Antrim (FFG 20) - Naval Cruise Book

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ADMIRAL RICHARD NOTT ANTRIM USS ANTRIM (FFG-20) is named for Rear Admiral Richard Nott Antrim, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Bronze Star, Navy Cross, and the Purple Heart. Rear Admiral Antrim was born on 17 December 1907 in Peru, Indiana. In June, 1926, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Upon being discharged in 1927, he accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from Indiana. He graduated and was commissioned an Ensign in 1931. In September, 1940, he received the designation of Naval Aviator. The Navy Cross was awarded to Antrim upon the recommendations of his Commanding Officer for having caused extensive damage to the enemy and then, in the same battle, for being the prime factor in the eventual saving of the lives of 151 survivors of the actual sinking of the USS POPE at the Battle of Java Sea in the Dutch East Indies. The Medal of Honor and the Bronze Star were won for heroic actions while in a Japanese POW camp at Makas- sar, Celebes, and Batavia, Java. In April, 1942, Lt. Antrim intervened in behalf of a junior naval officer who was being clubbed by a frenzied Japanese guard. Antrim first attempted to persuade the guard to discuss the charges against the officer. When the entreaties to the Japanese had availed nothing, and it was apparent that the officer would either be maimed or killed, Antrim stepped forward in front of the entire Japanese guard force and 2700 Allied prisoners and indicated that he would take the remainder of the punishment. According to the recommendations written by the American senior officer at the camp, the Japanese were so startled by Antrim ' s daring move that no punishment was forthcoming. In fact, prison life, which had been worsening, improved. The Bronze Star was won on a later occasion , July 1945, when Antrim was forced to take charge of a labor party which was to construct the slit trenches for bomb protection. Antrim caused the trenches to be constructed in such a manner that Allied aerial photographs would reveal the nature of the trenches and whom they protected. Upon his return to the United States, Antrim was progressed in rank to Captain. On 1 April 1954, he was transferred to the Retired List of the U.S. Navy and was advanced to the rank of Rear Admiral on the basis of combat awards. After his retirement from the Navy, Rear Admiral Antrim and his family settled in Mt. Home, Arkansas, where he died in 1969. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I

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IN DEFENSE OF FREEDOM A] COAT OF ARMS SHIELD: The colors dark blue and gold are traditionally associated with the Navy and represent the sea and excellence. The light blue and reversed star refer to the Medal of Honor awarded to Rear Admiral Antrim for heroic actions while in a Japanese POW camp at Makassar Celebes and Batavia, Java. The anchor symbolizes his naval career and the crossed crosslets, a personal device, represents his dedication to servic e. The cross throughout the shield is an allusion to the Navy Cross awarded Admiral Antrim for action in the Battle for Java Sea in the Dutch East Indies. CREST: The wreath is for outstanding gallantry and achievement. The palm denotes victory, and the laurel, honor. The torch symbolizes leadership and bravery. The portcullis represents POW imprisonment. The USS ANTRIM Coat of Arms was prepared by Nadine Russell of the Army Institute of Heraldry, Wash- ington, D.C. • rss iiichi Peru, Hegi Nava recoil causs thes event ;iiiki Thel m ar,i :heo force Tllr COK aere Antr adva

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SHIP ' S SPECIFICATIONS Built by Todd Pacific Shipyards, Corporation Seattle, Washington Keel Laid 21 June 1978 Launched 27 March 1979 Commissioned 26 September 1981 Length 445 feet Beam 45 feet Displacement 3600 tons Complement 15 Officers, 180 Enlisted Helo Detachment 4 Officers, 12 Enlisted Armament MK 1 3 Guided Missile Launcher —HARPOON anti-surface missile —Standard anti-aircraft missile 76mm MK75 Rapid Fire Gun MK32 ASW Torpedo Tubes (two triple mountings) Combat Systems AN SPS-49 Air Search Radar AN SPS-55 Surface Search Radar MK92 Fire Control System AN SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare System AN SQS-56 Digital Sonar SRBOC Decoy System Naval Combat Data System Propulsion Two General Electric LM 2500 Gas Turbines (40,000 SHP) Two 360 HP Electric Auxiliary Propulsion Units One Controllable Reversible Pitch Propeller Maximum Speed More than 30 knots Aircraft Capability to carry two medium size helicopters