A Historic Moment: The USS Midway (CV-41) Sailing in the Wake of the USS Iowa (BB-61) with the USS Francis Hammond (FF-1067) Alongside, December 1987

In December 1987, a remarkable naval formation was captured at sea, marking a moment of both operational significance and visual spectacle. The aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41), a legendary vessel in the U.S. Navy’s history, sailed in the wake of the mighty battleship USS Iowa (BB-61), with the frigate USS Francis Hammond (FF-1067) positioned off Midway’s port side. This scene, a powerful representation of naval power and unity, stands as a poignant memory of the strength and versatility of the U.S. Navy during the 1980s.

The USS Midway (CV-41): A Veteran of Naval Aviation

The USS Midway (CV-41) was a true icon of naval aviation. Commissioned in 1945, the Midway was the first aircraft carrier to be commissioned after World War II and one of the longest-serving carriers in U.S. Navy history. It served for an impressive 47 years, spanning both the Cold War and the Gulf War before being decommissioned in 1992. Throughout its career, the Midway played an integral role in projecting U.S. power across the world’s oceans and participated in key conflicts including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War.

By December 1987, the Midway was still an active carrier, operating as part of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, based in Japan. The ship was a hub for naval aviation, carrying squadrons of fighter jets, bombers, and helicopters. Its long deck and advanced capabilities allowed it to serve as a mobile airbase, essential for power projection in the Pacific and beyond. With its enduring legacy and the presence of its powerful aircraft, the USS Midway stood as one of the most significant aircraft carriers of its era.

The USS Iowa (BB-61): A Symbol of Naval Power

The USS Iowa (BB-61) was one of the most formidable battleships ever built by the United States. Commissioned in 1943, the Iowa-class battleships were among the largest and most powerful warships in naval history, with 16-inch guns capable of devastating long-range bombardments. The USS Iowa, often referred to as the “Big Stick,” became an emblem of American naval might.

The Iowa played a vital role in several major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. It was a symbol of naval firepower, carrying not just large-caliber guns, but also serving as a flag-bearing ship for multiple Navy admirals. By the time of the 1987 event, the Iowa was part of the U.S. Navy’s active battleship fleet, serving in the Pacific and continuing to showcase the unmatched capabilities of its massive guns.

Despite the advent of newer naval technology, including nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and guided missile systems, battleships like the Iowa remained symbols of overwhelming force, able to strike from great distances with precision and power. The battleship’s majestic presence in the formation with the Midway was not only a nod to history but a powerful reminder of the diversity of naval capabilities.

The USS Francis Hammond (FF-1067): The Frigate’s Role

Accompanying the USS Midway and USS Iowa was the USS Francis Hammond (FF-1067), a frigate that provided essential escort and support functions. The USS Hammond, a guided missile frigate commissioned in 1968, was designed to protect larger ships in the fleet, especially aircraft carriers, from air and missile threats. The ship was equipped with surface-to-air missiles and anti-submarine warfare equipment, serving a critical role in the Navy’s defense strategy during the Cold War.

Frigates like the USS Hammond were often the unsung heroes of naval operations, operating on the frontlines of defense, ensuring the protection of more high-value ships like the Midway and Iowa. Positioned off the Midway’s port side, the USS Hammond was in a strategic position to respond to threats and contribute to the overall security of the formation.

The Significance of the Formation

The scene in December 1987, with the USS Midway sailing in the wake of the USS Iowa, accompanied by the USS Francis Hammond, is more than just a visual representation of naval power. It encapsulates the diverse and strategic capabilities of the U.S. Navy during the late stages of the Cold War. The USS Midway, representing the cutting-edge of naval aviation, the USS Iowa, symbolizing unmatched firepower, and the USS Hammond, providing essential defense and support, showcased the multifaceted strength of the Navy.

This formation also highlighted the importance of naval cooperation and synergy. Each ship, while distinct in its role, was an integral part of the Navy’s mission to maintain peace and project power across the globe. The Navy’s ability to operate in concert with such varied vessels – from aircraft carriers to battleships to frigates – demonstrated its preparedness to meet any challenge, whether on the high seas or in conflict zones.

The Context of the 1980s: Cold War Tensions

The late 1980s were a critical time in global geopolitics, with the Cold War still in full swing. The U.S. Navy, as a principal arm of American military power, was on constant alert, particularly in the Pacific region, where tensions with the Soviet Union remained high. The presence of these ships in the waters near Hawaii, one of the United States’ most strategic locations in the Pacific, was a reminder of the Navy’s readiness to respond to any global conflict or regional instability.

The 1980s also marked the final years of battleship service in the U.S. Navy. As the Iowa-class ships were nearing their decommissioning in the 1990s, this moment served as one of the last times these battleships would sail in the company of modern aircraft carriers like the Midway. The Navy’s evolving strategy, with a growing emphasis on aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines, was evident. Yet, the power and presence of the Iowa-class battleships still made them formidable forces in naval formations.

The End of an Era

For many sailors aboard these ships, the 1987 event symbolized a period of transition and reflection on the shifting nature of naval warfare. The USS Midway and USS Iowa, both iconic in their own right, represented different eras in naval history – the aircraft carrier as the future of naval power and the battleship as the past. As these ships sailed together, it was clear that the U.S. Navy had evolved over time but remained committed to its core mission of maintaining a dominant presence in the world’s oceans.

In the years that followed, the USS Midway would be decommissioned in 1992, and the USS Iowa would see its final years of service before being retired in 1990. The USS Francis Hammond, too, would eventually leave active service, reflecting the Navy’s continuous modernization.

However, the image of the USS Midway, the USS Iowa, and the USS Francis Hammond sailing together in December 1987 remains a powerful symbol of U.S. naval power during the late stages of the Cold War. It was a time when American naval forces showcased their unrivaled capabilities and prepared for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Legacy and Reflection

Today, the USS Midway lives on as a museum in San Diego, a tribute to naval aviation and the history of the ship and its crew. The USS Iowa is also preserved as a museum in Los Angeles, representing the enduring legacy of battleships in American naval history. Both ships continue to educate the public and honor the men and women who served aboard them. The USS Francis Hammond, though no longer in service, remains a reminder of the critical role frigates played in safeguarding the larger fleet.

The December 1987 formation of these ships—each representing different aspects of U.S. naval power—remains a historical moment that captures the strength, versatility, and enduring legacy of the United States Navy.