FFG 58: Sea Trials

Launched in December 1984, USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58), a Perry-class guided missile frigate, was ready for sea trials in early 1986. The frigate got underway from the Bath Iron Works shipyard on 4 February 1986, only the second time the ship had left the yard.

Sea trials were conducted over the next few days under the careful eye of Vice Adm. (ret.) John D. Bulkeley, head of the Navy’s Board of Inspection. The results were exceptional: the report from the crusty old admiral called FFG 58 “one of the cleanest [of its class] that the Board has seen.”

U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY BATH IRON WORKS

<i>Roberts</i> leaves the Maine shipyard.

Roberts leaves the Maine shipyard.

<i>Roberts</i> noses through winter ice on the Kennebec River on its 10-mile journey from Bath to the Atlantic Ocean.

Roberts noses through winter ice on the Kennebec River on its 10-mile journey from Bath to the Atlantic Ocean.

U.S. Navy guided missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) leaves Bath Iron Works for sea trials on 4 February 1986.

Roberts passes old Fort Popham near the Kennebec’s mouth.

U.S. Navy guided missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) leaves Bath Iron Works for sea trials on 4 February 1986.

Roberts tries out its gas turbine engines in the Atlantic.

U.S. Navy guided missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) leaves Bath Iron Works for sea trials on 4 February 1986.

Roberts’ port quarter view.

U.S. Navy guided missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) leaves Bath Iron Works for sea trials on 4 February 1986.

Late afternoon on the Roberts’ first day of sea trials.

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