USS Reuben James (FFG-57)

The USS Reuben James (FFG-57) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy. Named for Boatswain's Mate Reuben James, who distinguished himself in the War of 1812, she was the second ship to bear that name.

FFG-57 was ordered on 27 December 1982 and laid down on 4 November 1983 by Todd Pacific Shipyards, Los Angeles Division, San Pedro, California. She was launched on 8 February 1985 and commissioned on 8 March 1986.

The Reuben James' primary mission was anti-submarine warfare (ASW). As an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, she also possessed capabilities for anti-air warfare (AAW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW). She was equipped with the AN/SQS-56 sonar, capable of detecting and tracking submarines, as well as Mark 46 torpedoes and the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter for ASW operations. Her AAW capabilities included the Standard Missile (SM-1) system, later upgraded to the SM-1MR. For ASuW, she carried Harpoon anti-ship missiles and a 76 mm (3 inch) gun.

Throughout her career, USS Reuben James participated in numerous deployments and exercises, including operations in the Persian Gulf, the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. She contributed to maritime security operations, drug interdiction efforts, and international training exercises with allied navies.

USS Reuben James was decommissioned on 18 July 2013 at Naval Base San Diego after 27 years of service. She was then towed to Brownsville, Texas, for dismantling.