The USS Ford displaces at 4,160 tons under full load and features a bow-to-stern length of 453 feet, a beam measurement of 45 feet and a draught of 22 feet. Her design follows that of the whole Oliver Hazard Perry-class of surface ships with their conventionally tapered, raised bow section, single-piece superstructure and open-air stern. The stern is reserved for the flight deck space required to service, land and launch medium-lift type helicopters. A hanger is attached to the aft portion of the superstructure and offers near-full maintenance and repair capabilities. The bridge, identified by its row of large windows, is set on the extreme upper section of the superstructure at front with a commanding view over the bow and frontal sides of the ship. The main mast if an exposed tripod style design while various sensors and communications systems are arranged atop support structures over and aft of the bridge. The vessel is crewed by up to 205 personnel made up of 15 officers and up to 190 enlisted. Additionally, she carries her own helicopter air arm numbering 21 and this group made up of six officers and up to fifteen technicians. The stern flight deck is cleared to service up to 2 x Sikorsky SH-60 (LAMPS III-equipped) series naval helicopters.
Power for USS Ford is conventionally served through 2 x General Electric LM2500-30 series gas turbines generating 41,000 shaft horsepower to a single variable-pitch screw mounted under the stern. This provides the vessel with a maximum sea-going speed of 29 knots in ideal conditions. Operational range is out to 5,000 nautical miles. Her helicopter arm allows for extended reconnoitering ranges and submarine-hunting capabilities.
As a multi-role general purpose surface ship, the USS Ford is outfitted with an array of weaponry led by its 1 x 76mm /62 caliber OTO Melara Mk.75 deck gun (of Italian design). This is supplemented by 1 x 25mm Mk 38 series turreted autocannon over the aft portion of the superstructure. Submarines and surface threats are dealt with 2 x 324mm Mk.32 triple-tube torpedo launchers cleared to fire the Mark 46 series torpedo. A single 20mm Vulcan Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapons System) serves to manage incoming aerial threats through a digitally-based infrastructure and can engage cruise missiles as well. Extreme close-in defense is by way of 4 x 12.7mm (0.50cal) heavy machine guns.
The USS Ford (FFG-54) maintains an active service standing with the USN as of this writing (2013), having completed various port stops, exercises and patrols during her tenure. She collected the 2006 "Battle E" recognition for excellent service.
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