USS Jarrett (FFG-33)

USS Jarrett (FFG-33), was the twenty-fifth ship of the guided-missile frigates, was named for Vice Admiral Harry B. Jarrett (1898–1974).

Ordered from Todd Pacific Shipyards, San Pedro, California on 23 January 1978 as part of the FY78 program, Jarrett was laid down on 11 February 1981, launched on 17 October 1981, commissioned on 2 July 1983, and decommissioned on 21 April 2011.

Operation Desert Storm
During Desert Storm in 1991, Jarrett was involved in a friendly fire incident with the USS Missouri (BB-63). Allegedly, Jarrett’s Phalanx engaged the chaff fired by Missouri as a countermeasure against two incoming Iraqi Silkworm missiles (also known as a Seersucker). Some stray Phalanx rounds struck Missouri, one of which penetrated a bulkhead and embedded in an interior passageway of the ship. Another round struck the ship on the forward funnel passing completely through it. One sailor aboard Missouri was struck in the neck by some flying shrapnel and suffered minor injuries. Some are skeptical of this account, however, as Jarrett was reportedly over two miles away at the time and the characteristics of chaff are such that a Phalanx normally would not regard it as a threat and engage it. There is no dispute that the rounds that struck Missouri were fired by the Jarrett and that it was an accident. It is possible that a Phalanx operator on Jarrett may have accidentally fired some rounds manually. However, no evidence to support this theory has ever been discovered.

One of the Iraqi Silkworm missiles crashed into the sea without being intercepted. The other - heading towards USS Missouri - was successfully intercepted by a British Sea Dart missile fired by HMS Gloucester (D96).

Current status
On 21 April 2011, the Jarrett was decommissioned at Naval Base San Diego after 15 deployments, and will be transported to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as its final destination, becoming part of the Mothball Fleet. Her most recent deployment was a six-month counter-illicit trafficking deployment, supporting U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command.

Jarrett (FFG-33) is the first ship of that name in the US Navy. She was also the first US Navy warship to be commanded by a woman, Commander Kathleen A. McGrath, from 18 December 1998 until 4 September 2000. Possible Transfer under FMS.