Captain David Schnell commanded the USS Ford from 2003 to 2004. On October 31, 2013, the USS Ford was decommissioned after 28 years of service at Naval Station Everett in Washington. The frigate was originally christened in 1983 in California and was named in honor of Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Patrick Osborne Ford, who sacrificed his life in Vietnam protecting his retreating shipmates. Over 125 former crew members, including 14 original "plank owners" attended the decommissioning ceremony for the USS Ford.

1. By Captain David Schnell

2. Introduction
 A retired officer of the United States Navy, Captain
David Schnell commanded two Naval warships before
his honorable retirement in 2010. Captain David
Schnell, who is currently vice president of operations
for Xerox's electronic tolling collection division, served
on the USS Ford from early 2003 through late 2004.

3. About the USS Ford, FFG 54
 On October 31, 2013, at Naval Station Everett in
Washington, the United States Navy decommissioned
the USS Ford, FFG 54, after 28 years of service. The
frigate was originally christened in 1983 at the Todd
Shipyard in San Pedro, California, where it received its
name in honor of the late Gunner's Mate 2nd Class
Patrick Osborne Ford. Ford had served in Vietnam,
where he lost his life as he stood between enemy fire
and his retreating shipmates. Nearly 30 years later,
Ford's family traveled to Washington to attend the
decommissioning.

4. Conclusion
 In addition, more than 125 former crew members
attended the event. Among these were 14 “plank
owners,” so called for their service on the frigate's first
voyage. Since that time, the ship has participated in
both domestic and international efforts, including a
recent deployment to participate in theater security
cooperation maneuvers in the Western Pacific.