USS Ford (FFG-54)

USS Ford (FFG-54), an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is a ship of the United States Navy named for Gunner's Mate Patrick O. Ford (1942–1968). Ford was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his heroism as a patrol river boatman in the Vietnam War. A description of Gunner's Mate Ford's actions can be found here.

Ford was laid down by Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp., in San Pedro, California on 11 July 1983. She was launched on 23 June 1984, and commissioned 29 June 1985, captained by Commander J. F. Eckler. Ford will be decommissioned 31 October 2013.

Ford deployed on 28 November 1995, stopping first in San Diego to pick up HSL 45 Det ONE, the embarking SH-60F Detachment. After a five hour stop Ford was underway to rendezvous with the Nimitz Battle Group under the command of Rear Admiral Lyle Bien, Commander, Carrier Group 7. The battle group then transited the Pacific Ocean from 2–20 December en route for Hong Kong. FORD participated in two ASW exercises with a U.S. Los Angeles Class SSN and a new state-of-the-art Diesel submarine of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Ford remained part of the Carrier Group 7 battlegroup during the events of the Third Taiwan Straits Crisis.

On 16 February 2007, Ford was awarded the 2006 Battle "E" award.

Ford completed a Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) deployment starting 4 May 2007 and returning home on 20 September 2007. Ford made port visits to Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Saipan, and Guam.