USS Downes (FF-1070)

USS Downes (DE-1070/FF-1070) was the 19th in the series of the Knox class frigates. She was the third ship to be named for Commodore John Downes

Downes keel was laid 5 September 1968 by Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp., Seattle, Washington, and was christened on 13 December 1969 during launching by her sponsor Mrs. Philip L. Kelton, the great-granddaughter of the late Commodore John Downes. The ship was commissioned 28 August 1971

Downes performed Anti-Submarine Warfare operations, escort duty and naval diplomacy support, when necessary, for the Pacific Fleet. Decommissioned on 5 June 1992, Downes was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 11 January 1995.

Downes was disposed during fleet training in 2003 and sunk close to Mare Island during a SINKEX.