Garcia-class (FF-1040)

Summary

Description

The Garcia-class frigates were a fleet of ocean escorts that served as part of the United States Navy. Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), these ships played a critical role in the Protection of Shipping (POS) mission, which involved safeguarding amphibious expeditionary forces, replenishment groups, and merchant convoys from submarine threats.

Originating as an evolved version of the Bronstein class, the Garcia-class frigates were commissioned to enhance the Navy's capacity to counter the threat of high-speed nuclear submarines that emerged in the late 1950s. Compared to their Bronstein counterparts, the Garcias were larger and more capable in terms of armament and onboard systems. They featured a robust ASW suite that included cutting-edge SQS-26BX sonar, the MK 112 ASROC rocket launcher for delivering depth charges and torpedoes at range, and MK 32 torpedo tubes for close-quarters engagements. They were also outfitted with an upgraded artillery armament, transitioning from MK 33 3-inch/50 caliber guns to two MK 30 5-inch/38 caliber guns, enhancing their surface combat capabilities.

These vessels first entered service between 1964 and 1968 and continued to operate until they were decommissioned between 1988 and 1990. The Garcia class was succeeded by the similarly designed but guided-missile-equipped Brooke class. All ships initially bearing the DE hull classification, which stood for destroyer escort, were reclassified on June 30, 1975, with the Garcias being designated as FF, reflecting their role as frigates.

The operational history of Garcia-class frigates includes modifications and transfers to other navies. Notably, after decommissioning, four ships—Bradley, Davidson, Sample, and Albert David—were transferred to the Brazilian Navy, where they served under new designations (Pernambuco, Paraíba, Paraná, and Pará, respectively). The Brazilian Navy kept these ships in operation for years, with Pará being the last to remain in reserve until 2015 before being scrapped.

An interesting member of the class, the Glover, underwent alterations for research use and had multiple redesignations over time, finally settling as FF-1098. Unlike her sister ships, the Glover featured a modified armament arrangement with only one gun mount.

The design variations within the class were notable, with early members like Davidson exhibiting vertical bridge structures, while ships from Koelsch onwards were equipped with an angled lower bridge to facilitate automatic ASROC loading. Additionally, some units were experimentally fitted with air defense systems, such as the Bradley with the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow BPDMS, though these were short-lived modifications.

Technical specifications