USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964)

USS "Paul F. Foster" (DD-964), named for Vice Admiral Paul F. Foster USN (1889–1972), was a sclass|Spruance|destroyer built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries at Pascagoula, Mississippi. She commissioned on February 21, 1976.

History

As the initial "Spruance"-class destroyer assigned to the Pacific Fleet, "Foster" had many milestone firsts, including successfully firing a NATO Sea Sparrow missile, demonstrating the feasibility of landing H-46 helicopters, and determining the operational limits of the SH-3 helicopter.

Operating out of San Diego, California, "Foster" became the first "Spruance"-class destroyer to deploy to the Western Pacific in March 1978. The ship deployed again in 1979 and 1982, serving in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific.

"Foster" joined Destroyer Squadron Nine and moved to its new home port of Long Beach, California, in August 1983. She became the Navy's first "all electric destroyer" after major modifications at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, which included the addition of a fourth ship's service gas turbine generator.

On August 29, 1987, "Foster" began its fourth Western Pacific deployment as Destroyer Squadron Nine's flagship, leading a five-ship surface action group and participating in several major allied fleet exercises.

During a fifth deployment in August 1986 with the USS|Carl Vinson|CVN-70|2 Battle Group, "Foster" was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for her performance in Operation Kernel Potlatch in the North Pacific and Bering Sea.

From July 1987 through July 1988, "Foster" completed a regular overhaul at Northwest Marine Iron Works in Portland, Oregon. During the overhaul the ship received over 55 major ship alterations, including installation of the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System for Tomahawk cruise missiles, the AN/SQQ-89 Anti-Submarine Warfare Detection System, and facilities to employ the Navy's most sophisticated submarine helicopter, the LAMPS MkIII.

"Foster" departed on its sixth Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment on 24 February 1989 in company with the USS|Ranger|CV-61|2 Battle Group. Conducting North Arabian Sea operations, the ship was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

On December 8, 1990, "Foster" departed Long Beach on its seventh overseas deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The first ship to fire Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets, she was instrumental in the liberation of Kuwait and in winning the Persian Gulf War. Deploying for the eighth time on July 20, 1992, she returned to the Arabian Sea, where she operated in support of Operation Desert Storm-Southern Watch while participating in numerous bilateral exercises with Persian Gulf Nations.

During the ship's ninth deployment, "Foster" again served with "Carl Vinson" Battle Group and was the first ship on the scene to provide assistance to a burning ocean going tug, "Glorious City", putting out the fire and saving its crew of seven.

Upon returning from deployment on October 20, 1994, "Foster" entered into a regular overhaul at Long Beach Naval Shipyard where several of the latest technological weapons, sensors and engineering systems were added. After completion of overhaul, she moved to her new home port of Everett, Washington arriving in November 1995.

During the ship's tenth deployment which began February 21, 1997, "Foster" was a part of the multinational force in the Persian Gulf, enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq.

"Foster" departed for her eleventh deployment on January 27, 1999. While serving as part of the Pacific Middle East Force, she participated in Operation Iron Siren, Eager Sentry, and Arabian Gauntlet. In addition, the ship conducted boarding's in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq.

"Foster" departed for her twelfth deployment on January 11, 2001, where the ship once again conducted numerous boarding operations in support of the United Nations sanctions against IRAQ. Her thirteenth and final deployment began on June 18, 2002.

"Foster" was decommissioned on March 27, 2003. In 2004, "Foster" was designated to replace ex-USS|Decatur|DDG-31|2 as the Navy's Self Defense Test Ship, a role she assumed in 2005. In support of this new role, she is assigned to Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division.

ee also

*List of United States Navy destroyers

External links

* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2003/04/mil-030402-nns03.htm Article on "Foster"'s transition to new role as SDTS]
* [http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/DD964.htm Naval Vessel Register entry for USS "Paul F. Foster"]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/964.htm navsource.org: USS "Paul F. Foster"]
* [http://www.navysite.de/dd/dd964.htm navysite.de: USS "Paul F. Foster"]