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Ship's patch courtesy
of Mike Smolinski

USS Reuben James (FFG-57)


Flag Hoist / Radio Call Sign:
N - N - R - J
Class: Oliver Hazard Perry (Long Hull As Built)
Displacement: 2750 tons (std), 3605 tons (full)    Dimensions: 453' (oa) x 45' x 14' 9"; 24' 6" (sonar)
Armament: 1 OTO Melara 3"/62 cal. Mk 75, 1 Vulcan Phalanx CIS, 4-.50 cal. MGs,1 Mk 13 Mod 4 launcher,
4 SSM McDonnell-Douglas Harpoon missiles, 36 GDC-Pomona Standard SM-1MR missiles,
6-324mm Mk 32 (2 triple) tubes / Mk 46 torpedoes, 2 hangars / 2 SH-60B Seahawk LAMPS MkIII helos
Machinery: 2 GE LM 2500 gas turbine engines; 41,000 shp; 1 shaft, cp propeller, 325 hp retractable propeller pods
Speed: 29 Knots    Crew: 13/206 (includes 19 air detachment)
Radars: AN/SPS-55 (surface), AN/SPS-49 (air)
Sonars: AN/SQS-56, AN/SQR-19 TACTAS (towed array)

Operational and Building Data
Laid down by Todd Shipyard Corp., San Pedro CA on 19 November 1983
Launched 8 February 1985, Commissioned 22 March 1986

Status: Active, Pacific Fleet, Homeported at Pearl Harbor HI

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Reuben James 271k Reuben James was born in Delaware, Ohio about 1776. He joined the Navy and served on various ships, including the frigate USS Constellation. During the Barbary Wars, the American frigate Philadelphia was captured by the Barbary pirates, when it ran aground in the city of Tripoli, on the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, along with a group of volunteers that included Reuben James, entered the harbor of Tripoli under the cover of darkness in an attempt to burn the Philadelphia so that the pirates could not make use of her.

The American volunteers boarded the Philadelphia on 16 February 1804 and were met by a group of Barbary pirates who were guarding their prize. During the ensuing hand-to-hand combat, Reuben James, with both of his hands already wounded, positioned himself between Lieutenant Decatur and a sword-wielding pirate. Reuben James, willing to give his life in defense of his captain, took the blow from the sword but survived and recovered from his wounds.

Reuben James continued his career in the U.S. Navy, including many years with Decatur. James was forced to retire in January 1836 because of declining health brought on because of past wounds. He died on 3 December 1838 at the US Naval Hospital in Washington DC.

USS Reuben James (FFG-57) is named in his honor, as were DD-245 and DE-153.
Robert M. Cieri
Reuben James 217k 19 November 1983: San Pedro CA - Workmen lay the keel of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG-57) during a ceremony at Todd Pacific Shipyards. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-84-04976 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the Defense Visual Information Center) Navsource
Reuben James 280k 6 March 1984: San Pedro CA - A port bow view of Reuben James at 20 percent completion. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-84-06834 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the DVIC)
Reuben James 271k 6 March 1984: San Pedro CA - A starboard bow view of Reuben James at 40 percent completion. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-85-02786 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the DVIC)
Reuben James 174k 8 February 1985: Long Beach CA - The Launching Party poses at the launching of Reuben James at the Todd shipyard. From left to right, L.M. Thorell, general manager, Todd Pacific Shipyard; Lisa Marie Herrington, maid of honor; John S. Herrington, Under Secretary of the Navy; Lois Haight Herrington, ship's sponsor; and Victoria Jean Herrington, maid of honor. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-04203 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the DVIC)
Reuben James 121k 8 February 1985: Long Beach CA - USS Reuben James is christened by Lois Haight Herrington, wife of Under Secretary of the Navy John S. Herrington, at the Todd shipyard. On the right is L.M. Thorell, general manager, Todd Pacific Shipyard. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-04201 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the DVIC)
Reuben James 233k 4 May 1985: Long Beach CA - USS Reuben James is launched at the Todd shipyard. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-04202 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the DVIC)
Reuben James 285k 8 February 1985: Long Beach CA - Elevated starboard quarter view of Reuben James under construction at the Todd shipyard at 70 percent completion. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-04220 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the DVIC)
Reuben James 317k 8 February 1985: Long Beach CA - Elevated bow view of Reuben James under construction at the Todd shipyard at 70 percent completion. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-04219 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the DVIC)
Reuben James 368k 6 October 1985: Long Beach CA - Elevated port bow view of Reuben James at the Todd shipyard at 90 percent completion. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-04255 by Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp. from the DVIC)
Reuben James 278k 5 November 1985: Pacific Ocean - A port bow view of Reuben James underway. (US Navy photo, DVID #DN-SC-86-11042 by Joseph Ernest from the DVIC) James H. Hopper III
Commander, USN (ret.)
Reuben James 245k 5 November 1985: Pacific Ocean - A starboard quarter view of Reuben James underway. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-86-11017 by Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp. from the DVIC) Navsource
Reuben James 130k 22 March 1986: Long Beach CA - A port bow view of Reuben James moored at a pier during its commissioning. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-86-05287 by PH2 Michael D.P. Flynn from the DVIC)
Reuben James 152k 22 March 1986: Long Beach CA - A US Navy color guard parades the colors past an honor guard during the commissioning of Reuben James. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-86-05254 by PH2 Michael D.P. Flynn from the DVIC)
Reuben James 105k 22 March 1986: Long Beach CA - Commander John J. Kieley, first commanding officer of Reuben James, speaks during the ship's commissioning. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-86-05267 by PH2 Michael D.P. Flynn from the DVIC)
Reuben James 145k 22 March 1986: Long Beach CA - Crew members of the guided missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG-57) man the ship during its commissioning ceremony. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-86-05244 by PH2 Michael D.P. Flynn from the DVIC)
Reuben James 166k 22 March 1986: Long Beach CA - Survivors of the first Reuben James (DD-245), which was lost in action at the outbreak of US involvement in World War II, pose for a group photograph during the commissioning of Reuben James. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-86-05278 by PH2 Michael D.P. Flynn from the DVIC)
Reuben James 170k 8 May 1986: Naval Station Long Beach CA - The tug Sea Robin assists Reuben James. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-86-07149 by PH2 Michael D.P. Flynn from the DVIC)
Reuben James 212k 8 May 1986: Naval Station Long Beach CA - Tugs assist Reuben James away from the pier. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-86-07042 by PH2 Michael D.P. Flynn from the DVIC)
Reuben James 247k 25 July 1986: Pacific Ocean - An elevated port quarter view of Reuben James underway. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-87-00192 by PH1 T. Dupree from the DVIC)
Reuben James 214k 25 July 1986: Pacific Ocean - An elevated port bow view of Reuben James underway. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-87-00193 by PH1 T. Dupree from the DVIC)
Reuben James 124k 1 October 1986: Pacific Ocean - A starboard beam view of Reuben James, underway off San Diego. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-89-08634 by PH1 Paul Papas from the DVIC)
Reuben James 124k undated image (USN Photo #999999-n-0000x-115) Bill Gonyo
Reuben James 149k 1 March 1987: Los Angeles CA - A starboard bow view of Reuben James during an inclining test. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-87-08023 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the DVIC) Navsource
Reuben James 223k 1 March 1987: Los Angeles CA - A starboard amidships view of Reuben James during an inclining test. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-87-08024 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the DVIC)
Reuben James 197k 1 March 1987: Los Angeles CA - A starboard amidships view of Reuben James during an inclining test. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-87-08025 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the DVIC)
Reuben James 185k 1 March 1987: Los Angeles CA - A starboard quarter view of Reuben James during an inclining test. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-87-08026 by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. from the DVIC)
Reuben James 95k In 1989 the Commanding Officer, Nick Richards, wanted a photo of the ship with the new Battle Flag being flown. As you can see, it is an enormous flag. We also had a fairly new paint job on the ship, and Cap't Richards wanted a photo of the ship looking sharp! It was to be used not only for PR purposes, but especially for the upcoming trip to Russia. Cap't Richards sent me up on one of the Seahawk helicopters with my new Nikon F4S camera and I took photos of the ship for about 20 minutes from all angles. This was one of my favorite shots, and Cap't Richards agreed, and it became the ‘official ship photo’ for quite awhile. I don’t remember where we were at when the photo was taken, I was taking many photos back then as one of the Ship’s Photo Intel team members (Snoopy Team). Mark S. West
FC1(SW), USN (ret.)
Reuben James 151k 14 September 1990: Vladivostok USSR - A banner hangs from a railing aboard a Soviet harbor craft as two American warships enter the port. The guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and the guided missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) are visiting Vladivostock as part of a United States/Soviet goodwill exchange program. (US Navy photo, DVID #DN-ST-91-00748 by PH1 Ted Salois, from the DVIC)


*** Feature Page for Reuben James' Vladivostok Visit ***


Navsource
Reuben James 74k 25 June 1999: the Pacific Ocean - The Chilean flagship Blanco Encalada (DLH-15) is framed by the 76mm gun mount from Reuben James during Exercise Teamwork South '99 off the coast of Chile. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SD-02-02010 (990625-N-5862D-004) by PH1 Chris Desmond, from the DVIC) Fred Weiss
Reuben James 173k 30 June 1999: the Pacific Ocean - US Navy frigate Reuben James and US Navy submarine USS Tucson (SSN-770) off the coast of Chile during Exercise Teamwork South '99. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SD-02-02099 (990630-N-5862D-028) by PH1 Chris Desmond from the DVIC)
Reuben James 118k 6 July 1999: the Pacific Ocean - Reuben James is anchored off the port city of Mejoines, Chile, as a participant in Exercise Teamwork South '99. (US Navy photo, DVID #DN-SD-02-02010 (DN-SD-02-02135 (990706-N-5862D-004) by PH1 Chris Desmond from the DVIC) Navsource
Reuben James 263k 23 September 2002: the Pacific Ocean - An aerial view of Reuben James. Frigates fulfill a protection of shipping mission as Anti-Submarine Warfare combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment groups and merchant convoys. Reuben James is a part of the USS Abrham Lincoln (CVN 72) Battle Group and is on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SD-02-02010 (020923-N-4309A-008) by PH2 Aaron Ansarov from the Defense Visual Information Center) Bill Gonyo
Reuben James 171k 27 April 2003: Pearl Harbor HI - Sailors aboard Reuben James man the rails as the ship returns to her homeport of Pearl Harbor. Reuben James spent over nine months deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. (US Navy photo #030427-N-5376G-002 by PHAN Benjamin D. Glass from the Navy Newstand) Fred Weiss
Reuben James 169k 27 April 2003: Pearl Harbor HI - Reuben James returns to her homeport Pearl Harbor after a deployment with the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) strike group spanning nearly 10 months. Reuben James is among the first ships to return home from Operation Iraqi Freedom. (US Navy photo #030427-N-8157C-031 by PH2 Dennis Cantrell from the Navy Newstand) Navsource
Reuben James 229k 27 April 2003: Pearl Harbor HI - Friends and family members welcome the crew of Reuben James as it returns to her homeport at Pearl Harbor. Reuben James is among the first ships to return home from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. (US Navy photo #030427-N-8157C-057 by PH2 Dennis Cantrell from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 153k 18 June 2003: Honolulu HI - Reuben James prepares to pass the new Japanese fishing training vessel Ehime Maru while pulling in to Honolulu, Hawaii. Reuben James and the guided missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG-70) pull into Honolulu, Hawaii for a short port visit to The Aloha Tower Marketplace in support of this year's Navy League Convention. (US Navy photo #030618-N-8157C-020 by PH2 Dennis Cantrell from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 177k 18 June 2003: Honolulu HI - Reuben James and the guided missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG-70) pull into Honolulu for a short port visit to The Aloha Tower Marketplace in support of this year's Navy League Convention. (US Navy photo #030618-N-8157C-049 by PH2 Dennis Cantrell from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 168k 18 June 2003: Honolulu HI - Officers and Sailors of the guided missile frigate Reuben James hold a frocking ceremony on the ship’s helo deck. Reuben James and Reuben James (DDG-70) pulled into Honolulu for a short port visit to The Aloha Tower Marketplace in support of this year's Navy League Convention. (US Navy photo #030618-N-8157C-088 by PH2 Dennis Cantrell from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 170k 20 June 2003: Pearl Harbor HI - Lt. Matthew Poirier, navigator aboard the guided missile frigate Reuben James, conducts a tour for National Football League’s San Francisco Forty-Niner cheerleaders aboard the ship. The cheerleaders were in Hawaii to pose for photos for a calendar and also to tour Pearl Harbor based ships. The guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and USS Santa Fe (SSN-763) held autograph sessions at the Navy Exchange. (US Navy photo #030620-N-3228G-003 by PH1 William R. Goodwin from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 173k 12 February 2004: Pearl Harbor HI - Family members of sailors assigned to the guided missile frigate Reuben James watch as the ship pulls out for a scheduled deployment. Reuben James is scheduled to perform various counter drug operations in the Eastern regions of the South Pacific Ocean. Reuben James returned ten months ago from the Arabian Gulf following a nine-month deployment in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. (US Navy photo #040212-N-3019M-001 by JOSN Ryan C. McGinley from the Navy Newstand) Fred Weiss
Reuben James 125k 23 April 2004: Pearl Harbor HI - Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Ronnie Martin supervises line handlers while mooring the guided missile frigate Reuben James. Reuben James returned to Pearl Harbor after a three-month deployment to the Eastern Pacific Ocean to monitor, detect and counter drug activities. (US Navy photo #040423-N-3228G-002 by PH1 William R. Goodwin from the Navy Newstand) Navsource
Reuben James 121k 23 April 2004: Pearl Harbor HI - A line handler secures a stern line to a bollard while mooring Reuben James. Reuben James is returning to Pearl Harbor after a three-month deployment to the Eastern Pacific Ocean to monitor, detect and counter drug activities. During the deployment, the crew aboard Reuben James rescued 149 Ecuadorian men, women, and children from the sinking motor vessel MV Margyl Margarita, returning them safely to Ecuador. (US Navy photo #040423-N-3228G-003 by PH1 William R. Goodwin from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 76k 23 April 2004: Pearl Harbor HI - Chief Engineman Robert Caldwell greets a loved one on the pier after his ship, Reuben James returned to her homeport at Pearl Harbor. Reuben James returned to Pearl Harbor after a three-month deployment to the Eastern Pacific Ocean to monitor, detect and counter drug activities. (US Navy photo #040423-N-3228G-006 by PH1 William R. Goodwin, from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 118k 23 April 2004: Pearl Harbor HI - Seaman Jesse L. Miller, left, and Seaman Stephen Hopwood install a rat guard on a bow mooring line after their ship, the guided missile frigate Reuben James returned to Pearl Harbor. Reuben James is returning to Pearl Harbor after a three-month deployment to the Eastern Pacific Ocean to monitor, detect and counter drug activities. (US Navy photo #040423-N-3228G-009 by PH1 William R. Goodwin, from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 156k 31 January 2005: Pearl Harbor HI - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Terry Scott speaks to Sailors assigned to the guided missile frigate Reuben James about how fleet surveys affected the concept of the new Task Force Uniform. MCPON Terry Scott visited various bases in Hawaii to speak to Sailors about education, training, and the new Task Force Uniform concept. (US Navy photo #050131-N-3207B-081 by PH2 Jennifer L. Bailey from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 45k 1 January 2006: San Diego CA - Reuben James and other 3rd Fleet ships home ported at Naval Station San Diego display their holiday lights in celebration moments after the start of the New Year. (US Navy photo #060101-N-9866B-324 by JO2 Zack Baddorf from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 79k 7 August 2006: Pearl Harbor HI - The US Navy Oliver Hazard Perry Class Guided Missile Frigate USS Reuben James (FFG-57) (left) and the Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser (Aegis) USS Port Royal (CG-73) (right) sit moored at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, HI. Reuben James and Port Royal, completed a six-month deployment in the Western Pacific and the USN 5th Fleet area of operation. Nearly 6,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group 3 (ESG-3) operated in the Pacific and Indian Oceans in support of the Global War On Terrorism. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SD-07-10853 (060807-N-4965F-001) by MC1 James E. Foehl from the DVIC)
Reuben James 93k 16 August 2006: Pearl Harbor HI - Reuben James sits pierside at Pearl Harbor after returning from a six-month deployment. The ship traveled more than 45,000 miles supporting the global war on terrorism and maritime security operations. (US Navy photo #060816-N-9643K-001 by MCC Joe Kane from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 97k 31 August 2006: Pearl Harbor HI - US Navy Operations Specialist 1st Class Stephen Cornell, an anti-submarine tactical controller onboard Reuben James, homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, prepares to raise the Navy Jack during morning colors on 31 August 2006. Since May 2002, all U.S. Navy ships have flown the Navy Jack from 8 a.m. to sunset daily while in port. The temporary substitution for the Union Jack represents a historic reminder of the nation's and Navy's origin and the will to persevere and triumph during the Global War On Terrorism. (US Navy photo DVID #DN-SD-07-12617 (060831-N-4965F-002) by MC1 James E. Foehl from the DVIC)
Reuben James 86k 24 August 2007: Pearl Harbor HI - A senior chief petty officer aboard Reuben James says goodbye to his family before departing for a Western Pacific deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. (US Navy photo #070824-N-0879R-005 by MCC David Rush from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 79k 24 August 2007: Pearl Harbor HI - Family and friends say goodbye to Sailors aboard Reuben James as they depart for the Western Pacific in support of the global war on terrorism. (US Navy photo #070824-N-0879R-010 by MCC David Rush from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 163k 24 August 2007: Pearl Harbor HI - USS Reuben James (FFG 37) departs from her homeport of Naval Station Pearl Harbor. The ship is scheduled conduct operations in the Western Pacific Ocean. (US Navy photo #070824-N-9758L-183 by MC3 Michael A. Lantron from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 130k 22 February 2008: Pearl Harbor HI - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG-57) passes the Battleship Missouri Memorial as she makes her way pier side at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Reuben James is returning from a six-month western Pacific deployment supporting the global war on terrorism. Armed with six MK-46 torpedoes, one 76 mm MK 75 rapid-fire gun and one Phalanx close-in weapons system, frigates fulfill a protection of shipping mission as anti-submarine warfare combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment groups and merchant convoys. (US Navy photo #080222-N-4965F-358 by MC1 James E. Foehl from the Navy Newstand) Robert M. Cieri
Reuben James 92k 22 February 2008: Pearl Harbor HI - Sailors man the rails aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG-57) as she makes her way pier side at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Reuben James is returning from a six-month western Pacific deployment supporting the global war on terrorism. Armed with six MK-46 torpedoes, one 76 mm MK 75 rapid fire gun and one Phalanx close-in weapons system, frigates fulfill a protection of shipping mission as anti-submarine warfare combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment groups and merchant convoys. (US Navy photo #080222-N-4965F-398 by MC1 James E. Foehl from the Navy Newstand)
Reuben James 191k 18 April 2008: Pearl Harbor HI - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG-57) passes the USS Arizona Memorial as she departs Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Reuben James departed her homeport of Pearl Harbor to join USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Carrier Strike Group (CSG). The Nimitz CSG is deployed under the Navy's fleet response plan and will operate in the western Pacific in support of U.S. commitments in the region. (US Navy photo #080418-N-4965F-099 by MC1 James E. Foehl from the Navy Newstand)

USS Reuben James FFG-57 History
Note: History is unavailable at this time
This class of ship was built too late to be covered by the DANFS project

Supplemental History Page: Reuben James Visits Vladivostok USSR, 14 September 1990

Crew Contact And Reunion Information

Contact Name:John B. Lampe
Address: 121 Lucas Drive / Bordentown NJ 08505-1406
Phone:(609) 298-7293

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 Reuben James Page at Military.Com
USS Reuben James Page at Navy Site

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