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General Characteristics Crew List Memorabilia Accidents aboard the Ship About the Ship's Name History Image Gallery to end of page |  |
USS EDWARD McDONNELL was the third GARCIA - class frigate. Commissioned as a destroyer escort, the ship was redesignated as a frigate on June 30, 1975. Decommissioned on September 30, 1988, and stricken from the Navy list on December 15, 1992, the EDWARD McDONNELL was sold for scrapping on July 25, 1995. Scrapping was completed on August 21, 2002.
| General Characteristics: | Awarded: January 3, 1962 |
| Keel laid: April 1, 1963 | |
| Launched: February 15, 1964 | |
| Commissioned: February 15, 1965 | |
| Decommissioned: September 30, 1988 | |
| Builder: Avondale Shipyards, New Orleans, La. | |
| Propulsion system: 2 Foster-Wheeler boilers; 1 Westinghouse geared turbine; 35,000shp; 1 shaft | |
| Length: 414.4 feet (126.3 meters) | |
| Beam: 44.3 feet (13.5 meters) | |
| Draft: 25.9 feet (7.9 meters) | |
| Displacement: approx. 3,500 tons full load | |
| Speed: 27 knots | |
| Armament: one Mk-16 missile launcher for ASROC missiles, two Mk-30 5-inch/38 caliber guns, | |
| Aircraft: one | |
| Crew: 16 officers, 231 enlisted |
back to top go to the end of the pageback to top go to the end of the pageCrew List:
This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS EDWARD McDONNELL. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.
back to top go to the end of the pageback to top go to the end of the pageAccidents aboard USS EDWARD McDONNELL:
| Date | Where | Events |
|---|---|---|
| March 5, 1975 | Hamburg, West Germany | USS EDWARD McDONNELL is struck from astern by the Finish merchant ship BORE V while entering the port of Hamburg, West Germany, in rain and fog. The collision opens an eight-foot-square hole above the waterline of the EDWARD McDONNELL. The damage was repaired during the Hamburg visit. |
back to top go to the end of the pageAbout the Ship's Name:
Vice Admiral Edward Orrick McDonnell was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 13, 1891. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in July 1912 and initially served aboard several surface ships. During the United States intervention at Veracruz, Mexico, on April 21-22, 1914, Ensign McDonnell established and maintained a signal station at an exposed position on the roof of the Terminal Hotel, keeping communications open between American forces ashore and ships offshore while under fire. For his actions he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
McDonnell subsequently became one of the Navy's early aviators, receiving his designation as a Naval Aviator in March 1915 and serving as an instructor at Naval Air Station Pensacola. During World War I, he served with United States naval aviation forces in Europe and participated in air operations in France and Italy. His work with the Northern Bombing Group and hazardous flights over the Alps later earned him the Navy Cross. On March 10, 1919, he flew a Sopwith Camel from a platform erected over a turret of USS TEXAS, the first launch of an aircraft from an American battleship.
McDonnell entered the Naval Reserve in 1920 but returned to active duty in 1940. During World War II, he held senior naval aviation assignments, including command of Naval Air Station New York and duties connected with naval air training at Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1944-1945 he commanded the escort carriers USS LONG ISLAND and USS NEHENTA BAY (CVE 74). He was released from active duty in December 1945 and transferred to the retired list in December 1951 with the rank of vice admiral.
Edward O. McDonnell died on January 6, 1960, when National Airlines Flight 2511 exploded and crashed near Bolivia, North Carolina, killing everyone aboard. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
back to top go to the end of the pageUSS EDWARD McDONNELL History:
USS EDWARD McDONNELL was a GARCIA-class destroyer escort. The contract for the new ship was awarded to Avondale Shipyards, Inc., on January 3, 1962. Her keel was laid at Westwego, Louisiana, on April 1, 1963. She was launched and christened on February 15, 1964, sponsored by Mrs. Helen Fisher McDonnell, the widow of Vice Admiral McDonnell. Exactly one year later, on February 15, 1965, the ship was commissioned at Charleston, South Carolina, with Commander Daniel L. Banks Jr. as her first commanding officer.
Following commissioning, EDWARD McDONNELL underwent fitting out, trials and initial fleet training. During July 1965, she operated in Caribbean waters as part of Task Unit 23.5.1 together with USS DAHLGREN (DLG 12), USS SAMPSON (DDG 10), and USS RICHARD E. BYRD (DDG 23). The group was operating together by July 6, visited St. Thomas on July 9 and reached Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, on July 10. These early operations formed part of the ship's workup and evaluation period following commissioning.
On November 18, 1965 EDWARD McDONNELL was moored at Norfolk when personnel aboard observed smoke emerging from an after ventilation opening aboard the nearby intelligence ship USS LIBERTY (AGTR 5). EDWARD McDONNELL notified LIBERTY by telephone, leading the latter's crew to discover and extinguish a Class Alpha fire in the ship's laundry.
EDWARD McDONNELL continued fitting out, trials and training into 1966, including work at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia. On February 21, she began participation in Exercise Springboard '66 in the Caribbean, conducting hunter-killer antisubmarine and other fleet training. She entered Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on March 11 for repairs and returned to Norfolk on March 23. During the latter part of March she served as a training platform for sonar personnel in Narragansett Bay, followed by additional antisubmarine exercises during April. Final acceptance trials were completed on April 27.
EDWARD McDONNELL departed Norfolk on May 16, 1966 for her first major overseas deployment, operating with Task Group 83.4. After crossing the Atlantic, the group conducted antisubmarine operations in the Norwegian Sea. On May 27, EDWARD McDONNELL entered Trondheim, Norway, together with USS FURSE (DD 882) and USS BORIE (DD 704). The ships hosted local officials and visitors before departing on May 30. The task group then spent approximately seventeen days engaged in antisubmarine operations in the Norwegian Sea.
On June 17, 1966, EDWARD McDONNELL arrived at Kiel, West Germany, for Kiel Week. The visit placed the ship close to the western approaches to the Baltic during a period when NATO navies routinely monitored Soviet and Warsaw Pact naval activity in northern European waters. She departed Kiel on June 27 and spent approximately three days in the Baltic conducting electronic intelligence collection before proceeding to Alborg, Denmark. There she joined USS BEATTY (DD 756) and participated in activities associated with the annual Rebild Festival on July 4.
After leaving Denmark, EDWARD McDONNELL rejoined her task group and conducted additional antisubmarine exercises in the Norwegian Sea, including operations with West German destroyers. She arrived at Copenhagen on July 14 in company with USS RANDOLPH (CVS 15) and BORIE and remained there until July 19. The following day she reached Norrköping, Sweden, after conducting a tracking exercise against a Danish submarine during the passage. She remained at Norrköping until July 25.
The ship subsequently operated off the western coast of Scotland before visiting Dublin, Ireland, in early August. From August 13 through August 19, she participated in the NATO exercise Straight Laced, which simulated air strikes against targets in Norway, with EDWARD McDONNELL providing part of the antisubmarine screen. She reached Belfast, Northern Ireland, on August 22 and departed two days later. After completing the return transit across the Atlantic, EDWARD McDONNELL arrived at her new homeport of Newport, Rhode Island, on September 1, 1966.
During late September, she participated in Exercise Plumbob II in Narragansett Bay with USS GARCIA (DE 1040) and USS McCLOY (DE 1038). On October 24, EDWARD McDONNELL began another period supporting antisubmarine training, serving as a sonar school platform. On November 7, she departed for waters off North Carolina for Exercise ASWEX V. Participating submarines included USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) and USS POLLACK (SSN 603), while USS ESSEX (CVS 9) and several destroyers formed part of the surface and air antisubmarine force. NAUTILUS and ESSEX subsequently withdrew following a collision between the two ships during the exercise.
EDWARD McDONNELL returned to Newport during the middle of November and again performed sonar-school duties later in the month. In early December, she participated in LantFlex '66, a large Atlantic Fleet exercise involving more than 90 ships. The overall exercise included an amphibious assault at Vieques, Puerto Rico, antisubmarine operations, blockade patrols, gunnery and simulated air attacks. EDWARD McDONNELL operated with Task Force 20 and took part in exercises involving the defense of the force against simulated surface threats. She returned to Newport on December 16. Commander Banks had meanwhile been relieved by Commander William R. Sheridan on June 22, 1966.
EDWARD McDONNELL resumed antisubmarine training soon after the beginning of 1967. On January 16, she exercised with RANDOLPH, USS BACHE (DD 470), GARCIA and USS CUBERA (SS 347). She entered Kingsport, Bermuda, on January 20 and departed on January 23. Two days later she began Exercise Warex II with Task Unit 83.2.2.
On February 6, EDWARD McDONNELL departed Newport for Exercise ASWEX VI but soon developed problems in the superheater of her No. 1 boiler and had to return for repairs. She was able to join Task Unit 82.5.1 off the Virginia Capes on February 8. The exercise included operations against USS HADDO (SSN 604) and concentrated on methods of detecting and tracking submarines. Severe weather shortened the exercise, and EDWARD McDONNELL returned to Newport on February 16.
The ship headed south again in March. On March 9, she rendezvoused with Task Group 83.2 near the Florida Keys. On March 10, she embarked twenty members of the National Security Industrial Association for the organization's annual antisubmarine warfare demonstration. The visitors subsequently disembarked at Key West, after which EDWARD McDONNELL made a liberty visit to Miami on March 11. She rejoined the task group on March 14 and returned to Newport on March 24.
On April 24, EDWARD McDONNELL proceeded to the Virginia Capes operating area for Exercise ASWEX VII, a combined antisubmarine exercise emphasizing operations against missile submarines. Poor weather again complicated the training. She returned to Newport on May 5. On May 8, she proceeded to the Bloodsworth Island range in Chesapeake Bay for naval gunfire support qualifications before conducting additional antisubmarine training. She was back at Newport on May 18.
On June 5, 1967 EDWARD McDONNELL began participation in Operation New Look, a NATO exercise involving naval forces from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and West Germany and concentrating on protection of Atlantic sea routes. She visited New York City on June 16 and returned to Newport on June 19. Further gunnery exercises followed during July. On July 25 EDWARD McDONNELL headed for the Florida operating area to participate in the NATO exercise Lash Out. Beginning on July 27, the exercise simulated a hostile assault against Florida and included surface, air and antisubmarine operations. EDWARD McDONNELL served with the defending force. Lash Out concluded on August 2, and she returned to Newport on August 4.
Rear Admiral Douglas Plate embarked on August 14 while EDWARD McDONNELL conducted task-group operations. He departed on August 16, while the ship continued training until August 20 and subsequently completed naval gunfire support qualifications at Bloodsworth Island. Local exercises in and around Narragansett Bay occupied the following weeks as the ship prepared for her first Mediterranean deployment.
A detachment from Fleet Composite Squadron 6 and its QH-50 DASH equipment embarked on September 20. EDWARD McDONNELL departed Newport on September 22 and rendezvoused with Task Group 83.2 near Bermuda before commencing the Atlantic transit on September 26. On September 29, the task group began antisubmarine operations in response to reports of a Soviet nuclear-powered submarine in the Atlantic approaches. After entering the Mediterranean, the group was redesignated Task Group 67.6. EDWARD McDONNELL reached Naples, Italy, on October 11.
On October 16, the ship began searching the Tyrrhenian Sea for Soviet submarines. On October 17, a submarine was sighted operating at snorkel depth. EDWARD McDONNELL, USS CROMWELL (DE 1014) and supporting aircraft established contact, and on October 18 the submarine was identified as the Soviet FOXTROT-class boat F-926. EDWARD McDONNELL was temporarily relieved by USS SARSFIELD (DD 837) and USS ROBERT K. HUNTINGTON (DD 781) while she refueled, then returned to the tracking operation. At approximately 0200 on October 19, the Soviet submarine succeeded in breaking contact near an unidentified merchant ship. The American force searched for approximately ten hours before another submarine, the Soviet WHISKEY-class W-372, was detected. EDWARD McDONNELL, ROBERT K. HUNTINGTON and SARSFIELD maintained contact until they were relieved on October 20.
EDWARD McDONNELL then operated with CROMWELL on a barrier patrol. On October 27, CROMWELL detected another WHISKEY-class submarine, W-509, and EDWARD McDONNELL joined the prosecution. The Soviet submarine employed countermeasures, including false sonar targets, during efforts to evade the American ships. It eventually surfaced after approximately thirteen hours and remained under surveillance until October 29.
EDWARD McDONNELL entered Palma de Mallorca on November 2 for approximately a week. She then resumed patrol operations in the Tyrrhenian Sea and returned to Naples on November 18. After departing again on November 25, she continued Mediterranean duties until proceeding to Gibraltar on December 6. She left the Mediterranean on December 8 and arrived back at Newport on December 16, 1967.
On January 31, 1968, EDWARD McDONNELL entered Boston Naval Shipyard at Charlestown, Massachusetts, for a major overhaul. The yard period lasted approximately 13 months and concentrated particularly on the main propulsion plant and sonar equipment. Her steam-generating equipment received extensive work, and the ship underwent improvements intended to maintain the effectiveness of her antisubmarine systems. Commander Richard C. Allen relieved Commander Sheridan on August 5, 1968. EDWARD McDONNELL finally departed Boston Naval Shipyard on February 26, 1969, after approximately 395 days in overhaul.
During March 1969, the ship conducted post-overhaul training in Caribbean waters. She operated from Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and used ranges near Frederiksted, St. Croix, for gunnery and weapons exercises. EDWARD McDONNELL arrived at Guantanamo Bay on March 24 and then underwent approximately six and a half weeks of refresher training involving antisubmarine warfare, air defense, surface warfare and shore bombardment. Final post-overhaul trials were conducted on May 7. EDWARD McDONNELL subsequently visited West Palm Beach, Florida, arriving on May 13. On May 17, Mrs. Helen Fisher McDonnell, the ship's sponsor, was among the visitors aboard during Armed Forces Day activities.
EDWARD McDONNELL departed on May 19 to participate in Exercise Exotic Dancer. The exercise simulated assistance to a friendly country threatened by insurgency and included maritime interdiction operations. During the exercise, EDWARD McDONNELL intercepted USS MOUNTRAIL (LPA 213), which was operating with the opposing force. She left the Caribbean area on June 1 and returned to Newport on June 5. Inspections and local operations occupied much of June and July. On August 11, EDWARD McDONNELL again headed for Puerto Rico, this time to participate in Fleet Exercise Rimex III. Observers embarked at San Juan on August 16, and the exercise included electronic countermeasures and air-defense training. Following its conclusion on August 21, the ship entered Roosevelt Roads for the exercise debrief and later visited Frederiksted. She departed the Caribbean on August 25 and reached Newport on August 28.
During November, EDWARD McDONNELL again participated in carrier-based hunter-killer antisubmarine operations. She departed Newport on November 13 with Task Unit 83.7.1 and proceeded toward the Jacksonville operating area. On November 17, an aircraft operating from USS WASP (CVS 18) ditched at sea. One of the two crewmen was rescued; the other could not be located. EDWARD McDONNELL returned to Newport on November 22 and began a tender availability on November 24.
On January 12, 1970, EDWARD McDONNELL departed Newport for Exercise Springboard in Caribbean waters and returned on February 9. Commander Alexander M. Sinclair relieved Commander Allen on March 16. On March 19, the ship again put to sea for hunter-killer antisubmarine exercises off the Virginia Capes with WASP and ships of Destroyer Squadron 12. On April 1, she attempted nighttime naval gunfire support training with USS FISKE (DD 842) at Bloodsworth Island, but high winds severely restricted the firing program. She returned to Newport on April 4.
At 0855 on May 5, 1970 EDWARD McDONNELL departed Newport for another extended deployment. During the first ten days, she conducted exercises off the Virginia Capes before beginning the Atlantic crossing. She reached Lisbon, Portugal, on May 25. After leaving Lisbon on June 1, she continued exercises during the passage toward Spain and entered Rota on June 9 for a two-day stay. EDWARD McDONNELL subsequently resumed hunter-killer operations in the eastern Atlantic and participated in NATO Exercise Dawn Patrol. On June 19, she entered Copenhagen with WASP and GARCIA. Following approximately a week in port, the ships returned to sea. The force was redesignated Task Group 87.1, and EDWARD McDONNELL crossed the Arctic Circle on July 1. Approximately two weeks of antisubmarine, gunnery and helicopter-supported exercises followed in the Norwegian Sea.
The ship entered Hamburg, West Germany, on July 13 with WASP and GARCIA and departed on July 18. She reached Leith, Scotland, on July 20. During the visit, EDWARD McDONNELL was selected to replace USS FORREST SHERMAN (DD 931) as the United States Navy representative at Cowes Week. She left Leith on July 25, participated in further Norwegian Sea operations and was detached from the task group on July 29. EDWARD McDONNELL subsequently proceeded to Cowes, England, where she anchored in the vicinity of HMS YARMOUTH (F 101). On August 2, the royal yacht HMY BRITANNIA was also present at Cowes with Prince Charles and Princess Anne aboard during the regatta activities. EDWARD McDONNELL departed on August 5 for Faslane, Scotland, and rejoined her operating group the following day. Additional antisubmarine exercises followed in the Norwegian Sea.
On August 20, EDWARD McDONNELL was detached for a port visit to Arendal, Norway. She departed on August 26 and reached Southampton, England, on August 28. Leaving Southampton on September 1, she crossed the Atlantic and returned to Newport on September 10.
After a post-deployment stand-down, EDWARD McDONNELL underwent installation of an Omega navigation system and modifications associated with her AN/SQS-26 sonar. She returned to sea on October 12 for Exercise Squeezeplay VI, an intensive antisubmarine warfare exercise that continued through October 26. Beginning on October 28 she participated in Operation Eyebolt with Task Group 83.2, continuing antisubmarine work into early November.
On January 18, 1971, EDWARD McDONNELL began Exercise Squeezeplay VII. Rear Admiral Thomas R. Weschler used the ship as his flagship during the exercise, which continued until February 1. Another series, Squeezeplay VIII, began on March 22. EDWARD McDONNELL entered Norfolk on March 25 for emergency repairs, departed on March 31 and rejoined the exercise on April 2. She returned to Newport on April 9.
One of the most extensive voyages of EDWARD McDONNELL's career began during the summer of 1971 with her participation in Unitas XII, the annual multinational exercise series conducted with South American navies. She departed Newport on July 22 and arrived at Norfolk the following day, where she embarked the United States Navy Show Band and spare parts for P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft. On July 24, she sailed for Puerto Rico as part of Task Unit 86.0.4 with USS TRUMPETFISH (SS 425), USS BORDELON (DD 881), and USS MacDONOUGH (DLG 8).
The group reached Roosevelt Roads on July 29 and subsequently rendezvoused with ships of the Colombian Navy. Combined exercises began on August 2 while the multinational force proceeded toward Cartagena. EDWARD McDONNELL arrived at Cartagena on August 6 and remained there until August 11. After leaving Colombia, the American ships proceeded toward the Panama Canal and transited it on August 13, entering the Pacific. They continued southward on August 15. Units of the Peruvian Navy joined the exercise on August 23. EDWARD McDONNELL visited Paita on August 24 before participating in further combined operations. She arrived at Callao on August 27 and remained there through September 4. After the Colombian contingent detached, the force continued south with the Peruvian Navy, anchoring in San Juan Bay on September 6 and operating near Ilo Bay on September 9.
On September 10, the Peruvian phase ended and EDWARD McDONNELL rendezvoused with units of the Chilean Navy off Arica. Combined exercises began on September 11. During this phase, a Chilean naval helicopter operated with EDWARD McDONNELL as the ship and her hosts conducted aviation and antisubmarine training. The force used Bahia Inglesa on September 13 during further exercises. EDWARD McDONNELL entered Valparaiso on September 17. During the port visit, members of her crew assisted local authorities in fighting a fire at the Customs House. Commander Roger O. Simon relieved Commander Sinclair on the same day. The frigate departed Valparaiso on September 22 and reached Talcahuano on September 24 for a three-day visit.
Continuing southward, EDWARD McDONNELL visited Puerto Montt and then proceeded through Chile's inland waterways at the end of September. She reached Punta Arenas on October 4 and entered the Atlantic after passing through the southern approaches to South America on October 6. On October 8, she rendezvoused with units of the Argentine Navy. Combined operations led to a visit to Puerto Belgrano on October 12. After leaving several days later, EDWARD McDONNELL conducted additional exercises while proceeding toward Buenos Aires, but on October 21 she had to return to Puerto Belgrano for repairs. She departed again on October 27 as the Unitas force continued northward along the Atlantic coast.
The Brazilian phase followed. EDWARD McDONNELL reached Rio de Janeiro on November 4 and remained there for approximately eight days before continuing north. She visited Salvador on November 17. By November 27 she had reached Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, and participated in exercises with Venezuelan naval forces through November 30. EDWARD McDONNELL departed on December 1 and entered La Guaira on December 2 for a four-day visit. She left Venezuela on December 6 and reached Roosevelt Roads on December 9, where the Navy Show Band and the P-3 support material carried during the deployment were offloaded. The ship proceeded to San Juan on December 10 for the post-exercise debrief. She was detached from the Unitas force on December 13 and returned to Newport on December 16.
After local operations during the opening weeks of 1972, EDWARD McDONNELL departed Newport on February 7 for Exercise LantCortex 2-72 in the Jacksonville operating area, conducting antisubmarine training before returning on February 17. On March 10, she departed for the eastern Atlantic to participate in Exercise Solid Oak with Spanish and Portuguese naval forces. The approximately three-week exercise included antisubmarine warfare, gunnery and helicopter-supported operations. EDWARD McDONNELL entered Lisbon on April 12. While there, she received orders to proceed to the Mediterranean and relieve USS LITTLE ROCK (CLG 4). She reached Rota on April 14, completed turnover arrangements and subsequently proceeded to Naples, where she joined Destroyer Squadron 2.
During the following seven weeks, EDWARD McDONNELL conducted carrier-support, surveillance and other Sixth Fleet operations and participated in NATO Exercise Dawn Patrol. During this period, she suffered a serious casualty in her low-pressure turbine. The propulsion problem required assistance, and EDWARD McDONNELL reached Naples on May 6 for repairs. Her crew worked with personnel from USS CASCADE (AD 16), and the necessary repairs were completed in approximately seven days. After returning to operations, EDWARD McDONNELL proceeded toward Gibraltar on May 20 and subsequently began the Atlantic crossing. She arrived at Newport on May 25. Local training followed during June as preparations began for a major modernization and overhaul.
On July 5, 1972, the fleet tug USS NIPMUC (ATF 157) took EDWARD McDONNELL in tow for Boston. The frigate reached Boston Naval Shipyard on July 6 and entered dry dock on July 25. The overhaul included extensive work on her propulsion plant, sonar, radar, hull and internal spaces. Of particular operational importance was modification of her aviation facilities to support the Light Airborne Multipurpose System and its manned SH-2 Seasprite helicopter. The sonar dome also received a rubber acoustic window as part of the modernization. EDWARD McDONNELL remained in dry dock until January 11, 1973 and then shifted within the Charlestown yard for completion of the remaining work. She conducted sea trials beginning on March 21 and finally returned to Newport on April 10.
Commander Francis J. Lamotte had relieved Commander Simon on February 15, 1973. Following the overhaul, EDWARD McDONNELL spent early May rebuilding operational proficiency. She visited Port Everglades, Florida, on May 7 and subsequently conducted tests at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center near Andros Island in the Bahamas. She reached San Juan on May 18 and Guantanamo Bay on May 23. At Guantanamo the frigate underwent an extended period of individual and refresher training. The program continued through June 19 and included antisubmarine warfare, engineering, gunnery and other fleet exercises. EDWARD McDONNELL then completed naval gunfire support qualifications in the Culebra operating area before returning to Newport on June 25.
During late July, she embarked Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) 30 Detachment 11 and conducted local antisubmarine operations with the SH-2 Seasprite. The work marked her transition from the earlier DASH unmanned-helicopter concept to manned helicopter operations under the Light Airborne Multipurpose System.
EDWARD McDONNELL departed Newport on August 30, 1973 for another deployment to European waters. She arrived at Lisbon on September 7 and departed on September 10 to participate in NATO Exercise Quickshave. Operating with the opposing force, she took part in attacks against a multinational convoy moving between Lisbon and the English Channel. On September 20, EDWARD McDONNELL entered Falmouth, England, where she also participated in Exercise Awkward, a harbor-defense exercise concerned with protection against underwater swimmers. She proceeded to Rota on September 24 and relieved USS ELMER MONTGOMERY (DE 1082) for Sixth Fleet duties. EDWARD McDONNELL then continued to Palma de Mallorca, arriving on September 25 for an availability period.
The Yom Kippur War began on October 6, 1973 when Egyptian and Syrian forces attacked Israeli positions in Sinai and the Golan Heights. The conflict rapidly produced a major United States and Soviet naval concentration in the Mediterranean. EDWARD McDONNELL was assigned to patrol the Positive Identification Radar Advisory Zone south of Palma after relieving USS CLAUDE V. RICKETTS (DDG 5). Her duties included supporting the identification and warning system for American aircraft operating in the region. On October 18, EDWARD McDONNELL investigated and monitored a sonar contact assessed as a possible Soviet FOXTROT-class submarine for more than thirteen hours. She continued patrol operations through October 25 and then shifted eastward while escorting USS IWO JIMA (LPH 2). On October 28, she rendezvoused with Task Force 61 and joined the protective screen around amphibious forces operating south of Crete.
On November 8, EDWARD McDONNELL became part of Task Unit 61.5.1 and screened another amphibious task unit together with USS JOSEPH HEWES (DE 1078) and USS TRIPPE (DE 1075). She relinquished this assignment on November 10 and subsequently screened Task Group 60.1 while moving toward Greece. EDWARD McDONNELL entered Athens on November 15 and remained there through November 21. After departing Athens on November 21, EDWARD McDONNELL and JOSEPH HEWES were ordered on November 22 to investigate a sonar contact east of Crete. On December 1, the two ships began surveillance of the area associated with the contact, which was subsequently assessed as possibly involving either a Soviet CHARLIE-class or VICTOR-class nuclear-powered submarine. EDWARD McDONNELL entered Elefsina, Greece, on December 3.
She departed again on December 12 for special antisubmarine operations with JOSEPH HEWES and USS SHARK (SSN 591). The operations were used to develop and test passive submarine-tracking procedures. EDWARD McDONNELL entered Valencia, Spain, on December 19, where the ship hosted an official reception during the visit. The deployment continued into January 1974. EDWARD McDONNELL visited Malaga, Spain, before proceeding to Rota, where USS DONALD B. BEARY (DE 1085) relieved her. She then crossed the Atlantic and returned to Newport on January 24, 1974.
A post-deployment stand-down continued through February 28. On March 4, EDWARD McDONNELL left Newport for a permanent change of homeport to Mayport, Florida, arriving on March 11. She spent the remainder of March in an availability alongside USS YOSEMITE (AD 19).
EDWARD McDONNELL subsequently proceeded to Norfolk, where Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) 32 Detachment 3 and an SH-2F Seasprite embarked. Beginning on April 1, the ship conducted approximately nine days of Light Airborne Multipurpose System exercises. Additional operations off the Virginia Capes and Jacksonville followed. She returned to Mayport on April 28 after problems developed with the rubber covering of her sonar dome.
A substantial in-port maintenance period followed, described in the ship's chronology as a mini-overhaul, and continued through July 14. On July 15, EDWARD McDONNELL entered Jacksonville Shipyards for dry-docking and replacement of the sonar dome. She left the yard on August 27 and returned to Mayport. Inspections and preparations occupied September and the first half of October. During the middle of October, EDWARD McDONNELL loaded ammunition at Charleston Naval Weapons Station and subsequently participated in Composite Training Unit Exercise 3-75 through the end of the month. She proceeded to Roosevelt Roads in early November and completed naval gunfire support qualifications at Vieques and Culebra during the middle of the month. A three-day liberty visit to Freeport, Bahamas, followed before she returned to Mayport on November 22. Commander Lyndon C. Murchison Jr. had relieved Commander Lamotte on September 9, 1974.
On January 6, 1975 EDWARD McDONNELL departed Mayport for an extended assignment with Standing Naval Force Atlantic, NATO's multinational standing naval squadron. After crossing the Atlantic, she proceeded to Portland, England, and joined a formation that included HMCS ALGONQUIN (DDG 283), HMS BACCHANTE (F 69), HNLMS VAN NES (F 805), and the West German frigate LÜBECK (F 224). Approximately ten days of exercises near Portland preceded the squadron's departure for Lisbon on January 27.
The ships participated in Exercise Locked Gate and entered Lisbon on February 7 for a three-day port visit. EDWARD McDONNELL next reached Rosyth, Scotland, on February 14 and remained there for six days. Departing on February 19, she conducted exercises with British forces in the North Sea before returning to Rosyth late in the month. On March 4, EDWARD McDONNELL departed for Hamburg. During the morning of March 6, while approaching the Elbe, the Finnish merchant ship BORE V collided with EDWARD McDONNELL. Damage to the American ship was superficial and was repaired during the Hamburg visit. She departed Hamburg on March 19 and proceeded to Portsmouth, England, where an approximately three-week upkeep period followed.
EDWARD McDONNELL returned to sea on April 14 and proceeded toward Stavanger, Norway, participating in Exercise Roaming Nut during the passage. The NATO force subsequently crossed the Arctic Circle, and from April 19 through April 25, EDWARD McDONNELL operated in the Barents Sea conducting surveillance of Soviet naval forces. The squadron entered Stavanger on April 25 for a three-day visit. Exercise Bright Horizon followed, and EDWARD McDONNELL subsequently visited Bergen and Oslo during early May. She reached Brest, France, on May 23 and conducted local exercises involving French and Portuguese naval units before continuing to Lisbon, where she arrived on May 28.
EDWARD McDONNELL departed Portugal in early June and crossed the Atlantic to Halifax, Nova Scotia, arriving on June 13. She underwent approximately three weeks of maintenance there before beginning the final leg of the deployment. On June 30, 1975, while still assigned to the multinational force, the United States Navy redesignated EDWARD McDONNELL from destroyer escort DE 1043 to frigate FF 1043 as part of a fleetwide classification change. She returned to Mayport on July 3.
A post-deployment stand-down was followed by an availability through much of August. Sea trials were conducted on August 28. EDWARD McDONNELL then resumed local exercises, including operations with USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62), before spending the remainder of 1975 primarily in inspections, maintenance and training from Mayport. Lieutenant Commander William O. Stubbs Jr. temporarily assumed command on November 19, followed by Commander Robert D. Thomas on November 29.
EDWARD McDONNELL departed Mayport on January 22, 1976 for Caribbean operations. She entered Guantanamo Bay on January 27 and subsequently visited Curacao. On February 4, she rendezvoused with British, Dutch and American amphibious forces. Exercise Rum Punch followed beginning on February 6. EDWARD McDONNELL completed naval gunfire support qualifications at Vieques on February 8 and continued combined exercises in the Caribbean. During the homeward passage beginning on February 16, EDWARD McDONNELL acted as a simulated Soviet destroyer for training purposes. She returned to Mayport on February 21 and began an availability on February 29.
On March 27 and March 28, the frigate conducted a reserve training cruise from Jacksonville as part of an experimental reserve-manning program in which a portion of the crew consisted of reservists. EDWARD McDONNELL proceeded to Newport on April 9 and spent approximately three weeks supporting training for executive officers and prospective commanding officers. The experimental manning arrangement was terminated on May 6.
On May 12, EDWARD McDONNELL began participation in Exercise Solid Shield off Onslow Beach, North Carolina. The exercise continued for approximately six days and involved joint maritime and amphibious training. Inspections and local operations occupied much of June and July, and the ship became associated with Destroyer Squadron 24. On July 15, she proceeded to Newport for a training cruise carrying second-class Naval Academy midshipmen. The cruise lasted approximately two and a half weeks and gave the midshipmen practical experience aboard an operational frigate. EDWARD McDONNELL returned to Mayport on August 5.
Another northern European deployment began on August 21. EDWARD McDONNELL rendezvoused with other ships off Morehead City, North Carolina, and crossed the Atlantic, reaching the English Channel on September 3 before proceeding to Alborg, Denmark. She left Alborg on September 10 to participate in NATO Exercise Teamwork 76. Teamwork 76 involved extensive maritime and amphibious operations in the Baltic approaches, Norwegian Sea and North Sea. During its opening phase, EDWARD McDONNELL operated with the opposing force in a surface-raider role through approximately September 19. The second phase continued in the North Sea until September 23.
EDWARD McDONNELL entered Bergen on September 23 and remained there until September 27. She visited Amsterdam from September 28 through October 3 and Hamburg from October 4 through October 8. On October 8, she returned to sea for Exercise Bonded Item, a ten-day NATO exercise involving approximately 40 ships from the United States, Denmark and West Germany. During the exercise, EDWARD McDONNELL operated in the screen of USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67).
Following the exercise, EDWARD McDONNELL entered Antwerp, Belgium, on October 18. She subsequently proceeded to Weymouth, England, arriving on October 24. She departed European waters on October 29 and returned to Mayport on November 9. Maintenance, inspections and preparations for future operations occupied the remainder of the year.
After an upkeep period during January 1977, EDWARD McDONNELL departed on January 28 for Exercise CaribEx 1-77, conducted with American, Canadian and Brazilian naval forces. She subsequently visited Mobile, Alabama, arriving on February 17 for approximately a week during the city's Mardi Gras celebrations. The ship returned to Mayport on February 26. In the spring, EDWARD McDONNELL began another major overhaul, this time at Braswell Shipyard in Boston. She entered dry dock on April 21, 1977. The ship left dry dock on July 26, but the overall overhaul continued through the remainder of 1977 and into the following year. EDWARD McDONNELL finally completed the overhaul on April 17, 1978 and departed Boston the following day for Mayport. Local operations continued through the middle of July. On July 14, she departed for Roosevelt Roads and subsequently proceeded to Guantanamo Bay for refresher training late in the month. Engineering problems delayed completion of the post-overhaul work, and EDWARD McDONNELL did not return to Mayport until September 4.
A restricted availability, inspections and local exercises occupied approximately the next two and a half months. Commander Charles E. Ryan relieved Commander Thomas on September 10. During the middle of November, EDWARD McDONNELL participated in Composite Training Unit Exercise 1-79 in the Gulf of Mexico, completing the exercise on November 22. She returned to Mayport on December 9 and spent part of December in dry dock at Jacksonville Shipyards while preparing for another Mediterranean deployment.
EDWARD McDONNELL departed Mayport on January 16, 1979 with forces centered on USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). Other major ships operating with the carrier force included USS VIRGINIA (CGN 38) and USS SOUTH CAROLINA (CGN 37). After crossing the Atlantic, EDWARD McDONNELL made a brief stop at Lisbon during early February before beginning Sixth Fleet exercises. She subsequently proceeded to Gaeta, Italy, where Vice Admiral James D. Watkins, Commander Sixth Fleet, visited the ship. EDWARD McDONNELL departed on February 12 and resumed task-force operations. During a later anchorage near Kythira, Greece, her crew observed Soviet merchant vessels operating in the region. She entered Athens on February 19 for a cultural exchange visit lasting through February 24.
The frigate then operated in the Gulf of Taranto in preparation for Exercise National Week XXVI, which concluded during early March. EDWARD McDONNELL entered Haifa, Israel, on March 4. After further operations she reached Naples on March 18 for an upkeep period that continued through April 16. Subsequent port and operating periods included Livorno and Augusta Bay, Sicily, where the ship prepared for Exercise Multiplex 1-79. On May 2, EDWARD McDONNELL entered Port Said, Egypt, and remained there until May 6. She was the first United States Navy warship to moor at Port Said since 1967. The visit occurred shortly after Egypt and Israel signed their peace treaty on March 26, 1979, following the Camp David process and the restoration of closer relations between Egypt and the United States.
EDWARD McDONNELL reached Kalamata, Greece, on May 8 and Izmir, Turkey, on May 12. On May 15, she joined a Turkish naval task group for Nato Exercise Dawn Patrol 79. She later proceeded to Saint-Raphael, France, arriving on May 26. During this visit, representatives from the ship participated in the United States Memorial Day ceremony at the Rhone American Cemetery at Draguignan. EDWARD McDONNELL departed on May 31. A visit to Palma de Mallorca followed in early June. Beginning on June 6, the frigate participated in Exercise Poopdeck, a multinational antisubmarine exercise. She entered Naples on June 15 and later proceeded westward, reaching Rota on July 2. After turnover arrangements she began the Atlantic crossing and returned to Mayport on July 14.
On July 27, EDWARD McDONNELL hosted members of the crew of the Portuguese frigate NRP ALMIRANTE PEREIRA DA SILVA (F 472) at Mayport. Admiral Harry D. Train III visited the ship on August 9. Inspections, maintenance and local exercises occupied much of August through November. During early December, EDWARD McDONNELL completed naval gunfire support qualifications at Vieques and returned to Mayport on December 10. Commander Frank P. Zmorzenski had relieved Commander Ryan on September 25.
After an upkeep period lasting into February 1980, EDWARD McDONNELL departed on February 13 for Exercise ASWEX 1-80 and remained engaged in antisubmarine operations through February 23. Further preparation followed for another Mediterranean deployment. EDWARD McDONNELL departed Mayport on April 16, 1980 and reached Rota on April 26. There, she completed turnover with USS KOELSCH (FF 1049) and USS CONNOLE (FF 1056). On April 29, she began Operation Texas Treat, combining planned antisubmarine exercises with operational submarine-surveillance activity. The frigate reached Toulon, France, on May 2. On May 6, she began participation in NATO Exercise Dawn Patrol 80. Following the exercise she entered Augusta Bay on May 18 and Athens on May 21 for upkeep.
EDWARD McDONNELL returned to sea on May 29 for Operation Milky Way, another antisubmarine exercise series. The schedule was interrupted by a port visit in Turkey during early June, after which she reached Augusta Bay on June 10. Exercise Multiplex 3-80 followed from June 12 through June 18. On June 18 and June 19, EDWARD McDONNELL participated in Exercise Bucktooth and then entered Palma de Mallorca, where she remained until July 1. She next visited Cagliari, Sardinia, from July 1 through July 7. Exercise Fig Leaf occupied July 7 through July 11, followed by a visit to Taormina, Sicily, from July 11 through July 13. Exercise Bullseye then continued from July 13 through July 17.
EDWARD McDONNELL entered Marseille, France, on July 18. Members of the crew participated in community activities ashore during the visit. She departed on July 22 for Operation Teamsport, followed by another Multiplex antisubmarine exercise near the end of July. The ship reached Livorno on August 2. Operation Slapshot followed from August 7 through August 12. EDWARD McDONNELL then made a five-day visit to Alicante, Spain. During the passage back toward Italy she participated in Operation Dealer's Choice and entered Naples on August 21, remaining there through August 24.
The frigate subsequently conducted two further antisubmarine operations, Straw Bottom and Waterhole. On September 3, she arrived at Cartagena, Spain, where she provided support connected with USS BIRMINGHAM (SSN 695). EDWARD McDONNELL departed Cartagena on September 11, conducted Operation Holecard during the passage and reached Naples on September 13.
Exercise National Week XXIX began on September 18 and continued through September 23. Operation Noble Knight followed immediately afterward and constituted the final major antisubmarine exercise of the deployment. EDWARD McDONNELL entered Tunis, Tunisia, on September 24 and remained there through September 26. On September 29 she arrived at Oran, Algeria. Her visit, which continued until October 1, was the first by a United States Navy warship to Algeria in approximately seventeen years. During early October, EDWARD McDONNELL completed turnover with GARCIA and began the westbound voyage with other ships of Destroyer Squadron 14. She arrived back at Mayport on October 17, 1980. The remainder of the year was devoted primarily to upkeep, with shorter training periods in the Jacksonville operating area and at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center near Andros Island.
EDWARD McDONNELL spent most of January 1981 preparing for another major overhaul. She departed Mayport on January 24 and proceeded north, arriving at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, on February 1. The overhaul lasted approximately eleven months and included three separate periods in dry dock as the ship underwent repairs, refurbishment and equipment improvements. Engineering difficulties continued during post-overhaul trials in January 1982. EDWARD McDONNELL proceeded to Portland, Maine, on January 12 for repairs but returned to Bath the following day for additional work. She finally departed Maine on January 19 and returned to Mayport on January 24.
Commander Gerald M. Vanderwier relieved Commander Zmorzenski on January 15, 1982. Local operations occupied the next several months as EDWARD McDONNELL rebuilt proficiency after the overhaul. She departed Mayport on April 11 for refresher training in the Caribbean. From April 19 through April 23, she conducted tests at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center near Andros Island and reached Guantanamo Bay on April 25. Formal refresher training began on April 26.
EDWARD McDONNELL departed Guantanamo on June 4. On June 5, she assisted the Coast Guard cutter USCGC POINT WARDE (WPB 82368), providing fuel while the cutter was towing a derelict merchant vessel suspected of involvement in narcotics smuggling. The frigate then proceeded toward Puerto Rico and conducted naval gunfire support qualifications at Vieques from June 7 through June 9. Two periods of antisubmarine training followed near Bermuda, from June 15 through June 18 and again from June 25 through June 29. On June 23 and June 24, EDWARD McDONNELL anchored near St. David's Lighthouse in connection with the finish of the Newport-to-Bermuda Yacht Race. She returned to Mayport on July 3.
The ship opened to visitors during July and conducted training near Jacksonville. A maintenance availability lasting approximately six weeks followed, together with inspections and reserve training. Sea trials during early September returned EDWARD McDONNELL to full operating activity. On October 1, she departed Mayport for Readex 3-82. The exercise took place primarily in waters north of Cuba and involved extensive fleet warfare training. EDWARD McDONNELL returned to Mayport on October 16.
Another Mediterranean deployment began on November 22, 1982. After crossing the Atlantic, the frigate entered Malaga on December 3. She departed on December 8 for Naples and exercised with HMS GURKHA (F 122) during the passage. EDWARD McDONNELL reached Naples on December 11 and remained there for an availability through December 24. On that date, she returned to sea for Operation Back Stroke south of Sicily, continuing antisubmarine operations into January 1983. EDWARD McDONNELL reached Barcelona, Spain, on January 24 after completing the operation. She resumed antisubmarine activities during early February before receiving duties connected with the continuing crisis in Lebanon. Following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, American Marines had deployed to Beirut as part of a multinational peacekeeping force while Sixth Fleet ships maintained a continuing presence in the eastern Mediterranean.
From February 15 through February 22, 1983 EDWARD McDONNELL was assigned naval gunfire support duties off Lebanon. She subsequently visited Athens and Cagliari before returning to antisubmarine operations from March 3 through March 22. She entered Tunis on March 22 and remained there through March 25, then proceeded to Malaga, arriving on March 31. She remained there through April 12. EDWARD McDONNELL resumed antisubmarine operations after leaving Malaga. She reached Gaeta on April 28 and conducted further torpedo and antisubmarine exercises during early May. The frigate entered Rota on May 5 for turnover and departed for the United States on May 10, reaching Mayport on May 20.
A post-deployment upkeep and maintenance period continued through August 2. EDWARD McDONNELL departed for Bermuda on August 6 and then conducted antisubmarine operations in the western Atlantic before returning to Mayport on August 22. The autumn was devoted largely to inspections, maintenance and preparation for refresher training. EDWARD McDONNELL departed Mayport on November 4 and reached Guantanamo Bay on November 7. Training continued until December 3. During the return passage, she made a brief stop at Bermuda and conducted further western Atlantic antisubmarine operations before reaching Mayport on December 22. Lieutenant Commander David J. Klich had briefly assumed command on June 6 before Commander James A. Roorbach II relieved him on June 17.
On January 10, 1984, EDWARD McDONNELL began a combined restricted and intermediate maintenance availability that occupied approximately two months. Following its completion, she visited Savannah, Georgia, from March 16 through March 19 during the city's St. Patrick's Day observances. The ship subsequently operated in waters associated with Central America and the Caribbean, where American naval activity had increased as a result of regional political and military tensions involving Nicaragua, El Salvador and neighboring states. EDWARD McDONNELL participated in Composite Training Unit Exercise 2-84 near Puerto Rico beginning on April 4 and returned to Mayport for repairs on April 21.
From May 1 through May 14, she conducted special operations in the Caribbean. On May 3, EDWARD McDONNELL relieved USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15) during surveillance of a Soviet naval group operating in the region. The mission formed part of the continuing Cold War monitoring of Soviet warships operating close to the western Atlantic and Caribbean approaches. After a visit to Charleston, EDWARD McDONNELL returned to Mayport on May 19. Maintenance and inspections occupied much of the following month. During early July, the frigate again carried out special operations in the Caribbean before returning to Mayport on July 19.
On August 21, EDWARD McDONNELL departed for Readex 2-84, a large fleet exercise that continued through September 7. Preparations then began for another Mediterranean deployment. Her scheduled departure was delayed by Hurricane Josephine, but she was finally able to sail on October 13. After crossing the Atlantic, EDWARD McDONNELL reached Tangier, Morocco, on October 23 and completed turnover with USS TRUETT (FF 1095). She proceeded to Naples, arriving on October 28 for maintenance, inspections and operational preparations. Sixth Fleet fuel-conservation measures kept the ship in the Naples area longer than originally planned, and she did not depart until December 3.
EDWARD McDONNELL subsequently proceeded to Palermo, Sicily, for another upkeep period. She departed Palermo on December 26 and began special antisubmarine operations that continued into January 1985. After completing these operations, EDWARD McDONNELL visited Alicante, Spain, during late January. She then proceeded toward the coast of Morocco and operated near Tan-Tan, where she performed naval gunfire support-related duties through February 1. Maintenance and repairs occupied portions of February, interrupted by approximately four days of antisubmarine operations.
EDWARD McDONNELL returned to sea on February 25 and reached Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia, on February 27. She remained there until March 3 and subsequently resumed antisubmarine operations. Naples was reached on March 18 for repairs. She proceeded to Gaeta on March 27 and remained there for maintenance through April 11 before returning to Naples. During the latter part of the deployment, EDWARD McDONNELL completed turnover with USS BOWEN (FF 1079) and began the return voyage across the Atlantic. She reached Mayport on May 7, 1985.
Following post-deployment leave and upkeep, EDWARD McDONNELL resumed operations during June. She visited Wilmington, North Carolina, from June 21 through June 23, Charleston on June 25 and Port Everglades from June 28 through June 30. Mine-warfare-related exercises followed during early July. An extended upkeep and restricted availability then kept the ship largely at Mayport through October 8. On October 15, she proceeded to Yorktown, Virginia, and subsequently operated briefly as an escort for USS AMERICA (CV 66). Repairs were carried out at Norfolk beginning around October 22, and EDWARD McDONNELL returned to Mayport on October 26.
On December 13, she departed for Caribbean operations in support of United States Coast Guard maritime law enforcement. On December 15, the ship conducted a burial at sea for a World War II veteran. On December 18 personnel operating with EDWARD McDONNELL seized a sailing vessel carrying marijuana. Law-enforcement duties continued through the remainder of the month, interrupted by two visits to Guantanamo Bay for repairs. EDWARD McDONNELL returned to Mayport on January 5, 1986. Inspections and maintenance occupied much of January and February. During early March, she proceeded to Vieques for naval gunfire support qualifications and returned to Mayport on March 19. Further upkeep and inspections followed.
On May 5, EDWARD McDONNELL departed for Panama. She transited the Panama Canal on May 6 and entered Rodman Naval Station, where she relieved USS SPHINX (ARL 24). Beginning on May 13, the frigate conducted special operations in waters around Central America. The regional security environment remained dominated by the conflict in Nicaragua and tensions involving neighboring Central American states. During the following months EDWARD McDONNELL made several visits to Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, while alternating port periods with operations at sea. In late July, she returned to Rodman and completed turnover with USS VOGE (FF 1047). She transited the Panama Canal eastbound on August 4 and returned to Mayport on August 9.
Approximately three months of upkeep, maintenance and inspections followed. Commander Jerome V. Diekemper had relieved Commander Roorbach on July 10. On November 4 and November 5, EDWARD McDONNELL provided naval gunfire support training for spotting teams from Fleet Marine Force Atlantic and the United States Army's 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. After proceeding to Roosevelt Roads for repairs, the ship embarked a Coast Guard law-enforcement detachment and conducted counter-narcotics operations from November 11 through November 19. EDWARD McDONNELL returned to Mayport on November 26 and began a selected restricted availability lasting approximately four months.
The availability concluded on April 8, 1987. After additional upkeep, EDWARD McDONNELL visited Charleston during early May and reached Roosevelt Roads on May 11. She departed on May 13 for exercises and arrived at Guantanamo Bay on May 18, where the crew received briefings connected with Coast Guard law-enforcement operations. Counter-narcotics patrols occupied much of the remainder of May. EDWARD McDONNELL visited La Ceiba, Honduras, from May 22 through May 24 and returned to Mayport on June 4. A midshipman training period followed from June 15 through June 18, while inspections occupied much of the remainder of June.
The frigate proceeded to Tampa, Florida, for July 4 celebrations associated with the city's centennial observances and Independence Day. She received visitors from July 4 through July 6 and departed Tampa on July 10. An upkeep period began on July 16, followed by sea trials on August 12 and August 13. During September EDWARD McDONNELL provided services for submarine tracking and torpedo exercises. She visited Freeport, Bahamas, from September 19 through September 21 and subsequently conducted additional operations near Jacksonville before returning to upkeep.
Further Jacksonville-area exercises followed during the middle of November. Late in the month, the ship spent four days supporting submarine operations and also conducted another burial at sea. On December 4, EDWARD McDONNELL departed for Caribbean law-enforcement operations. On December 8, 1987, the frigate encountered four Haitian fishermen in distress southwest of Navassa Island and rescued them. She continued Caribbean operations before returning to Mayport on December 20 and beginning another maintenance availability on December 22.
EDWARD McDONNELL spent the first two months of 1988 alternating upkeep with sea training. Type training was conducted during January and gunnery exercises during February. From March 4 through March 19, she again operated in the Caribbean in support of Coast Guard law enforcement. During this patrol, teams associated with the ship conducted 15 vessel boardings, involving four fishing vessels, six sailing vessels and five motor vessels. A visit to Port Canaveral, Florida, followed from March 25 through March 27. EDWARD McDONNELL subsequently visited Jacksonville during the middle of April. From April 18 through April 23, she conducted carrier-escort operations with JOHN F. KENNEDY.
In May, EDWARD McDONNELL embarked midshipmen for another Atlantic and Caribbean training cruise. She visited Guantanamo Bay from May 7 through May 9 and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic from May 10 through May 17. Engineering material problems forced the cruise to end earlier than planned, and the frigate returned to Mayport on May 20. Upkeep and maintenance continued through the middle of June, followed by inspections. By this time, the Navy had decided to remove EDWARD McDONNELL from active service as part of the continuing retirement of the GARCIA-class frigates. Final upkeep and decommissioning preparations began during the summer. Lieutenant Commander James J. McCallum relieved Commander Diekemper on July 14 and became the ship's final commanding officer.
USS EDWARD McDONNELL was decommissioned at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, on September 30, 1988, in a joint ceremony with USS TALBOT (FFG 4). Her decommissioning ended more than twenty-three years of active United States Navy service. Following decommissioning, EDWARD McDONNELL was placed in inactive status and eventually moved to the inactive ship facility at Philadelphia. She remained on the Naval Vessel Register until December 15, 1992, when she was formally struck.
The ship remained in government custody for several more years while disposal plans were considered. On December 7, 2001, Metro Machine Corporation received a contract for towing and dismantling the former EDWARD McDONNELL. The dismantling work was completed in July 2002 at a final net cost to the Navy of $2,272,377. EDWARD McDONNELL's awards included the Navy Unit Commendation, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation with two bronze stars, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon with two bronze stars.
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