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Navsource Online: Destroyer Escort Photo Archive

Ship's Tab courtesy of Steven Donofrio, Patches courtesy of Mike Smolinski

USS W. S. Sims (DE 1059)


Flag Hoist / Radio Call Sign:
N - W - S - S
Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons


Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Joint Meritorious Unit Award - CG Meritorious Unit Award - National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 star
Second Row: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal - Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon - CG Special Operations Service Ribbon w/ 3 stars
Specifications:
Class: Knox
Type: SCB No. 199C / 1964
Number in Class: 46
Displacement: 3020 tons (std), 4065 tons (full)
Length: 415' (wl), 438' (oa)
Beam: 46' 9" (extreme)
Draft: 24' 9" (draft limit)
Propulsion: 2 Combustion Engineering 1200psi boilers; 1 Westinghouse geared turbine; 35,000 shp; 1 shaft
Speed: 27 kts
Range: 4,500 nm @ 20 knots
Complement: 16 / 211
Missiles: 1 8-tube Mk25 Sea Sparrow BPDMS in DE 1052-1069, 1071-1083, 1 8-tube Mk29 NATO Sea Sparrow IPDMS in DE 1070, Harpoon missiles from modified ASROC launcher
Guns: 1 x 5"/54 cal. DP Mk 42 (600 rds)
ASW Weapons: 1 Mk16 ASROC launcher (16 missiles), 4-12.75" (324mm) Mk 32 (4x1 fixed) tubes / Mk 46 torpedos (6)
Radars: AN/SPS-10 (surface), AN/SPS-40 (air), AN/SPS-58 threat warning in some ships
Sonars: AN/SQS-26CX, AN/SQS-35 IVDS in FF-1052, 1056, 1063-1071, 1073-1076, 1078-1097
Fire Control Systems: Mk68 Mod. 11/13/14 Gun FCS, Mk114 Mod 14/16 ASW FCS
Helicopter: 1 - SH-2 LAMPS Helicopter
W. S. Sims (DE 1059) Building and Operational Data:
  • 22 July 1964: Building contract awarded to Avondale Shipyards, Inc.
  • 10 April 1967: Keel laid by the Avondale Shipyards, Inc., Westwego La.
  • 04 January 1969: Launched and christened, sponsored by Mrs. Robert H. Hopkins, eldest daugher of the late Admiral Sims
  • 03 January 1970: Commissioned at Naval Station Charleston, S.C., Comdr. C. M. Plumly in command, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 8 (DesDiv 81) at Mayport, Fla.
  • 30 June 1975: Reclassified Frigate (FF 1059)
  • 30 September 1990: Assigned to Naval Reserve Force, Atlantic, at Mayport, Fla.
  • 06 September 1991: Decommissioned at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. after 21 years and 8 months of service (first Knox frigate decommissioned)
  • 11 January 1995: Struck from the NVR
  • 31 December 1998: Grant aid to Turkey as parts hulk
    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image    		 Size Image Description Contributed
    By And/Or Copyright
    ***Sims***
    0615401    		 96k William S. Sims, born in 1858 in Ontario, Canada, was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1876 and graduated in 1880. Seventeen years of sea duty were followed by assignments as Naval Attaché to Paris, St. Petersburg, and Madrid. Sims next served as Inspector of Target Practice; and, under his supervision, the naval gunnery system increased the rapidity of hits 100 percent and the general effectiveness of fire 500 percent. He also served as Naval Aide to President Theodore Roosevelt for two and one-half years.

    On 11 February 1917, Sims became President of the Naval War College. In March 1917, he was designated by the Secretary of the Navy as Representative of the Navy Department in London. With the entry of the United States into World War I in April, he was ordered to assume command of all American destroyers, tenders, and auxiliaries operating from British bases. In May, he was designated as Commander of United States Destroyers Operating from British Bases, with the rank of Vice Admiral; and, in June, his title was changed to Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters. On 10 December 1917, he assumed additional duty as Naval Attaché, London, England. The North Sea Mine Barrage was laid under his direction.

    Admiral Sims again became President of the Naval War College in April 1919 and served in that capacity until his retirement on 15 October 1922. He died at Boston, Mass., on 25 September 1936.

    USS W. S. Sims (DE 1059) was the third ship named in his honor, she was preceded by DD 409 (1939-1942), and DE 154 (1943-1946).    		 Bill Gonyo
    Downey, Cal.

    Assoc. Researcher
    Navsource
    W.S.Sims
    0602105901    		 57k 04 January 1969: Launch photo, from the decommissioning brochure. Steven Donofrio
    W.S.Sims
    0602105928    		 275k 04 January 1969: Westwego, La. - A press release photo of the future USS W.S.Sims (DE 1059) being launched at Avondale Shipyards, Inc., Westwego, La. S. Dale Hargrave
    Newport News, Va.
    W. S.Sims
    0602105902    		 197k date / location unknown, pre-1980 hull refit -
    W. S.Sims
    0602105903    		 82k Pre-1980 Overhaul and Refit: Refueling at Sea. Steven Donofrio
    W. S. Sims
    0602105929    		 472k 10 April 1973: the Atlantic Ocean - USS W. S. Sims (DE 1059) off Mayport, Florida.

    (U.S. Navy National Archives photo #KN-22685 from the Naval History and Heritage Command)
    		 Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    W. S.Sims
    0602105904    		 76k November 1976: North Atlantic

    (Both photos © Richard Leonhardt)    		 Richard Leonhardt
    Bethlehem, Pa.
    W. S.Sims
    0602105905    		 61k
    W. S.Sims
    0602105906    		 64k April 1977: Cartagena, Spain - Inport view of W. S. Sims

    (Photo © Gary Smoyer)    		 Gary Smoyer
    HMC(SW) USN(ret.)
    W. S.Sims
    0602105907    		 39k date / location unknown, post-1980 hull refit -
    W. S.Sims
    0602105908    		 132k date / location unknown, post-1980 hull refit Wendell R. McLaughlin Jr.
    W. S. Sims
    0602105930    		 414k May 1981: Mayport, Fla. - USS W. S.Sims (FF 1059) moored at the Mayport Naval Station.

    (Heilenday photo #1 00011A from the Heilenday Collection)    		 Mark Heilenday
    Virginia Beach, Va.

    Captain, USN (ret.)
    June 1974 - July 2004
    W. S. Sims
    0602105909    		 325k 01 June 1981: At sea - A starboard bow view of USS W. S. Sims (FF 1059) underway in the Mediterranean Sea.

    (U.S. Naval Historical Center photo #NH 107484 by PH1 Douglas Tesner from the Naval History and Heritage Command)
    		 Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    W. S.Sims
    0602105910    		 171k 23 July 1981: taken off the Virginia coast

    (Both photos © Atlantic Fleet Sales by Nobe Smith)    		 Steven Donofrio
    W. S.Sims
    0602105911    		 185k
    W. S. Sims
    0602105912    		 130k 01 May 1982: Casablanca, Morocco - Crewmen aboard W. S. Sims clean the deck while the ship is anchored for a port visit.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-82-07001 by PH1 Douglas Tesner from the DVIC )    		 Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    W. S. Sims
    0602105913    		 112k 01 May 1982: Casablanca, Morocco - Starboard bow view of W. S. Sims tied at the pier.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-82-06997 by PH1 Douglas Tesner from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105914    		 183k 01 May 1982: Casablanca, Morocco - A view of W. S. Sims as seen from the stern of the destroyer USS John Rodgers (DD983).

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-82-06586 by PH1 Douglas Tesner from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105915    		 124k 01 May 1982: Casablanca, Morocco - Starboard bow view of W. S. Sims, tied at the pier during a port visit.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-82-06571 by PH1 Douglas Tesner from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105916    		 104k 01 May 1982: Casablanca, Morocco - Casablanca, Morocco - Port quarter view of W. S. Sims leaving port after a visit.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SN-82-06996 by PH1 Douglas Tesner from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105917    		 130k 01 May 1982: Casablanca, Morocco - Port quarter view of W. S. Sims leaving port after a visit.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-82-06589 by PH1 Douglas Tesner from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105918    		 123k 01 May 1982: Casablanca, Morocco - Port bow view of W. S. Sims underway in the harbor after a port visit.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-82-06587 by PH1 Douglas Tesner from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105919    		 94k 09 December 1983: At sea - A crewman on the deck of the battleship USS New Jersey (BB 62) looks out toward the frigate USS W. S. Sims (FF 1059) during underway replenishment operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-84-05335 by JO2 Lance Johnson from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105927    		 376k 29 September 1986: At sea - A starboard view of the frigate USS W. S. Sims (FF 1059) underway during NATO Exercise NORTHERN WEDDING '86.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-87-03435 by JO2 Lance Johnson from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105925    		 198k 05 February 1987: The Mediterranean Sea - A starboard view of the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and their escorts underway off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. The escorts are, from front to back: the frigate W. S. Sims (FF 1059) replenishment oilers USS Savannah (AOR 4) and USS Kalamazoo (AOR 6) and the guided missile destroyer USS Richard E. Byrd (DDG 23).

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-87-04835 by PH1 Ron Beno from the DVIC )    		 Bill Gonyo
    Downey, Cal.
    W. S. Sims
    0602105920    		 130k 17 June 1987: At sea - An aerial starboard bow view of W. S. Sims underway.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-SC-87-09254 by PH2 Hensley from the DVIC)    		 Mike Smolinski
    Clifton, N.J.

    Navsource DE/FF/LCS
    Archive Manager
    W. S. Sims
    0602105926    		 595k 1988: The Panama Canal Zone - The U.S. Navy frigate USS W. S. Sims (FF 1059) passes through the Miraflores Lock of the Panama Canal with USS Sumter (LST 1181) close behind. Both ships took part in exercise Unitas XXIX.

    (U.S. Navy photo by PH2(AC) Scott M. Allen from All Hands Magazine, December 1988)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105921    		 619k 29 April 1989: New York Harbor - Port bow view of W. S. Sims underway during Fleet Week.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-89-07762 by PHCM Dittmar from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105922    		 112k 02 May 1989: New York Harbor - The Coast Guard cutter USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715) is moored in front of the frigate USS Pharris (FF 1094) and W. S. Sims while the ships are in port for Navy Fleet Week activities.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-90-09397 by PH2 Randy Waterman from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105923    		 74k 02 May 1989: New York Harbor - Visitors and crew members gather on the bridge of W. S. Sims during Navy Fleet Week activities.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-90-09401 by PH2 Randy Waterman from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims
    0602105924    		 82k 02 May 1989: New York Harbor - A close-up view of the Destroyer Squadron 12 (DesRon 12) emblem on W. S. Sims. The ship is visiting New York during Navy Fleet Week activities.

    (U.S. Navy photo DVID #DN-ST-90-09400 by PH2 Randy Waterman from the DVIC)
    W. S. Sims Memorabilia
    Resin Ship's
    Plaque
    W. S. Sims
    Courtesy of
    Tommy Trampp    		 Ship's Store Postcard
    circa 1978
    W. S. Sims
    Courtesy of
    Steven Donofrio    		 Navy Exchange Postcard
    © Atlantic Fleet Sales
    W. S. Sims
    Courtesy of
    Nobe Smith    		 Navy Times Ship in the Spotlight
    © Mario DeMarco
    W. S. Sims
    Courtesy of
    Mike Smolinski    		 Well Used
    Ship's Lighter
    W. S. Sims
    Courtesy of
    Tommy Trampp
    W. S. Sims History
    View the USS W. S. Sims (DE 1059) DANFS history entry located on the Naval History and Heritage Command web site.
    W. S. Sims' Commanding Officers
    Thanks to Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves
    Dates of Command Commanding Officers
    1.)  03 Jan 1970 - 09 Jul 1971Cmdr. Charles Moulton Plumly (USNA '55) (Portland, Me.)
    2.)  09 Jul 1971 - 21 Feb 1973Cmdr. Gerrish Cecil Flynn (Chestertown, Md.)
    3.)  21 Feb 1973 - 15 Jul 1974Cmdr. Thomas J. Moore
    4.)  15 Jul 1974 - 07 Jul 1976Cmdr. James Raymond Williams
    5.)  07 Jul 1976 - 21 Jun 1978Cmdr. Thomas P. Jones
    6.)  21 Jun 1978 - 18 Apr 1980Cmdr. Robert Dulaney Reeves II (OCS '61) (South Weymouth, Mass.)
    7.)  18 Apr 1980 -10 May 1982Capt. Robert Louis Hicks
    8.)  10 May 1982 - 02 Jul 1984Cmdr. James Stuart Schultz (Philadelphia, Pa.)
    9.)  02 Jul 1984 - 24 Aug 1986Cmdr. Andrew Coulter Arje (USNA '66) (New York City, N.Y.)
    10.) 24 Aug 1986 - 24 Feb 1989Cmdr. Charles Todd Creekman Jr. (USNA '69) (Virginia Beach, Va.)
    11.) 24 Feb 1989 - 06 Sep 1991Cmdr. Ira James Eick
    Crew Contact And Reunion Information
    Next Reunion:
    03 - 05 May 2019
    at Hampton Roads, Va.
    USS W. S. Sims Web Site
    Note About Contacts

    Contact information is compiled from various sources over a period of time and may, or may not, be correct. Every effort has been
    made to list the newest contact. However, our entry is only as good as the latest information that's been sent to us. We list only
    a contact for the ship if one has been sent to us. We do NOT have crew lists or rosters available. Please see the Frequently Asked
    Questions section on Navsource's Main Page for that information.

    Additional Resources
    USS W. S. Sims Web Site
    Tin Can Sailors
    The U.S. Navy Memorial
    The Destroyer Escort Historical Museum
    The Destroyer History Foundation
    To The DE, FF, LCS Photo Index Page
    Back To The Main Photo Index

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    This Page Created And Maintained By Mike Smolinski
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    by Paul R. Yarnall, All Rights Reserved.
    Page Last Updated: 21 September 2024