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USS Reasoner (FF 1063)

USS REASONER was one of the KNOX - class frigates. Decommissioned on August 28, 1993, the REASONER was subsequently leased to Turkey where the ship was recommissioned as KOCATEPE. On February 22, 2002, she was finally purchased by Turkey.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS REASONER. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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• Click here to see which USS REASONER memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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USS REASONER Cruise Books:

• WestPac Cruise Book 1978
• WestPac and Mediterranean Cruise Book 1986
• WestPac Cruise Book 1990

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About the Ship's Name:

Frank Stanley Reasoner was born 16 September 1937 in Spokane, Wash. Enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1955, he reached the rank of sergeant prior to entering the U.S. Military Academy in 1958. At West Point, he won four consecutive brigade boxing championships. Graduated in June 1962, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Arriving in Vietnam in April 1965, 1st Lt. Frank Reasoner died in action near Danang, Vietnam, 12 July. That day he led a five-man reconnaissance patrol into enemy-controlled territory. He killed two enemy soldiers, and destroyed an automatic weapons position. He died as he aided a wounded Marine. For his bravery in battle and his concern for the wounded, Frank Reasoner was awarded the Medal of Honor.

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USS REASONER History:

The construction contract for USS REASONER was awarded to Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company of Seattle, Washington, on July 22, 1964. USS REASONER was one of the KNOX-class destroyer escorts developed during the 1960s to protect aircraft carriers, amphibious forces, convoys, and underway replenishment groups against the growing submarine threat posed principally by the Soviet Navy. Her keel was laid at Seattle on January 6, 1969. She was launched on August 1, 1970, cosponsored by Mrs. James C. Curry, Frank Reasoner's mother, and Mrs. Robert Svingen, his widow. Following fitting out, builder's trials, acceptance trials, and the correction of initial deficiencies in Puget Sound, USS REASONER was commissioned at Seattle on July 31, 1971, with Commander Francisco A. Velazquez-Suarez as her first commanding officer.

Following commissioning, USS REASONER proceeded to San Diego, California, which became her first operational home port. The remainder of 1971 was devoted to crew training, engineering and weapons-system trials, correction of construction deficiencies, and preparation for operational evaluation. Although anti-submarine warfare was her principal mission, the crew also trained in surface gunnery, air defense, communications, damage control, navigation, helicopter operations, underway replenishment, and the protection of larger naval formations.

On January 22, 1972, USS REASONER shifted from San Diego to Long Beach, California, where she entered an extended period of modifications and equipment additions. The work occupied much of the year and prepared the new destroyer escort for regular fleet service and overseas deployment. USS REASONER departed Long Beach on November 9 and returned to San Diego. Refresher training followed in the Southern California operating areas, where the crew was evaluated in engineering reliability, weapons employment, anti-submarine procedures, damage control, shiphandling, communications, and coordinated operations with aircraft and other ships.

Commander Thomas E. Fleming relieved Commander Velazquez-Suarez on January 20, 1973. USS REASONER departed San Diego on March 9, 1973, in company with the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43), the guided-missile frigate USS STERETT (DLG 31), and the fast combat support ship USS CAMDEN (AOE 2). The formation crossed the eastern Pacific and conducted activity in Hawaiian waters before continuing toward the western Pacific. USS REASONER was photographed underway on March 24, and the force reached the Philippines later that month.

The deployment began only weeks after the Paris Peace Accords had formally ended direct American combat operations in Vietnam. Under the agreements reached with North Vietnam, the United States was required to remove the naval mines laid in North Vietnamese ports and coastal approaches during 1972. The resulting operation, designated Operation End Sweep, began in February 1973 and continued intermittently until July. Minesweeping helicopters and surface minesweepers cleared the approaches to Haiphong and other ports while supporting ships operated in the surrounding waters.

USS REASONER supported Operation End Sweep during her first western Pacific deployment. She carried an SH-2D Seasprite detachment from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 31. The deployment represented an early operational use of the LAMPS concept aboard the ship, extending her ability to search for submarines and maintain surveillance away from the immediate vicinity of the frigate. Her presence also contributed to the general security and support organization surrounding the mine-countermeasures force. Because the operation was conducted close to the North Vietnamese coast only months after the end of the American bombing campaign, the ships operated in a politically sensitive environment in which the United States was carrying out a negotiated obligation while avoiding renewed hostilities.

The mine-clearance effort was interrupted at times by disagreements over compliance with other provisions of the Paris agreements, but the final American phase was completed in July 1973. USS REASONER visited Hong Kong from July 18 through July 22. The port call provided an opportunity for maintenance, replenishment, and crew liberty after the extended periods associated with her first overseas cruise. She subsequently resumed western Pacific operations before beginning the return passage across the Pacific. USS REASONER arrived back at San Diego in late September 1973 after approximately six months in the Far East.

The remainder of 1973 was devoted to post-deployment leave, upkeep, repairs, inspections, and the restoration of equipment used during the cruise. During 1974, USS REASONER continued operating from San Diego. Her activities included anti-submarine exercises, helicopter training, gunnery work, engineering drills, communications exercises, and preparations for a second western Pacific deployment.

Commander Richard C. Ustick relieved Commander Fleming on January 14, 1975. By January 27, USS REASONER was operating in the western Pacific, where she conducted anti-submarine exercises with USS WHIPPLE (DE 1062). USS WHIPPLE had been detached temporarily from the USS CORAL SEA task group for the training before returning to the carrier's screen.

During the opening months of 1975, the military position of South Vietnam deteriorated rapidly. North Vietnamese forces captured the Central Highlands and advanced through the coastal provinces, while South Vietnamese formations withdrew toward the remaining government-controlled ports. Large numbers of civilians and military personnel attempted to escape from threatened areas, placing severe pressure on South Vietnamese and American-organized evacuation arrangements.

Early in April 1975, the Military Sealift Command-chartered freighter USNS GREENVILLE VICTORY (T-AK 237) was carrying several thousand South Vietnamese refugees and military personnel. Armed passengers compelled the vessel to abandon its intended course toward Phu Quoc and proceed instead toward Vung Tau. USS REASONER and the nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser USS LONG BEACH (CGN 9) responded to the situation and remained with USNS GREENVILLE VICTORY while Marine security personnel were placed aboard. The subsequent passage and disembarkation proceeded without another serious confrontation.

The collapse of South Vietnam accelerated during the second half of April. American aircraft carriers, amphibious ships, escorts, logistics vessels, helicopters, and Marine security forces assembled off the coast to support the evacuation of American citizens, foreign nationals, and eligible South Vietnamese. USS REASONER joined the naval force positioned for the evacuation. Operation Frequent Wind began on April 29 after artillery and rocket fire made continued fixed-wing evacuation from the Saigon area impractical. Marine Corps and Air Force helicopters transported evacuees from landing zones in Saigon to American ships offshore. USS REASONER participated as one of the escort and security ships supporting the evacuation force.

The helicopter evacuation continued through April 30, when the final American personnel departed Saigon and North Vietnamese forces entered the city. More than 7,000 people were evacuated by helicopter during Operation Frequent Wind, while many additional South Vietnamese reached American ships aboard naval vessels, merchant ships, fishing boats, and smaller craft. USS REASONER completed the remaining requirements of her deployment and returned to the United States in May 1975.

On June 30, 1975, the Navy implemented a service-wide revision of surface-ship classifications. USS REASONER was redesignated from destroyer escort DE 1063 to frigate FF 1063.

After post-deployment upkeep and local training, USS REASONER entered an extended dry-docking and maintenance period in January 1976. Commander Keith M. Ott relieved Commander Ustick on June 19, 1976. After completion of the availability, USS REASONER underwent trials, inspections, and refresher training before returning to regular operating status. During 1977, USS REASONER resumed operations from the West Coast. In April, she was photographed shortly after getting underway in San Francisco Bay, with the crew dispersing after manning the rails. The year included maintenance, readiness work, local exercises, and preparations for another extended Pacific deployment.

USS REASONER was underway off Oahu on March 15, 1978, during the opening phase of her next deployment. The cruise took her across the Pacific and included operations with USS MIDWAY (CV 41), anti-submarine training, helicopter activity, surface surveillance, and exercises in the western Pacific and South Pacific. USS REASONER visited Rabaul on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea from April 28 through April 29, 1978. The short call placed the ship in a harbor that had served as one of Japan's principal bases in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. She subsequently proceeded toward Australia and arrived at Hobart, Tasmania, on May 4. The visit provided maintenance and liberty and formed part of the continuing naval relationship between the United States and Australia.

Commander Jon J. Gershon relieved Commander Ott on June 16, 1978. USS REASONER continued her deployment under the new commanding officer. During the year, she fired a RIM-7F Sea Sparrow missile, testing the ship's short-range air-defense launcher, radar tracking, fire-control equipment, and combat-direction procedures. On August 31, 1978, USS REASONER arrived at Jinhae, South Korea, for a port visit that continued until September 5. The call took place during a period of continuing tension on the Korean Peninsula and supported American naval contact with South Korea. After completing the remaining phases of the cruise, USS REASONER returned to the eastern Pacific.

During 1979, USS REASONER remained based at San Diego and continued maintenance, inspections, training, and deployment preparations. In the summer of that year, sequences for the Village People song "In the Navy" were filmed aboard the ship. Members of the crew appeared in the production, which used the frigate's weather decks and superstructure as a naval setting.

The strategic environment changed substantially during the second half of 1979. The Iranian Revolution removed the government of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, American embassy personnel were taken hostage in Tehran in November, and the Soviet Union intervened militarily in Afghanistan in December. In response, the United States expanded its naval presence in the Indian Ocean and North Arabian Sea.

USS REASONER deployed to the Indian Ocean during this period and carried out patrol and support assignments associated with the increased American presence. On February 28, 1980, USS COOK (FF 1083), which was then at Subic Bay, received orders to depart earlier than planned and assume assignments previously allocated to USS REASONER. The specific reason for the reassignment is not established, but the order confirms that USS REASONER had been performing duties connected with the Indian Ocean contingency force during the Iranian hostage crisis. Commander Gregory S. Smyth relieved Commander Gershon on August 8, 1980. USS REASONER subsequently returned to the United States and entered another period of maintenance and training. During 1981, she underwent a maintenance availability in the Puget Sound area. Following the work, the frigate completed trials, inspections, and refresher training before regaining full deployable status.

Commander Keith M. Arndt relieved Commander Smyth on September 6, 1982. On October 15, USS REASONER was photographed at sea while the task groups of USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) and USS MIDWAY operated together. The combined activity brought together two carrier forces and their escorts for coordinated training during a period of continuing Cold War competition in the western Pacific. USS REASONER subsequently operated with forces associated with USS ENTERPRISE during a deployment extending into the Indian Ocean and North Arabian Sea. The regional situation remained unstable because the Iran-Iraq War was continuing, Soviet forces remained in Afghanistan, and Soviet naval units operated regularly along the major routes used by American carrier groups.

During the deployment, USS REASONER was detached from the principal carrier formation for anti-submarine duties. She rejoined the USS ENTERPRISE force on January 10, 1983. Her temporary detachment formed part of the battle group's wider effort to detect, classify, and monitor submarine activity along the carrier's intended routes and operating areas. The carrier force also encountered Soviet surface activity. USS HARRY W. HILL (DD 986), for example, was detached to monitor the Soviet aviation cruiser MINSK before returning to the American group later in January.

Near the end of the deployment, USS REASONER participated in Fleet Exercise 83-1 in the North Pacific. The exercise tested the ships after their long operating period and provided coordinated training as the force approached the United States. USS REASONER returned to San Diego on April 29, 1983, together with the nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser USS BAINBRIDGE (CGN 25), the destroyers USS HULL (DD 945) and USS HARRY W. HILL, and the frigates USS O'CALLAHAN (FF 1051) and USS HEPBURN (FF 1055). The return completed a deployment lasting approximately eight months.

After post-deployment leave and maintenance, USS REASONER resumed operations from San Diego. During 1984, she completed another western Pacific deployment. The cruise continued the pattern of Seventh Fleet service, anti-submarine work, and operations in support of larger naval formations that had characterized much of her career. Commander John F. Sigler relieved Commander Arndt on November 21, 1984.

During 1985, USS REASONER underwent maintenance, readiness inspections, weapons and engineering training, and carrier-group workups. On October 12, she participated in the naval parade beneath the Golden Gate Bridge at the conclusion of San Francisco Fleet Week. The formation was led by USS ENTERPRISE and included ships preparing for the carrier's next major deployment.

USS REASONER began a major deployment with the USS ENTERPRISE group in January 1986. The force crossed the Pacific, conducted training in Hawaiian and western Pacific waters, and continued through Southeast Asian waters into the Indian Ocean. Anti-submarine surveillance, carrier screening, underway replenishment, air-defense readiness, and surface tracking continued throughout the long passage. The group's original schedule was altered by increased tension between the United States and Libya. On April 15, American aircraft operating from bases in the United Kingdom and from carriers in the central Mediterranean attacked Libyan targets during Operation El Dorado Canyon. USS ENTERPRISE had not participated in those strikes because she remained east of the Suez Canal, but her group was ordered into the Mediterranean to reinforce American naval forces after the attack.

During the early hours of April 29, USS ENTERPRISE became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to pass through the Suez Canal. USS REASONER and other escorts transited with the formation. The movement allowed the carrier group to enter the Mediterranean without making the much longer passage around the Cape of Good Hope. In the Mediterranean, USS REASONER carried out escort and anti-submarine duties while American naval forces remained alert for possible Libyan retaliation. Captain Barthold, Commander Destroyer Squadron 23, was embarked aboard USS REASONER during part of the deployment, making the frigate a squadron command platform. Her communications facilities and combat information center supported the coordination of the destroyers and frigates assigned to the carrier group.

During June, the USS ENTERPRISE force divided. The carrier, USS TRUXTUN (CGN 35), and USS ARKANSAS (CGN 41) continued westward through the Strait of Gibraltar and eventually completed a global circumnavigation by returning to the Pacific around the Cape of Good Hope. USS REASONER did not accompany them on that part of the voyage. Instead, USS REASONER, USS BAGLEY (FF 1069), and USS SACRAMENTO (AOE 1) remained together and proceeded eastward through the Mediterranean. On June 30, 1986, USS REASONER, USS BAGLEY, and USS SACRAMENTO passed southward through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea. They continued across the Indian Ocean, through Southeast Asian waters, and across the Pacific. USS REASONER returned to San Diego in August 1986.

Commander Stephen P. Marvil relieved Commander Sigler on February 27, 1987. USS REASONER spent much of the year in maintenance, inspection, refresher-training, and carrier-group preparation periods. These activities preceded another deployment to the Indian Ocean, where the Iran-Iraq War had expanded into repeated attacks on merchant shipping and oil installations.

USS REASONER departed the West Coast in early January 1988 as part of the USS ENTERPRISE battle group. The deployment took place during Operation Earnest Will, the American effort to protect reflagged Kuwaiti tankers and maintain freedom of navigation through the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and the adjacent sea routes. Iranian and Iraqi forces had attacked commercial ships during the Tanker War, while Iranian forces had also laid mines in shipping lanes. USS ENTERPRISE operated primarily in the North Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, from where her aircraft could support American forces inside the Persian Gulf. USS REASONER formed part of the carrier group's escort and defensive screen. Her crew maintained radar, sonar, surface, air, and communications watches while the ship supported the security of the carrier and other units operating near the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.

On April 14, 1988, the guided-missile frigate USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58) struck an Iranian mine in the central Persian Gulf. The explosion tore open the ship's hull, damaged her keel, flooded engineering spaces, and injured ten sailors. Evidence recovered from the minefield linked the weapons to mines previously found aboard the Iranian landing ship IRAN AJR. The United States government ordered a military response against Iranian offshore installations and naval forces. On April 16, USS ENTERPRISE supplied fuel to USS LYNDE McCORMICK (DDG 8), USS JOSEPH STRAUSS (DDG 16), and USS REASONER as forces repositioned in preparation for the operation. USS REASONER remained associated with the carrier group in the Gulf of Oman and contributed to its defensive organization.

Operation Praying Mantis began on April 18, 1988. Separate American surface action groups attacked Iranian offshore platforms that had been used for military surveillance and coordination. Iranian patrol craft and warships subsequently engaged American ships and aircraft. Aircraft from USS ENTERPRISE attacked the Iranian frigate IRIS SAHAND (F 74), which was struck by missiles and bombs and later sank. The Iranian frigate IRIS SABALAN (F 73) was also severely damaged. USS REASONER was not credited with firing directly on an Iranian ship or offshore platform during the action. Her documented function was within the organization supporting and protecting the carrier while USS ENTERPRISE launched aircraft and directed flight operations connected with the engagement. Operation Praying Mantis ended after the planned American attacks had been completed and organized Iranian naval resistance had diminished.

USS REASONER continued operating in the region after April 18. On May 15, USS BAGLEY left its previous task unit and joined USS REASONER for the eastward passage. USS REASONER subsequently crossed the Indian and Pacific Oceans and returned to San Diego during the summer of 1988.

After post-deployment leave and upkeep, USS REASONER resumed Third Fleet operations. Commander Richard D. Marvin relieved Commander Marvil on June 16, 1989. The remainder of 1989 and the beginning of 1990 were devoted to maintenance and training for what would become the ship's final major overseas deployment. On February 1, 1990, USS REASONER was documented in San Diego Harbor. During the spring, she participated in Rim of the Pacific 1990 in Hawaiian waters. On May 1, she operated alongside the amphibious assault ship USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3). Naval forces from Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the United States participated in the multinational exercise.

USS REASONER departed on her final western Pacific deployment during July 1990. The cruise began as part of the normal Pacific Fleet operating schedule, but its purpose changed almost immediately because of events in the Middle East. On August 2, Iraqi forces invaded and occupied Kuwait. The invasion threatened Saudi Arabia, gave Iraq control of Kuwait's oil resources, and led the United States and other countries to deploy major naval, air, and ground forces to the region under Operation Desert Shield. On the day of the invasion, USS REASONER and USS BREWTON (FF 1086) were underway north of Diego Garcia and proceeding toward the Persian Gulf region. The two KNOX-class frigates joined the expanding American and multinational naval force in the North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf.

USS REASONER became associated with Battle Group Delta, centered on USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62). Other ships operating with or supporting the force included the guided-missile cruiser USS JOUETT (CG 29), the guided-missile destroyer USS GOLDSBOROUGH (DDG 20), the fleet oiler USS CIMARRON (AO 177), the ammunition ship USS FLINT (AE 32), and the combat stores ship USS WHITE PLAINS (AFS 4).

After the invasion, the United Nations Security Council imposed economic sanctions on Iraq. Multinational naval forces were assigned to identify merchant vessels, determine their cargoes and destinations, direct suspect ships to stop, and board them when necessary. The resulting maritime-interception operation involved American, Australian, British, French, and other allied ships. USS REASONER conducted surveillance, interception, and boarding-support duties in the North Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. Her radar and combat information center were used to locate and track merchant traffic, while bridge and communications teams attempted to establish contact with vessels selected for inspection. Boarding teams included Navy and Coast Guard personnel trained to examine documents, identify cargoes, and determine whether a ship was complying with the sanctions.

On October 1, 1990, USS INDEPENDENCE passed through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf, becoming the first American aircraft carrier to operate inside the Gulf since 1974. USS REASONER continued maritime-interception duties in the surrounding waters and approaches. On October 8, USS REASONER operated with the Australian guided-missile frigate HMAS ADELAIDE (FFG 01), the British frigate HMS BATTLEAXE (F 89), and other British forces during the interception of the Iraqi merchant ship AL WASITTI in the Gulf of Oman. The merchant vessel ignored repeated instructions to stop. HMAS ADELAIDE fired warning shots ahead of the ship, but her master continued attempting to evade inspection. A Royal Marine boarding party from HMS BATTLEAXE was then delivered by helicopter and took control of AL WASITTI so that her documents and cargo could be examined. USS REASONER remained part of the intercepting force throughout the operation.

On October 21, USS O'BRIEN (DD 975) fired warning shots and compelled the Iraqi merchant ship AL BAHAR AL ARABI to stop. On October 22, the vessel was inspected by a multinational boarding team that included United States Navy and Coast Guard personnel from USS REASONER. No prohibited cargo requiring detention was found, and the merchant ship was subsequently permitted to continue.

A more prolonged interception began on October 26 and continued through October 28 against the Iraqi merchant ship AMURIYAH. USS REASONER operated with the amphibious transport dock USS OGDEN (LPD 5), HMAS DARWIN (FFG 04), and the British frigate HMS BRAZEN (F 91). The merchant vessel repeatedly refused instructions to stop despite radio warnings, warning shots, and low-level passes by aircraft from USS INDEPENDENCE. A Marine security detachment from USS OGDEN was eventually placed aboard by helicopter. Boarding teams from HMAS DARWIN and USS REASONER then searched the ship. AMURIYAH was found to be in ballast and was later allowed to proceed.

These operations required restraint and careful coordination. The coalition forces were enforcing United Nations sanctions rather than conducting unrestricted attacks on Iraqi merchant shipping. Warning procedures, communications, helicopter support, and multinational boarding teams were therefore used to compel compliance while limiting the risk of unnecessary damage or casualties. USS REASONER remained in the region through the autumn as American and coalition forces continued to assemble in Saudi Arabia and surrounding waters. She departed the Middle East during November and returned to San Diego in December 1990. Because she had returned before the opening of the coalition air campaign on January 17, 1991, USS REASONER participated in Operation Desert Shield and the maritime enforcement of United Nations sanctions but not in the combat phase of Operation Desert Storm.

Commander Steven J. Sonntag relieved Commander Marvin on April 20, 1991. USS REASONER remained active with the Pacific Fleet and continued operating from San Diego. She was photographed underway off the Southern California coast on June 14. The ship maintained her engineering, navigation, aviation, and weapons qualifications while the Navy reviewed the future of its older steam-powered frigates. The end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991 led to major reductions in the United States fleet. KNOX-class frigates required comparatively large crews and retained labor-intensive steam propulsion plants, while newer gas-turbine-powered cruisers, destroyers, and guided-missile frigates provided more modern air-defense, command, and missile capabilities.

USS REASONER nevertheless remained in commission through 1992 and most of 1993. Her final service included local operations, upkeep, inspections, training, and preparation for transfer to an allied navy. By this time, the aft Sea Sparrow installation carried earlier in her career had been replaced by a Mk 15 Phalanx close-in weapon system, providing radar-controlled short-range defense against aircraft and incoming missiles.

USS REASONER was decommissioned at Pier 13, Naval Station San Diego, on August 28, 1993. American and Turkish personnel attended the combined decommissioning and transfer ceremony. After the United States ensign was lowered, the ship was transferred to the Turkish Navy under a lease arrangement. The Turkish flag was raised, and the former USS REASONER entered Turkish service as TCG KOCATEPE (F 252). Her recorded American awards included the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Navy Battle Efficiency "E" awards, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with one service star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one service star, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with one service star, the Humanitarian Service Medal with one additional award, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal awarded by Kuwait.

USS REASONER was removed from the United States Naval Vessel Register on January 11, 1995, while continuing to serve with the Turkish Navy. Her lease was renewed on August 29, 1997. Turkey formally purchased the frigate on February 22, 2002. TCG KOCATEPE remained in Turkish service until later in 2002, when she was decommissioned after a combined American and Turkish career extending for more than three decades. The former USS REASONER was subsequently retained for use as a target. On May 4, 2005, she was sunk during a Turkish naval exercise in the eastern Mediterranean.

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