USS Doyle (FFG-39) was the 30th ship to be constructed in the of guided missile frigates of the United States Navy. Doyle was named after Vice Admiral James Henry Doyle (1897–1982). Vice Admiral Doyle was most known for his contributions during the Korean War as Commander Amphibious Group One. The ship was in service from 21 May 1983 to 29 July 2011. During her years of service, Doyle went on at least six deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and two deployments to the Persian Gulf, including participation in Operation Earnest Will. The ship also operated in the Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and deployed to operate with the Middle East Force. Doyle took part in UNITAS 39–98. Deployed to the Standing Naval Forces Atlantic, and conducted three Southern Command Deployments.

History

Her keel was laid down by Bath Iron Works Corporation of Bath, Maine, on 23 October 1981. She was launched on 22 May 1982, sponsored by Mrs. Kathleen Doyle Watson and Ms. Anne Doyle, granddaughters of VADM Doyle. Doyle was commissioned on 21 May 1983.

Doyle deployed with the Nimitz Battle Group for Med 1–87 to the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean from 30 December 1986 – 30 June 1987. From 24 February to 3 March 1987, Doyle sailed in company with guided missile cruiser through the Turkish Straits and carried out freedom of navigation exercises in the Black Sea. On 1 March 1987, a Bulgarian (Druzki-class frigate (FF.12) trailed the U.S. ships, and the Soviets closely monitored their operations in the Black Sea. Doyle conducted surveillance of Soviet ships and submarines at an anchorage at Astypalaia, Greece from 3 to 12 March 1987.

On 6 December 2010, Doyle, her embarked SH-60B Seahawk from HSL-42, Proud Warrior 423, and her embarked Coast Guard Law Enforcement detachment, intercepted smuggling vessel Rio Tuira and seized 22 bales of cocaine, weighing approximately and with an estimated street value of $15.4 million, in the Eastern Pacific about 180 miles from Panama.

Fate

Doyle was decommissioned at Naval Station Mayport on 29 July 2011 after completing 27 years of service.

  • Coast Guard SOS Ribbon, for service from 01-Jul-1987 to 30-Sep-1987

The shield contained an Azure lion rampant with fishtail and grasping a trident point up argent. Dark blue and gold are colors traditionally used by the Navy and represent the sea and excellence. The creature, half lion and half fish, with Neptune's trident symbolized Admiral Doyle's military prowess and accomplishments in amphibious operations.