By Captain David Schnell

Introduction A retired officer of the United States Navy, Captain

David Schnell commanded two Naval warships before his honorable retirement in 2010. Captain David Schnell, who is currently vice president of operations for Xerox's electronic tolling collection division, served on the USS Ford from early 2003 through late 2004.

About the USS Ford, FFG 54 On October 31, 2013, at Naval Station Everett in

Washington, the United States Navy decommissioned the USS Ford, FFG 54, after 28 years of service. The frigate was originally christened in 1983 at the Todd Shipyard in San Pedro, California, where it received its name in honor of the late Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Patrick Osborne Ford. Ford had served in Vietnam, where he lost his life as he stood between enemy fire and his retreating shipmates. Nearly 30 years later, Ford's family traveled to Washington to attend the decommissioning.

Conclusion In addition, more than 125 former crew members

attended the event. Among these were 14 “plank owners,” so called for their service on the frigate's first voyage. Since that time, the ship has participated in both domestic and international efforts, including a recent deployment to participate in theater security cooperation maneuvers in the Western Pacific.