USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23)

The USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG-23) was a guided missile frigate of the United States Navy. She was a Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, named after Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, a highly decorated United States Marine.

FFG-23 was originally ordered as DeWert but was renamed Lewis B. Puller before construction began, honoring the recently deceased Puller. She was laid down by Bath Iron Works Corporation, Bath, Maine on July 23, 1979, launched on December 15, 1979, and commissioned on March 8, 1980.

As an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, Lewis B. Puller was designed as a multi-mission warship capable of anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare roles. The ship’s armament included a Mark 13 missile launcher capable of firing Standard missiles (SM-1MR) and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, a 76mm Oto Melara naval gun, and various close-in weapons systems for defense against incoming threats. She also carried two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters for anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue operations.

Lewis B. Puller served in various operations and exercises throughout her career, deploying to different regions around the world. Her duties included patrolling vital sea lanes, participating in multinational exercises, and providing support to other naval forces.

She was decommissioned on September 18, 1998, and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on May 3, 2000. She was subsequently sold for scrapping.