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Robert Graham Bradley, born in Washington, D.C., on 26 September 1921, was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy on 09 June 1939, and graduated on 19 June 1942.
He completed instruction at the Atlantic Subordinate Command, Service Force, Norfolk, Va. (03 July–27 October 1942), and on 29 October reported to New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, N.J.,
for the fitting out of small aircraft carrier Princeton (CVL 23). He served as a member of the ship’s company when Princeton was commissioned on 25 February 1943,
and while on board received promotions to lieutenant, junior grade and lieutenant (01 May 1943 and 01 July 1944, respectively), as she took part in operations ranging from the occupation of
Baker Island (September 1943) to the Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944).
While Princeton steamed with Task Group 38.3 (part of Task Force 38) in Leyte Gulf off the east coast of Luzon, Philippines (24 October 1944), a Japanese plane, tentatively
identified as a Yokosuka D4Y1 Type 2 [Judy], attacked the ship. Its bomb penetrated the flight, hangar, and main decks and exploded, igniting an inferno that swept across the hangar deck.
Explosions rocked the carrier, but Bradley, the ship’s Assistant First Lieutenant, led a repair party and battled the blaze on the second and third decks. Light cruisers Birmingham
(CL 62) and Reno (CL 96), and destroyers Gatling (DD 671), Irwin (DD 794), and Morrison (DD 560), also fought the fire.
The intense heat compelled Bradley and his men to abandon their efforts, and after verifying that no wounded men remained behind, he entered the water at 1005, rescued soon thereafter by
Morrison. Their success in fighting the fire led many of the men to believe that if they could clear the smoke from Princeton’s largely undamaged machinery spaces,
they could raise steam and save the ship. Bradley thus valiantly returned to Princeton from Morrison, which lay alongside Princeton’s starboard quarter
to play her hoses onto the flames and became temporarily wedged between two of the carrier’s overhanging stacks. A submarine and air alert sounded 30 minutes later and Birmingham
and Morrison, the two closest ships, pulled away to take their antisubmarine stations. The determined firefighting efforts had nearly controlled the fire, but it raged again during
the ensuing lull. Following the alert, Birmingham and Morrison closed and attempted to secure a line to Princeton. The cruiser succeeded on her third
try, but the flames touched off four hundred 100 pound bombs stowed aft in the torpedo magazine. The resulting explosion blew off the upper part of the carrier’s stern, killing Bradley and every
man in the vicinity. Birmingham, Gatling, Irwin, and Morrison all sustained damage by rolling against the stricken carrier or by fragments
from the explosion of Princeton’s magazines, the detonation devastated Birmingham, which lay alongside the carrier and lost 229 men killed, four missing, 211 seriously
wounded, and 215 with minor wounds. In addition, a jeep (used to tow aircraft) fell from Princeton's flight deck, damaging Morrison’s bridge. Reno and
Irwin scuttled Princeton.
Bradley had repeatedly risked his life, entering the most dangerous areas below deck to ascertain the extent of the damage and to fight the fires blazing on board. For his “outstanding fortitude,
great personal valor, and self-sacrificing devotion to the completion of an extremely perilous task,” as well as his “extraordinary heroism,” Bradley received the Navy Cross posthumously.
USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) (1984-2014) was the first ship named in his honor.
The sketch of Lt. Robert G. Bradley is from the ship’s commissioning brochure.
| Mike Smolinski
Clifton, N.J.
Navsource DE/FF/LCS
Archive Manager |
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03 August 1983: Bath, Me. - Edna D. Woodruff (Mother of Lt. Bradley), left, sponsor of the guided missile frigate Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) and Sybil
Godfrey Geiger, matron of honor, stand near the ship's bow during the launching ceremony.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05414 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the Defense Visual Information Center) |
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03 August 1983: Bath, Me. - Edna D. Woodruff, sponsor of Robert G. Bradley christens the ship during its launching ceremony.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05415 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC) |
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03 August 1983: Bath, Me. - A bow view of Robert G. Bradley sliding down the ways.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05417 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC) |
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03 August 1983: Bath, Me. - A starboard bow view of Robert G. Bradley in the water after its launching.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05416 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC) |
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30 July 1984: Bath, Me. - A starboard bow view (in fog) of Robert G. Bradley as its commissioning ceremony gets underway.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-85-07033 by PH3 Joan Zopf from the DVIC) |
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30 July 1984: Bath, Me. - Commander Thomas I. Eubanks, prospective commanding officer of Robert G. Bradley, speaks during the ship's commissioning.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05422 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC) |
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30 July 1984: Bath, Me. - Cmdr. Thomas I. Eubanks accepts command of Robert G. Bradley during the ship's commissioning.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-86-05423 by Bath Iron Works Corp. from the DVIC) |
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11 August 1984: Portsmouth, N.H. - A port bow view of Robert G. Bradley as its ceremonial commissioning gets underway at Portsmouth, N.H. The
ship's crew stands in formation to the right.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-85-06947 by PH3 Joan Zopf from the DVIC) |
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11 August 1984: Portsmouth, N.H. - A Marine Corps color guard participates in the commissioning of Robert G. Bradley.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-85-07022 by PH3 Joan Zopf from the DVIC) |
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11 August 1984: Portsmouth, N.H. - Crewmen march along the pier prior to going aboard Robert G. Bradley during its commissioning ceremony.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-85-07003 by PH3 Joan Zopf from the DVIC) |
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11 August 1984: Portsmouth, N.H. - Mrs. Edna D. Woodruff, right, sponsor, sits with members of her family during the ceremonial commissioning ceremony
for Robert G. Bradley. Mrs. Woodruff is the mother of the ship's namesake, who was killed during World War II.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-85-06950 by PH3 Joan Zopf from the DVIC) |
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11 August 1984: Portsmouth, N.H. - An overall view of the commissioning ceremony for Robert G. Bradley.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-85-07009 by PH3 Joan Zopf from the DVIC) |
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11 August 1984: Portsmouth, N.H. - Mrs. Barbara Bradley Caves, the widow of Lt. Robert G. Bradley, is welcomed aboard for the reception after the commissioning
ceremony. Stepping off the brow behind her is the mayor of Portsmouth, N.H. |
John H. Lobdell
Captain, USN (Ret.)
USNA Class of 1943
Classmate of Lt. Robert G. Bradley |
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11 August 1984: Portsmouth, N.H. - The cake being served at the Commissioning Ceremony reception. |
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date / location unknown |
Mike Smolinski
Clifton, N.J.
Navsource DE/FF/LCS
Archive Manager |
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date / location unknown |
Igancio F. Lopez
Spanish Navy (Ret.) |
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date / location unknown |
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16 August 1984: Atlantic Ocean - Starboard bow view of Robert G. Bradley underway during sea trials.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-84-10573 from the DVIC) |
Mike Smolinski
Clifton, N.J.
Navsource DE/FF/LCS
Archive Manager |
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16 August 1984: Atlantic Ocean - Starboard bow view of Robert G. Bradley underway during sea trials.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-84-10576 from the DVIC) |
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16 August 1984: Atlantic Ocean - Aerial port bow view of Robert G. Bradley underway during sea trials.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-84-10578 from the DVIC) |
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16 August 1984: Atlantic Ocean - Starboard quarter view of Robert G. Bradley underway during sea trials.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-84-10575 from the DVIC) |
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16 August 1984: Atlantic Ocean - Starboard quarter view of Robert G. Bradley underway during sea trials.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-84-10577 from the DVIC) |
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June-July 1988: the Persian Gulf - USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) underway in the Gulf. Note the dark hull number painted on her bow.
(U.S. Naval Historical Center photo # NH 107538 by PHCS Terry Mitchell from the Naval History and Heritage Command) |
Mike Green
Port Angeles, Wash. |
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20 August 1995: Chesapeake Bay, Va.- A starboard bow view of Robert G. Bradley entering the Hampton Roadstead following the passage of Hurricane
Felix from the area.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-95-02291 by Don S. Montgomery, from the DVIC) |
Mike Smolinski
Clifton, N.J.
Navsource DE/FF/LCS
Archive Manager |
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June 1998: Halifax, Nova Scotia - taken during a port call. |
Peter Wilson |
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03 November 2001: Atlantic Ocean - Robert G. Bradley arrives in Montevideo for the start of the Atlantic phase of the 42nd annual UNITAS exercise.
The Brazilian Navy (Marinha do Brasil) Niteroi Class (FFGHM) Frigate Uniao (F-45) is moored to the left. The Atlantic Phase of UNITAS XLII, held 2-18 November 2001, is
a series of complex naval exercises focused on promoting inter-operability and multi-national coalition in South America and the Caribbean Sea.
(U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SD-05-00558 by PH2 Aaron Peterson from the DVIC) |
Mike Smolinski
Clifton, N.J.
Navsource DE/FF/LCS
Archive Manager |
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22 October 2003: South Atlantic Ocean - A BQM 74 remote-controlled drone is launched from the flight deck aboard the guided missile frigate USS
Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) to serve as a target for an anti-air warfare exercise conducted as part of UNITAS 45-04 Atlantic. The drone was launched and
controlled by a detachment from Fleet Composite Squadron Six (VC-6) deployed aboard Bradley in support of the exercise. UNITAS provides the participant
navies the opportunity to train together and develop interoperability in a highly technical environment. Hosted by Argentina, this year's Atlantic Phase also has the participation
of naval forces from Brazil, Peru, Spain, Uruguay and the United States.
(U.S. Navy photo #031022-N-2779T-001 by PH2 Robert Taylor from the Navy Newstand) |
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26 May 2004: New York City NY - Crew members assigned to the Keeper-class coastal buoy tender Katherine Walker (WLM-552) render honors to the
guided missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) at the beginning of Fleet Week in New York City. Over 4,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen on twelve ships are
participating in this year's event held from 26 May to 02 June.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo #040526-C-5313L-080 by PO Mike Lutz from the Navy Newstand) |
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08 February 2007: the Pacific Ocean - The guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) prepares for an underway replenishment with the
fast fleet tanker RFA Wave Ruler (A390). Bradley is deployed under operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command as part of a Joint/Inter-Agency
Task force conducting Counter Narcotics Trafficking operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
(U.S. Navy photo #070208-N-3977J-001 by AW2 Julius Jones from the Navy Newstand) |
Bill Gonyo
Downey, Cal.
Assoc. Researcher
Navsource |
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12 March 2007: the Pacific Ocean - Cutlass 460, piloted by Lt.(jg) Peter Mallory and Lt. Matt Mariano, is guided into position by Aviation Warfare Systems
Operator 2nd Class Julius Jones during a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) with guided missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49). Bradley is conducting
counter narco-terrorism operations with the U.S. Coast Guard.
(U.S. Navy photo #070312-N-0037M-001 by Lt. Timothy Metcalf from the Navy Newstand) |
Mike Smolinski
Clifton, N.J.
Navsource DE/FF/LCS
Archive Manager |
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05 April 2007: Mayport, Fla. - Sailors attached to USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) man the rails upon return from a six-month deployment.
Bradley was independently deployed to the Southern Command Area of operations to conduct Counter-Narco Terrorism operations. During her deployment Bradley
trained 22 Peruvian Naval Personnel on emergency procedures and ship control. Additionally, the ship conducted six port visits, participating in a variety of community relations'
projects, and transited the Panama Canal four times.
(U.S. Navy photo #070405-N-1810F-048 by MC2 Lynn Friant from the Navy Newstand) |
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05 April 2007: Mayport, Fla. - Sailors attached to USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) man the rails upon return to Mayport, Fla., following a six-month
deployment. Bradley was deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations to conduct counter-narco terrorism operations.
(U.S. Navy photo #070405-N-1810F-067 by MC2 Lynn Friant from the Navy Newstand) |
Robert M. Cieri |
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09 April 2009: Valletta, Malta - A three view series of photos taken by Anna as USS Robert G. Bradley enters the Grand Harbour at Malta for a port visit.
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|
Anna Spiteri
Hamrun, Malta |
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23 May 2009: Mayport, Fla. - Sailors man the rails aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley as she returns home to Mayport Naval Station after a
six-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
(U.S. Navy photo #090523-N-0486G-006 by MC2 Daniel Gay from the Navy Newstand) |
Mike Smolinski
Clifton, N.J.
Navsource DE/FF/LCS
Archive Manager |
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01 February 2011: Lome, Togo - Sailors aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley man the rails during a port visit to Lome, Togo. The port visit marks
the start of the fifth iteration of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East. APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa,
aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.
(U.S. Navy photo #110201-N-8855D-008 by Lt.(jg) Lorna Mae Devera from the Navy Newstand) |
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20 April 2011: Dakar, Senegal - The guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley arrives in Dakar, Senegal, for a port visit as part of Africa Partnership Station
West. Africa Partnership Station is an international security cooperation initiative designed to strengthen global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities.
(U.S. Navy photo #110420-N-HI707-027 by MC1 Darryl Wood from the Navy Newstand) |
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23 September 2012: Straits of Florida - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) conducts a replenishment at sea with the
Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO-201) during UNITAS Atlantic 2012. UNITAS is an annual multi-national exercise that involves naval forces from
13 partner nations to promote interoperability and cooperation with each other and is hosted by the U.S. 4th Fleet.
(U.S. Navy photo #120923-N-ZE938-270 by MC3 Frank J. Pikul from the Navy Newstand) |
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13 November 2012: Souda Bay, Crete, Greece - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley arrives for a scheduled port visit.
Robert G. Bradley is homeported in Mayport, Fla., and is deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area
of responsibility. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence.
(U.S. Navy photo #121113-N-MO201-002 and #121113-N-MO201-021 by Paul Farley from the Navy Newstand) |
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13 November 2012: Souda Bay, Crete, Greece - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley is guided to the pier by tugboats near the
Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lenthall (T-AO 189) as Robert G. Bradley
arrives for a scheduled port visit. Bradley is homeported in Mayport, Fla., and is deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in
the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence.
(U.S. Navy photo #121113-N-MO201-043 by Paul Farley from the Navy Newstand) |
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25 January 2013: Souda Bay, Crete, Greece - The guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) arrives for a scheduled port visit.
Robert G. Bradley is homeported in Mayport, Fla. and is deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the
U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
(U.S. Navy photo #130125-N-MO201-006 by Paul Farley from the Navy Newstand) |
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10 May 2013: Souda Bay, Crete, Greece - The guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley arrives for a scheduled port visit. Bradley is
homeported in Mayport, Fla., and deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
(U.S. Navy photo #130510-N-MO201-008 by Paul Farley from the Navy Newstand) |
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13 May 2013: Souda Bay, Crete, Greece - Robert G. Bradley conducts a berth shift during a port visit to the island of Crete.
(U.S. Navy photo #130513-N-MO201-003 by Paul Farley from the Navy Newstand) |
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13 May 2013: Souda Bay, Crete, Greece - A Naval Support Activity line handler assists with mooring operations as Robert G. Bradley conducts a berth shift during
a port visit to the island of Crete.
(U.S. Navy photo #130513-N-MO201-039 by Paul Farley from the Navy Newstand) |
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28 May 2013: Mayport, Fla. - Sailors man the rails aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) as the ship returns to homeport.
Robert G. Bradley and embarked Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, Detachment 5, are returning to Mayport after a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet
area of responsibility.
(U.S. Navy photo #130528-N-SB121-124 by MC1 Ian W. Anderson from the Navy Newstand) |
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28 March 2014: Mayport, Fla. - Plank owners of the guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) pose for a picture before the ship's decommissioning
ceremony at Naval Station Mayport. The ship is being decommissioned after almost 30 years of service.
(U.S. Navy photo #140328-N-MK583-009 by MC2 Salt Cebe from the Navy Newstand) |
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28 March 2014: Mayport, Fla. - Cdr. Peter J. Ehlers, commanding officer of the guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49), delivers remarks during
the ship's decommissioning ceremony at Naval Station Mayport.
(U.S. Navy photo #140328-N-MK583-031 by MC2 Salt Cebe from the Navy Newstand) |
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28 March 2014: Mayport, Fla. - Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Votel, left, Cmdr. Peter J. Ehlers, commanding officer of the guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49),
and Capt. Ryan C. Tillotson, commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 14, salute the flag during the ship's decommissioning ceremony on Naval Station Mayport.
(U.S. Navy photo #140328-N-MK583-022 by MC2 Salt Cebe from the Navy Newstand) |
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28 March 2014: Mayport, Fla. - The crew of the guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) depart the ship for the final time during the ship's
decommissioning ceremony.
(U.S. Navy photo #140328-N-MK583-037 by MC2 Salt Cebe from the Navy Newstand) |
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05 May 2016: Philadelphia, Pa. - Seven retired U.S. Navy Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates at the Philadelphia Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, Pennsylvania.
ex-USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) is moored outboard of six sisters. |
Bob Hurst
Worksop, Nottinghamshire,
England, United Kingdom |
