Sims III DE-1059

Sims III

(DE-1059: dp. 2,851, 1. 438', b. 47', dr. 25', s. 27+ k.; cpl. 245; a. 1 5", ASROC, DASH, 4 21"tt.; cl.Knox )

The third Sims (DE-1059) was laid down on 10 April 1967 by Avondale Shipyards Inc., Westwego, La. launched on 5 January 1969, sponsored by Mrs. Robert H. Hopkins; and commissioned on 3 January 1970, Comdr. C. M. Plumly in command.

Following an extended fitting out period at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, Sims proceeded to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in June, for shakedown training. She then returned to Charleston for a two and one-half month post-shakedown availability. In November, Sims was at sea to evaluate the feasibility of placing Tight Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) helicopters aboard DE-1052 class ships. Upon completion of the testing, the escort proceeded to her home port, Mayport, Fla.

On 11 January 1971, Sims put to sea on the first of six special assignments to test and evaluate modern underwater sound detection equipment. The tests continued throughout the year and took the escort to such ports as New Orleans; St. Croix, V.I.; San Juan, P.R.; and Nassau, Bahama Islands.

In January and February 1972, Sims prepared for her first deployment with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean. Sims sailed from Mayport on 15 February and remained deployed until 5 September. She participated in special surveillance missions, joint exercises with Italian Navy units, and normal 6th Fleet exercises.

Upon her return to Mayport, Sims underwent an availability period that lasted until 9 April 1973.

Sims conducted antisubmarine rocket testing (ASROC) in the Caribbean in April and May, and refresher training in July. In August, the destroyer escort fired 14 more ASROC's before returning to her home port.

On 14 September 1973, Sims sailed with her own air detachment and the carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA42) for North Atlantic and 6th Fleet operations. The destroyer escort returned to her home port on 27 March 1974 and, into August, was operating out of Mayport, Fla.