USS Ford to be Decommissioned in Ceremony at Naval Station Everett

Hundreds are expected to say their final goodbyes to the USS Ford during a ceremony at the end of the month. The Ford was one of the first 2 ships to arrive at the new Naval Station Everett back in September of 1994. Here’s the information on the decommissioning ceremony from Kristin Ching at NSE…

Guided missile frigate USS Ford (FFG 54) will conclude 28 years of service to the U.S. Navy during a decommissioning ceremony Oct. 31 at Naval Station Everett.

Several former crew members, including former Ford Commanding Officer Capt. David Matawitz (Ret. USN) as well as family members of the ship’s namesake Patrick O. Ford, are expected to attend.

Ford is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 9. In Nov. 2011, she returned from her last deployment to the Western Pacific where she participated in the multi-national Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise that enhances regional cooperation and promotes understanding between participating military forces.

Ford was commissioned June 29, 1985. The ship is named after Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Patrick O. Ford, for his heroics during the Vietnam War. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his fearless devotion to duty, which saved the lives of two of his shipmates.

Ford will be transferred to the inactive reserves Nov. 6.