Sailors and guests bade farewell to Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) as the ship concluded 25 years of naval service during a decommissioning ceremony on Naval Station Everett (NSE), Washington, Nov. 12.
Former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates joined the crew in honoring Ingraham and her many years of service by acting as the guest speaker at the ceremony.
Several former crew members, plankowners, friends and family also attended.
Ingraham’s last commanding officer, Cmdr. Daniel Straub kicked off the ceremony and put into context the ship’s place in the history of the Navy during her time in service.
During 25 years of service to the nation, Ingraham has answered America’s call; Ingraham has always been ready, willing and able to fulfill mission requirements.
According to Gates, the ship has seen a long and storied career, and deserves to be honored for the part she played in history.
Ingraham was assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9. In October, the ship returned from her last deployment to the 4th Fleet in support of Operation Martillo. During this deployment, Ingraham disrupted or intercepted 11,937 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than $560 million.
USS Ingraham was commissioned Aug. 5, 1989, at Naval Station Long Beach, California, as the last Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate. She was the fourth ship named for Captain Duncan Nathaniel Ingraham.
Ingraham is scheduled to be transferred for dismantlement Jan. 30.
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Press release, Image: US Navy