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December 9, 2010

By Meredith Kruse
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 9, 2010

NORFOLK

The Navy frigate Hawes will end its 25-year career today during a decommissioning ceremony at Norfolk Naval Station, the service announced.

Named for the late Rear Adm. Richard Ellington Hawes, a two-time recipient of the Navy Cross, the ship is the 47th in the Oliver Hazard Perry class. Built at Bath Iron Works in Maine, it was commissioned in 1985.

It has a crew of 215, led by Cmdr. Stephen F. Fuller, plus an embarked helicopter detachment. Its missions have included escorting convoys, coastal operations and air and surface warfare.

The ship will be towed to the Inactive Ships Maintenance Office in Philadelphia and made available for parts for the next few years.