Bath Iron Works Launches Navy Frigate Ahead Of Schedule

The U.S. Navy guided missile frigate Clifton Sprague ( F F G 1 6 ) was r e c e n t ly launched 19 weeks ahead of schedule by Bath Iron Works.

The ship honors the name and memory of the late Vice Adm. Clifton Albert Frederick Sprague, USN, World War II hero famed for his exploits with aircraft carriers in Pacific combat. His daughter Mrs. Courtney Sprague Vaughan of Monte Sereno, Calif., sponsored the vessel, with her sister, Mrs. Patricia Sprague Reneau of Chula Vista, Calif., serving as matron of honor.

John F. Sullivan Jr., president and chief executive officer of Bath Iron Works, welcomed the guests, including principal speaker C o n g r e s s w o m a n Beverly Barton Butcher Byron. Daughter of Capt. Harry C. Butcher, World War II Naval aide to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, she represents the Sixth District of Maryland, and is a member of the House Armed Services Committee; and Rear Adm. Dempster M. Jackson, USN, Assistant Deputy Commander for ASW and Underwater Systems, Naval Sea Systems Command, who also addressed the gathering.

The 445-foot Clifton Sprague, powered by gas turbines similar to j e t aircraft engines, is the sixth in a new class of guided missile frigates launched by Bath Iron Works. The new frigate class is designed for defense against submarines, surface ships and aircraft.

The Clifton Sprague will displace 3,600 tons fully loaded. It can be manned by a relatively small complement of 17 officers and enlisted men. Its gas turbines are geared to a single propeller to deliver 40,000 shaft horsepower for a sustained speed in excess of 28 knots.

The Bath, Maine, shipyard has already delivered the first two vessels of the class, the USS Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG7), and USS Mclnerney (FFG8). Three more of the class, Clark (FFG11), Samuel Eliot Morison (FFG13), and Estocin (FFG15), are currently undergoing final outfitting and testing at the shipyard.

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