From her date of commissioning, 28 May 1966, USS FOX was imbued with an enviable personality and soul, reflecting the will and spirit of all those privileged to serve in her. She is the fifth ship of the name, and the third to honor Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Abraham Lincoln.

In 1993, The Navy named fifty-eight ships that would be taken out of service during FY94 as part of a massive fleet cutback. FOX and her seven-sister CG-27 Class frigates were thus stripped and sticken. Her career constantly credited with a remarkable crew, honors and accolades matched her motto..."Faire, Sans, Dire"..."to do without saying", or "action without words." As her peers would soon know, FOX never failed to evoke the best in personal performance from the distinguished professionals who piloted her 'round the globe.

Curiously, yet mystically appropriate, they saved the best 'til last. Her fellow classmates went first with FOX moving on to still a greater reward on 15 April 1994. On that date and note, The FOX bell tolled for all who served, for the camaraderie and celebration of her remarkable career! A storybook finish. Who would ask anything more. Tallyho!

Throughout life, traditions, camaraderie and ceremonies exert a profound influence upon human behavior. The effect is particularly marked in such professions as the United States Navy where passing on and perpetuating customs, heroic traditions and dignified ceremonies is institutional. Such stimuli prompt ideals and service esprit of incalcuable value.

This high incentive, this pride of great tradition, was most evident aboard United States Ship FOX throughout her twenty-eight year career....wherever she steamed and stood guard around the World. For those who served aboard her, each enjoyed, and will never forget, the distinct honor and privilege to have been aboard during time of war, and among sailors of distinct talent and discipline. To loose touch with such memories and heritage would not be fitting. Of FOX it should be said... Of all the ships upon the blue, No ship contained a better crew...(Wm. Schwenck Gilbert, Captain Reece, Stanza 1, 1871)