS Missouri (BB 63). (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-94-00425 by PH1 Terry Cosgrove from the DVIC)
    Curts 131k 1 March 1989: Pearl Harbor HI - Sailors man the rails aboard Curts as the vessel passes the USS Arizona Memorial. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-92-06794 by OS2 John Bouvia from the DVIC)
    Curts 86k 1 December 1989: The Pacific Ocean - Curts comes alongside the combat stores ship USNS Spica (T-AFS 9) for an underway replenishment of fuel. In addition to the Spica's crew, 150 dependents are aboard the ship for a dependent's day cruise. Spica is based at U.S. Naval Station, Subic Bay, Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-90-04887 by PHC Carolyn E. Harris from the DVIC)
    Curts 85k 1 December 1989: The Pacific Ocean - Standing along the starboard side of the combat stores ship USNS Spica (T-AFS 9), dependents watch as fuel is transferred from the Spica to Curts. In addition to the Spica's crew, 150 dependents are aboard the ship for a dependent's day cruise. Spica is based at U.S. Naval Station, Subic Bay, Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-90-04890 by PHC Carolyn E. Harris from the DVIC)
    Curts 86k 14 January 1991: The Persian Gulf - An Iraqi mine is detonated by an explosives ordnance disposal team near Curts during Operation Desert Storm. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-91-09317 by PH3 Brad Dillon from the DVIC)
    Curts 95k 6 February 1991: The Persian Gulf - Black smoke pours from the sinking remains of an Iraqi oil tanker that was struck by Allied firepower during Operation Desert Storm. The vessel was struck south of the Khauer Al Kafka oil terminal and survivors were captured and taken aboard Curts. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-92-07929 by PH2 Robert Clare from the Defense Visual Information Center)
    Curts 87k April 1991: Hong Kong Harbor William Chiu
    Curts 112k
    Curts 99k
    Curts 127k 7 February 1992: Naval Station Subic Bay, P.I. - The amphibious cargo ship USS Durham (LKA 114), foreground, passes Curts, background, as it departs from port following a one-week stay. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-92-06208 by PH2 M.C. Farrington from the DVIC) Navsource
    Curts 79k 16 November 1992: The Pacific Ocean - A port view of Curts departing for the Persian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-93-00647 by PH1 Terry Cosgrove from the DVIC)
    Curts 74k 19 July 1998: The guided missile frigate Curts during the battlegroup exercise at RIMPAC 98. (U.S. Navy photo #980719-N-3340H-001 by PH3 Christopher M. Hollaway, from the Navy Newstand) Bill Gonyo
    Curts 74k 26 June 2001: The Indian Ocean - The MK-75, 76mm automatic gun, fires off the starboard side of Curts during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Exercise 2001. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SD-03-08693 by PH1 Kevin Tierney from the DVIC) Navsource
    Curts 82k 3 July 2001: Singapore - Two U.S. Navy ships, Curts and the nuclear powered attack submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN 688) berthed at a pier on Changi Naval Base, Singapore during the seventh annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Exercise 2001. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SD-03-09276 by PH2 Erin A. Zocco from the Defense Visual Information Center)
    Curts 68k 3 July 2001: Singapore - The U.S. Navy guided missile frigate Curts at a pier on Changi Naval Base, Singapore during the seventh annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Exercise 2001. (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SD-03-09278 by PH2 Erin A. Zocco from the DVIC)
    Curts 145k 12 June 2003: Gulf of Thailand - The Curts conducts training operations during the Thailand phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), which ran 6-13 June. Curts is homeported in San Diego. (U.S. Marine Corps photo #030612-M-7403H-252 by Pfc. Thomas D. Hudzinski from the Navy News Stand) Bill Gonyo
    Curts 147k 17 July 2003: at sea - A BQM-74E aerial drone target is launched from the Curts. The drone was tracked by Republic of Singapore Navy ships as part of a missile exercise during the Singapore phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training. More than 1,500 U.S. and Singapore Armed Force personnel are taking part. (U.S. Navy photo #030717-N-6274G-001 by Lt.j.g. Leonardo Giovannelli from the Navy News Stand)
    Curts 113k 18 July 2003: at sea - A 76mm round leaves the barrel of the gun mount aboard the Curts during a gunnery exercise. Curts fired the rounds at a freighter towed by a Republic of Singapore Navy ship during the Singapore phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training. (U.S. Navy photo #030718-N-4178C-002 by JO1 Bruce Cummins from the Navy News Stand)
    Curts 113k 4 November 2005: San Diego - Curts is guided into Naval Station San Diego with the help of a tugboat after passing underneath the Coronado Bridge. Curts is returning to Naval Station San Diego after an underway period off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo #051104-N-9866B-011 by JO2 Zack Baddorf from the Navy News Stand) Navsource
    Curts 230k 5 September 2008: the Indian Ocean - The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) steams with Curts while underway in the Indian Ocean as part of the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group. The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility operating in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. (U.S. Navy photo #080905-N-7981E-988 by MC2 James R. Evans from the Navy News Stand) Robert M. Cieri
    Curts 147k 7 September 2008: the Indian Ocean - Curts approaches the Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) during an underway replenishment between Byrd and ships from USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group. The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility operating in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. (U.S. Navy photo #080907-N-7981E-117 by MC2 James R. Evans from the Navy News Stand)
    Curts 880k 14 November 2009: the Pacific Ocean - USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) conducts a replenishment at sea with the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate Curts and the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). (U.S. Navy photo #091114-N-2475A-306 by MC3 Kenneth Abbate from the Navy News Stand) Lee Wahler
    Curts 195k 17 May 2011: Chula Vista, Cal. - Photos of Curts and USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) in a floating drydock at San Diego. (Photos by Jon Iverson) Jon Iverson
    Curts 324k

    Curts Memorabilia
    Additional Patch
    Curts
    Courtesy of
    Mike Smolinski
    Yokosuka Naval Base
    Newspaper Articles
    Curts
    Courtesy of
    Larry Stine
    Change of Command
    Program, 7 March 2007

    Curts

    Courtesy of
    Robert M. Cieri


    USS Curts FFG 38 History
    Note: History is unavailable at this time
    This class of ship was built too late to be covered by the DANFS project


    Curts' Commanding Officers
    Thanks to Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves
    Dates of Command Commanding Officers
    1.)  08 Oct. 1983 - 28 Sep. 1985Cmdr. James R. Tinsley III
    2.)  28 Sep. 1985 - 26 Oct. 1987Cmdr. Timothy A. French
    3.)  26 Oct. 1987 - 30 Jan. 1990Cmdr. David J. Alexander
    4.)  30 Jan. 1990 - 03 Jan. 1992Cmdr. Glenn H. Montgomery
    5.)  03 Jan. 1992 - 05 Apr. 1992Cmdr. Peter F. Carr
    6.)  05 Apr. 1992 - 17 Jul. 1992Cmdr. Anthony J. Kopacz
    7.)  17 Jul. 1992 - 13 May 1994Cmdr. Martin Louis Moody
    8.)  13 May 1994 - 15 Mar. 1996Cmdr. Thomas A. Delery
    9.)  15 Mar. 1996 - 03 Oct. 1997Cmdr. Michael Stanley Frick
    10.) 03 Oct. 1997 - 30 Apr. 1999Cmdr. Mark Stephen Welch
    11.) 30 Apr. 1999 - 16 Dec. 2000Cmdr. John Wallace Riley III
    12.) 16 Dec. 2000 - 08 Aug. 2002Cmdr. Lewis Christopher Nygard
    13.) 08 Aug. 2002 - 21 Nov. 2003Cmdr. Bryan Thomas Caraveo
    14.) 21 Nov. 2003 - 20 Feb. 2004Cmdr. Timothy Thompson Smith
    15.) 20 Feb. 2004 - 21 Oct. 2005Cmdr. Luis Alejandro Boticario
    16.) 21 Oct. 2005 - 27 Apr. 2007Cmdr. William Weir DeBow
    17.) 27 Apr. 2007 - 17 Nov. 2008Cmdr. Yvette Marie Gonzalez Davids
    18.) 17 Nov. 2008 - 17 Jul. 2010Cmdr. Harold Thomas Workman
    19.) 17 Jul. 2010 - 02 Sep. 2011Cmdr. David Matthew Rowland
    20.) 02 Sep. 2011 - Cmdr. Fermin (Espi) Espinoza

    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
    View This Vessel's Official Web page
    USS Curts Page on Military.Com
    Tin Can Sailors Shipmate Registry- USS Curts
    To The DE/Frigate Photo Index Page Back To The Main Photo Index

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    This page created by Daniel N. Dunham, expanded and maintained by Mike Smolinski
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    Page Last Updated 31 December 2011