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USS McInerney (FFG-8), second ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry class of guided-missile frigates, was named for Vice Admiral Francis X. McInerney (1899–1956). Ordered from Bath Iron Works on 27 February 1976 as part of the FY75 program, McInerney was laid down on 16 January 1978, launched on 4 November 1978, and commissioned on 19 November 1979.
1980s
McInerneys mission is to provide multi-threat protection for military and merchant shipping, amphibious task forces and underway replenishment groups. McInerney was selected as the Navys test platform for the LAMPS MK-III helicopter in the first two years of her service, and her pioneering efforts in antisubmarine warfare earned her a Meritorious Unit Citation.
McInerney departed for the Mediterranean / Indian Ocean Deployment in November 1982. This first major deployment included support of the Multi-National Force in Beirut, and a crossing of the equator enroute to Diego Garcia, earning her a Navy Expeditionary Medal. McInerney received a Coast Guard Operational Meritorious Unit Citation for her efforts in law enforcement.
In October 1984, McInerney was underway for deployment to the Middle East in the midst of the Iran/Iraq Tanker War. McInerney returned from the Middle East in March 1985, and continued operations in support of law enforcement and naval operations. In May 1986, McInerney transited to Boston to commence an extended Selected Restricted Availability period, during which the AN/SQQ-89(V)2 Anti-Submarine Warfare Suite, fin stabilizers, the Recovery, Assist, Securing and Traversing (RAST) System and Single Audio System were installed.
In August 1988, McInerney was underway for her third deployment—this one to the Mediterranean. This deployment was highlighted by McInerney being awarded the COMSIXTHFLT Hook Em Award for excellence in Anti-Submarine Warfare and a Meritorious Unit Citation. McInerney returned from the Mediterranean in February 1989, and departed for the Northern Atlantic in the spring of 1989. Anti-Submarine Warfare operations led the McInerney above the Arctic Circle, and McInerney returned to Mayport in May 1989.
1990s
McInerney deployed to the Middle East in January 1991 and was awarded her second Hook Em Award after a brief ASW operation in the Mediterranean Sea. McInerney then entered the Persian Gulf in support of coalition forces against Iraq. McInerney performed in every warfare area during the conflict, including convoy escort, mine, anti-air and anti-surface operations. McInerney earned the Navy Unit Commendation, the National Service Defense Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star and the Kuwait Liberation Medal for her wartime service.
The ship returned from the Middle East in July 1991 after escorting more than 50 merchant vessels through the mine-swept waters to Kuwait ports. Her continued, proven prowess earned her the Battle E for efficiency, and the COMNAVSURFLANT ASW Award, designating her as the top AN/SQQ-89-configured ASW platform on the East Coast. McInerneys humanitarian efforts include assisting the tug Taurus in the Jacksonville Operating Area, transferring a wounded merchant seaman during the Tanker War, rescuing Sailors from the sinking motor vessel Jenneastar in the Mediterranean and escorting merchant ships carrying needed supplies to the ports of Kuwait through mine-swept channels in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm.
2000s
McInerney completed a highly successful SOUTHCOM Counter-Drug Operations Deployment in November 2001. The highlight of the deployment was a drug bust of an Ecuadorian fishing vessel in which nearly 10 tons of cocaine were seized. For her efforts throughout the deployment, McInerney was awarded the Humanitarian Award and the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation.
As of December 2004 she remains active, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 14 and homeported at NS Mayport, Florida.
McInerney (FFG-8) is the first ship of that name in the US Navy.
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